Cleaning Silver at the Farm
It’s always so satisfying to check off time-consuming cleaning chores.
Recently, my housekeepers took on the task of cleaning and polishing some of the silver at the farm - well ahead of any spring entertaining. There are several ways to clean silver. One nontoxic method is to fill an aluminum pan with hot water, salt and baking soda, stir until it is all dissolved, and then soak the pieces until a chemical reaction occurs that removes the tarnish. This technique is faster than hand cleaning, but may cause pitting and remove the more desirable tarnish called patina. Experts recommend using a good-quality, non-abrasive commercial silver polish. Silver cleaning cloths made especially for removing tarnish from precious metals are also available.
Here are photos from our process. And remember, there are more tips on storing and maintaining silver in my new book, "The Martha Manual: How to Do (Almost) Everything" - it's in bookstores right now.
-
- These pieces are very lightly tarnished – some pieces don’t even look tarnished at all, but it is always a good idea to clean silver regularly, so it doesn’t develop a thick coat of tarnish that is harder to remove.
-
- Tarnish ranges in color from a light yellowy gold to almost black, depending on how long it has been allowed to develop. You can see a very light tint of tarnish on these cups and and bowls.
-
- I’ve used Wright’s Silver Cream for years. Wright’s Silver Cream is a gentle all-purpose polish that works on all types of silver. It also works nicely on stainless steel and chrome. http://jawright.com/Silver-Clean-Polish/Silver-Cream-4-lb
-
- Whenever cleaning precious silver, always use a soft moistened sponge. A soft cloth can also work well.
-
- After washing the piece with dish soap and warm water to remove any dust, apply a small amount of silver cream.
-
- Completely coat the piece with the cream. The silver will start to brighten as it is rubbed.
-
- After rubbing the piece with silver cream, wash it with dish soap and water again to ensure all the cream is removed. Place a terry cloth towel on the bottom of the sink, so the metal doesn’t bang against any surfaces.
-
- Rinse the piece carefully and thoroughly, so there is no trace of cream left.
-
- And then dry the silver thoroughly right away with a soft towel to avoid any water marks.
-
- The piece is then buffed very well, and placed on a towel nearby.
-
- Always use silver polishes that are non-abrasive, and opt for formulas, such as creams and gels instead of sprays. It’s also a good idea to use gloves when taking on this task, so the cleaning cream does not come into contact with the skin.
-
- It may take a little longer when cleaning a piece with more intricate designs, crevices, or indentations such as this silver napkin holder.
-
- If your piece has feet, also be careful of any felt covered bottoms. This piece does not; however, some candlesticks or raised silver bowls and tureens may.
-
- The silver returns to its original luster very quickly.
-
- Polishing silver three or four times a year is generally sufficient to keep it in good condition.
-
- And, it’s always easier to do this chore a couple weeks before any big party – these pieces will be ready to use come Easter.
-
- Here is the silver cup after it is cleaned – not a trace of tarnish.
-
- Here is a tray being rubbed with Wright’s Silver Cream.
-
- It doesn’t take long to see the shine coming through as it is rinsed.
-
- Here is a sugar bowl being washed. Never place any silver in the dishwasher. The detergents’ aggressive chemicals, combined with the washer’s high cleaning temperature, will eventually turn it grey or white, with a dull, non-reflective surface.
-
- And here it is after it is thoroughly dried. Another tip – keep salt away from silver whenever possible, or wash salt residues away immediately after use. Salt is one of the worst foods to touch silver and tarnishes it quickly.
-
- Notice the yellowing on this piece of silver. In addition to using soft sponges and rags, use cotton swabs to apply the cream to tight spots and crevices when cleaning.
-
- The pieces are washed and cleaned with the silver cream and the vibrant silver glow returns.
-
- Here are all the pieces done and ready to be returned to the shelves. When storing, be sure silver pieces do not touch each other to avoid any scratches.
-
- The joy of owning beautiful silver flatware or hollowware requires some work to keep it looking beautiful. Cleaning silver definitely takes some elbow grease, but it is well worth the effort.
-
- And if you don’t already have it, be sure to pick up a copy of “The Martha Manual: How to Do (Almost) Everything” – just click on the highlighted link above to order.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
