Cleaning Silver Cutlery: Instructions and Tips

Why does the silver cutlery tarnish?

Pure silver is very soft and is therefore not suitable for jewelry or cutlery in its pure state.

• Silver is therefore alloyed with copper, making it harder.
• The metal reacts to the hydrogen sulfide contained in the air and tarnishes.
• Unfortunately, oxidation cannot be prevented, but some home remedies will help you to eliminate it.

Cleaning silver cutlery: making it shiny again

You don’t need expensive chemicals to clean silver. Simple home remedies are enough:

• Put toothpaste on an old toothbrush and rub the silver with it. Let the cream work in for a short time and then rinse the cutlery with lukewarm water.
• Place the silverware in a bowl with pieces of aluminum foil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt and boiling water and let it work for 2 minutes. Then rinse the cutlery thoroughly with clear water. Since this method attacks the surface, you should not exceed the exposure time.
• To clean the cutlery more gently, wrap it in aluminum foil and then place it in simmering water for an hour. Alternatively, you can put this well-sealed packet in the dishwasher.
• Or soak your silverware in beer overnight. Make sure all parts are covered and clean with warm water the next day.
• Baking soda dissolved in water also cleans silver. To do this, the metal has to soak in the solution overnight.
• Dissolve denture cleaning tablets in warm water and soak in the silver for about 4 hours.
• Put ash on a normal household cloth and rub the cutlery with it. Incidentally, any type of ash can be used.
• If your milk has gone sour, you don’t have to throw it away right away. Take the opportunity and pour the milk over your metal cutlery. Make sure this is completely covered. Wash the cutlery thoroughly the next day.
• Extra tip: You should store cleaned silver cutlery in a dry place and wrap it in a cotton cloth. Add a piece of normal blackboard chalk to prevent tarnishing.