While silver items are some of the most beautiful valuables found in anyone’s home, the reality is that they have to be cleaned regularly in order for them to look their best. Unfortunately silver is one of the hardest materials to clean; if you use the wrong method, it could result in lasting and irreversible damage. With this in mind, here are some safe and effective methods of cleaning silver that you might not be aware off.
Baking soda, salt and vinegar
Although some cleaning products used by private household staff can cost a small fortune, there are plenty of effective recipes that you can make at home which cost next to nothing. Perhaps the easiest example of all uses boiling water, 1 tbsp baking soda, 1 tbsp white salt, ½ cup of white vinegar and a sheet of tin foil.
Firstly boil the water, and while you wait line the bottom of the bowl with the tin foil, placing it with the shiny side up. Now add the salt and baking soda and pour in the vinegar, mixing everything together until the salt and baking soda have dissolved. Now add the boiling water and drop your pieces of silver in one by one and let them sit for a while. After a few minutes, take them out and buff gently with a polishing cloth. If you have larger ornaments, why not increase the mixture and use a bucket instead of a bowl?
Toothpaste
Among the most peculiar cleaning methods for silver, toothpaste is effective for buffing ornaments and jewellery to their brilliant best. You won’t need a toothbrush for this; all you have to do is squeeze a dab of toothpaste onto the item that needs a good clean and start massaging the toothpaste in using a cotton cloth or paper towel. Use the toothpaste sparingly until the desired area is shiny and rinse off before patting dry – you will be amazed at the results!