Cleaning Silver

You’ll undoubtedly be breaking out the silverware this Thanksgiving and your probably need to clean and polish your silver before you serve your guests. There are many ways to remove tarnish from your silver service. In this blog we are going to cover some common methods of removing tarnish.

Before you try any of these methods, particularly polishes creams and chemical removers test a small spot to make sure it doesn’t damage your silver. If you are concerned check with a professional before you clean your silver on your own.

Chemical Polishers and Creams

Whether you’re using a spray or cream the directions usually involve first thoroughly washing your silver with hot water. Then before the silver cools applying the spray or cream. Spread a thin layer of cream or polish over the utensil and wait for approximately 30 seconds. Lastly, with a clean cotton cloth, remove the polish and the tarnish.

Home Remedies

If you don’t have polish or you simply don’t want to use chemicals I found several ways to clean silver using common ingredients that can be found around the house. One such method involves covering the bottom of a large pan or your sink with tinfoil. Add one tablespoon of baking soda and add boiling water. Then mix with a large mixing spoon. Place your silverware into this mixture and let them sit for one to two ours. The tarnish should come off on its own. Instead of baking soda I have also heard of using salt in the same process above.

Lastly, another method that I have not personally used is toothpaste. Using toothpaste and a paper towel rub the toothpaste on your silverware. With a clean paper towel clean off the toothpaste. It should turn dark as the tarnish comes off. You must use white toothpaste, not gel and wash your silver when you’re done. Otherwise your dinner will taste minty fresh.

Of course, if you want the professionals to clean your silver, call Grime Solvers. We are experts in residential and commercial cleaning in the Northern Virginia area.