How to Clean Sterling Silver and Keep It Shining

How to Clean Sterling Silver: 9 Methods

1. Using a Commercial Silver Cleaner

   Most commercial silver cleaners remove tarnish and add shine. Wash the silver in warm, soapy water to remove dust and dirt using a non-abrasive sponge to prevent scratching, and follow the instructions for the commercial silver polish you've selected.

   Liquid cleaners or wipes are better than paste for ornate silver, which can get trapped in crevices, and silver cloths are the least messy option.

   Tips

   Wear cotton or synthetic fiber gloves when cleaning silver. Do not wear rubber gloves, which can react with the surface.
   

2. Using Baking Soda and Water

   Make a homemade cleaning paste by mixing one-part water and three parts baking soda in a small bowl. Wet the silver and use a soft, microfiber cloth or sponge to apply the paste. Work in a small area at a time and gently rub in circles to remove the tarnish.

   Rinse away the baking soda paste with cool water, and immediately use a microfiber cloth to dry and buff the silver to shine.

3. Using Toothpaste

   Use plain non-gel toothpaste that does not contain additional whitening ingredients. Be sure to work on clean, rinsed silver.

   Place a dab of toothpaste on a cloth. Work in a small area of the silver at a time and gently rub in circles to remove the tarnish. Rinse away the toothpaste with warm water, and dry the silver with a lint-free microfiber cloth.
   

4. Using Dishwashing Liquid or Mild Laundry Detergent

   To remove dust and sticky residue from sterling silver, you can use dishwashing liquid or mild laundry detergent and warm water. Rinse in cool water and dry the silver immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. Avoid detergents that contain bleach, which can damage silver.
   

5. Using Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Water

   Add 1 quart of warm water, 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to a large bowl. Add the silver and allow it to soak for two to three hours. Rinse with cold water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
   

6. Using Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

   Wash the silver in warm, soapy water and rinse to remove dust. Make a paste by mixing one-part lemon juice and four parts baking soda in a small bowl. Using a sponge, work in a small area at a time and gently rub in circles to remove the tarnish. Rinse the sponge as the tarnish is transferred.

   Rinse away the paste with cool water, and use a microfiber cloth to dry and buff the silver to shine.
   

7. Using Tomato Ketchup

   Apply a thin layer of ketchup to the silver and set aside for 15 minutes. Use a sponge or soft cloth, working in small circles, to wipe away the tarnish. Wash the silver in warm, soapy water, rinse, and buff dry with a soft cloth.

8. Using Cornstarch and Water

   Combine 3-parts water and 1-part cornstarch in a small bowl to create a paste. Use a damp sponge to apply the paste to the silver. Once the paste dries, rub it off and rinse. Use a clean microfiber cloth to dry and buff the silver to shine.

9. Using Aluminum Foil, Baking Soda, and Boiling Water Soak

   Line a bowl with aluminum foil and fill with boiling water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda per cup of water. Add the silver to the water-baking soda solution, making sure it is touching the aluminum foil. Let the silver soak until no more tarnish is visible.

   Remove the silver from the solution with plastic-tipped tongs and buff with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.
   

   Warning

   This method is not recommended for use with fine sterling silver.

Additional Tips to Help Prevent Silver From Tarnishing

• Use silver often: frequent use helps silver from becoming tarnished as quickly due to the friction from regular washing.
• Store silver in anti-tarnish cloths: This helps prevent air from darkening the surface.
• Use silica bags in the storage area: This helps absorb moisture that speeds up tarnish development.