Do you have some silverware rattling around in the back of your drawers? Then you are not alone. Unfortunately, silver cutlery is all too rarely used because it is perceived as difficult to clean. With these housewife tricks, you can clean silver at home quickly and easily - with great results.
What is oxidised silver?
If you're reading this article, your silver has probably turned black. Silver as oxidises This is because silver takes on a black colour when it reacts with sulphur in the air. Oxidised silver is unavoidable - but you can protect your cleaned silver by storing it in a silverware wrap or dark cloth.
Cleaning silver: Bicarbonate
The first method is a chemical experiment that takes 10 minutes. You need bicarbonate of soda, aluminium and boiling water and a glass mould or plastic tub. When silver reacts with aluminium, a reaction is created and the black colour is absorbed by the foil. The reaction is almost instantaneous and you get a nice result quickly. It's a great handyman trick that won't damage the surface of your silver.
This is how you do it:
- Cover a bowl or mould with aluminium foil
- Sprinkle the foil with bicarbonate of soda
- Place your silver on the bicarbonate - make sure the silver is in contact with the foil
- Cover the silver with even more bicarbonate
- Pour over boiling water and leave for 10 minutes
Once you have completed all the steps, you can rinse the silver under running water and dry it with a cleaning cloth.
Cleaning silver: Ketchup
This method is perfect for those who don't have silver polish or bicarbonate of soda in their cupboards. You can use ketchup to polish your silver. Does that sound strange? There's a logical explanation - ketchup contains acidic substances and vinegar, which create a chemical process when it comes into contact with silver. This method is most effective for silver items that need a light polish.
This is how you do it:
- Put your silver in a spacious bowl
- Cover the silver with ketchup
- Leave on for 15 minutes
- Rinse out the bowl and fill up with hot water
- Leave the silver in the water and gently brush off the dirt with a soft brush (preferably a toothbrush)
- Rinse and polish with a soft cloth
Want sparkling clean windows? Read our Cleanhack here.
Cleaning silver: Toothpaste
Toothpaste not only cleans your teeth - it can also remove food residues and dirt from your silverware. The reason why toothpaste is a good substitute for silver polish is that most toothpastes contain small grains that provide an abrasive effect.
This is how you do it:
- Apply some toothpaste to the silver - one item at a time
- Use a toothbrush or cloth and gently rub the toothpaste onto the dirt
- Sand in one direction only to avoid scratches or marks
- Change the cloth if the silver is very dirty, otherwise there is a high risk of rubbing the dirt back in
- Rinse your silver with warm water and dry with a cloth
Can you clean silver cutlery in a dishwasher?
Opinions are divided about cleaning silver cutlery in the dishwasher. Silverware should not come into contact with other items in the dishwasher as this will cause stains. However, if you want to clean your silver cutlery in the dishwasher, you should wipe them immediately afterwards - to avoid drying spots. Then store the cutlery in a cloth bag.
