How To Clean Silver Utensils At Home: Simple DIY Tricks

Silver utensils have been an integral part of the Indian lifestyle. Be it the puja thali, the deep silver serving dishes or items used to store food, silver ware are a part of modern not only for their aesthetics but for their emotional and cultural value. Their usage also causes them to tarnish over time if not used for a few days, yet they turn black.

How To Clean Silver Utensils At Home: Simple DIY Trick

While most of us have simple home polishes that claim to restore the shine; purchasing high quality cleansers, spray polishes and special clothes may not be an option everywhere. Here are some simple home remedies that can be safely applied to clean silver utensils at home. They are simple, use natural ingredients and are not aggressive on the silverware.

What Causes Silver Utensils to Tarnish?

To understand how best to keep a silver utensils clean, first understand why it causes the tarnish. Silver reacts with sulphur in the atmosphere or in the food items stored, in moisture or the various chemicals that come in contact with silver.

This produces a dark film called silver sulphide that stays on the silverware and causes discolouration and darkening. This process is more rapid if the silver utensils are not stored correctly, in high humidity environments or not used at the right frequency.

Baking Soda and Aluminium Foil

The simplest method of cleaning silver utensils involves the use of baking soda and aluminium foil. Cover a deep bowl with aluminium foil with the smooth side facing up. Place the silver utensils into this bowl and sprinkle 1-2 tablespoon of baking soda on to the silverware. Pour hot water into the bowl until the utensils are completely submerged. Let the utensils sit in the solution for about 3-5 minutes. You will notice the tarnish starting to lift after a few minutes. Once the utensils are tarnish free, remove, rinse and wipe dry.

Lemon and Salt Home Remedy

Lemon is an acid that naturally causes cleaning and salt is a mild abrasive. Cut the lemon in to halves and roll them in salt before using as a rub on the silverware. For larger utensils or those with intricate design, use lemon juice mixed with salt in a bowl and place the objects in for 8-10 minutes. Rinse and dry immediately with a cloth. Use a cloth while polishing to prevent water marks from forming.

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White Toothpaste Applied With Cloth

For silverware that does not have too much tarnish, washing with white toothpaste holds good. Use a soft cotton cloth to apply a small amount of toothpaste to the utensils. Rub gently while taking care to reach the underneath. Wash away any residue and then wipe dry. This method can be used as a quick clean for silverware.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Soak

If your silverware has become seriously tarnished, the best method to restore shine is to use vinegar. Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 2 tablespoons of baking soda; add to warm water. Submerge your utensils for about 15 minutes. The carbon dioxide released by the baking soda and vinegar causes lifting of the tarnish. Wash away and dry.

Things to Avoid While Cleaning Silverware

Use caution when applying any cleaning liquids or abrasives to avoid scratching the silverware. Refrain from scrubbing with steel wool or other metal brushes. Avoid harsh chemicals that may cause harm to the metal. Never leave tarnished silver wet for any length of time, as this can cause further tarnishing.

Silverware should be stored in a dry air tight environment. Even after it's tarnished removal, keep wrapped in a clean cloth to prevent further discoloration. Placing silica gel packets in storage boxes can suck out moisture and keep tarnish at bay.

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