How to Clean Silver

You don't have to be born with a silver spoon in your mouth to appreciate the elegance of polished silver—and with a little elbow grease, yours can be spiffed and sparkling in no time.

Instructions

Step 1: Read directions Read the silver cleaner's packaging and follow those directions if they vary from these.
Step 2: Rinse silver Rinse the silver item in warm water.
Step 3: Spread paste Put a dab of silver cleaning paste onto a soft cloth and spread it over the surface of the item.
TIP: If the item is large, polish it in sections.
Step 4: Don't overpolish Rub the silver just until tarnish disappears—don't overpolish or you'll remove the item's finish.
TIP: Clean the hard-to-reach places with an old natural-bristle toothbrush and a little cleaning paste.
Step 5: Rinse silver again Rinse the silver in warm water again.
Step 6: Dry item Dry your shiny silver item thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.
FACT: Silver is the best electrical conductor of all metals—and tarnish does not affect its performance.