8 best ways to clean your silverware at home

Silver in its pure form is too soft a metal and is not suitable for the manufacture of products, therefore, to increase hardness and strength, copper or zinc is added to it. The alloy, which consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, is called sterling silver. It is used in the manufacture of jewelry, dishes and other household appliances.

A specific feature of products made of this metal is loss of gloss or darkening of the surface. In order for silver to not lose its original appearance, it must be properly looked after: cleaned and polished.

Method 1: cleaning with a liquid detergent

1. Pour warm water into a plate

Pour warm water into the plate so that it covers all the silver items.

2. Add cleaning agent

Add a small amount of liquid dish detergent. Mix well, the product should completely dissolve.

3. We clean silver

Place the silver items in the solution, and then clean them with a regular sponge or soft-bristled toothbrush.

4. We wash products

Rinse each item thoroughly. It is important to completely rinse off any remaining cleaning agent.

5. Dry

Dry the silver properly. To do this, it is better to use a fabric that absorbs water well.

6. Wipe the silver

Polish silverware with a microfiber cloth or soft cloth. Rough, hard matter can scratch the product.

Method 2: cleaning with a special tool

1. Choose a tool

Buy a special silver cleaner. It is of three types: liquid, drink or cream. Liquid is best used for small items with minor impurities, and cream - for large blackened items.

2. We clean silver

If you are using liquid, shake it before use. Apply the product on a soft cloth and clean the items. Cleaning time depends on the degree of contamination of the products.

3. Wipe

Then you need to wipe the silver with a clean soft cloth. Carefully polish contaminated areas.

4. Wash off the cleaning agent

Rinse off the cleaning agent. Products should be washed in running cool water. Use a sponge or a soft, clean cloth for better cleaning.

5. Dry

Dry the product thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or soft cloth. Dry the silver immediately after washing, this will help to avoid the formation of dark spots.

Method 3: clean silver with aluminum foil, soda and vinegar

1. Boil water

Boil water in a pan; it will need to be poured into a plate with other ingredients. The volume of water depends on the number of products.

2. Cover the bowl with foil

Cover the bottom and edges of the bowl with foil. You can use several small pieces of foil if one is not enough. The main thing is to lay it with the shiny side up.

3. Making a cleaning solution

Add the rest of the ingredients alternately to the bowl: 1 tablespoon of soda, 1 tablespoon of salt, ½ cup white vinegar. If there are many products, take the ingredients in double size.

4. Stir

Thoroughly mix the solution: no particles of soda or salt should remain in it, they can scratch the surface of the products.

5. Add water

Pour boiling water into the solution. Mix the mixture well.

6. We put products in solution

Put the silver items in the solution. Use tweezers to avoid burns. Wait a few minutes and turn the products over.

7. We take out and wipe products

After a few minutes, remove the items and place them on a clean, soft cloth. After the metal has cooled, you can wipe the product with a napkin.

Other ways to clean silver with improvised tools

1. Alka-Seltzer

Dissolve the Alka-Seltzer tablet in water and place silver there. After a few minutes, you can remove the items and polish with a dry soft cloth.

2. Ammonia solution

Pour in a bowl ½ cup ammonia and 1 cup warm water. Put silver in the solution for 10 minutes. Rinse the items in running water and wipe with a soft, dry cloth.

3. Ketchup or tomato paste

Put silver in a small bowl and fill with tomato paste. Brush the items with a soft toothbrush or sponge and place in the paste for a few more minutes. Rinse the silver thoroughly and polish it with a dry cloth.

4. Toothpaste

Brush the items with a small amount of toothpaste, then rinse thoroughly and rub with a dry soft cloth.

5. Glass cleaner

The chemical composition of window cleaners is great for cleaning silver. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and clean the items. Rinse with water and wipe with a clean, dry cloth.