How to clean silver safely

What tarnish is, and what not to do

Most homes have some silver, whether it is sterling jewellery, old cutlery or a silver-plated trophy. Over time it can lose its shine. Tarnish is a dark, sometimes almost black layer that forms when silver meets sulphur compounds in the air. It is also called oxidation.

It can feel risky to clean pieces that matter to you, so here are the usual methods. Advice on the best way differs, so you can decide what suits your piece.

One rule first. Never put silver in the dishwasher. Wash it by hand. The heat and the scouring action can change the colour of silver and damage it badly.

Two items to remember before you start. Not all dark silver is tarnished. Many pieces, especially ornate or antique jewellery, are darkened on purpose so that the pattern stands out.

Vinegar and soft drinks

White vinegar. Put the piece in a bowl and cover it completely with white vinegar. A lightly dirty piece should come up clean in about fifteen minutes. A heavily tarnished one can be left for up to three hours. Rinse in cool, clean water and dry thoroughly.

Cola. Cola is a popular method, and any similar fizzy drink, such as lemonade, works as well. Put the pieces in a bowl, cover them with the drink and leave them for one to three hours, depending on how dark they are. Take them out, rinse well in clean water and dry. Do not drink what is left.

Toothpaste and baking soda

Toothpaste. This is often suggested, but take care. Some toothpastes contain ingredients that damage silver, and a trace of the wrong one can harm even plate. If you go ahead, choose a plain white toothpaste with no gel and no whitening agents. Dampen the silver, apply a little toothpaste and polish gently in small circles with a finger or a soft cloth until the tarnish lifts. If you see scratching, stop and wash it off at once. Rinse in cool water and dry. Never use toothpaste on valuable or antique silver, as it can cause damage that cannot be put right.

Baking soda. A paste of baking soda and warm water may shift stubborn tarnish. It takes off a thin layer of silver with the tarnish, so use it only if you accept that risk. It is worse for plate, where the silver layer is already thin. If you go ahead, rub the paste on gently with a soft cloth, then rinse under the tap and dry well.

What else works

The easiest way to clean silver is to stop it tarnishing. Wearing and using silver often helps. Silver is quite delicate compared with many metals, and it can tarnish, stain or scratch quickly.

You can also buy polishes and dips made for silver, such as Goddard's Silver Dip. They are strong, so follow the instructions and use them with care. If a piece has gemstones, be careful. Soft stones such as opal, coral and amber can be damaged by silver dip. You could do more harm than good.

Do you need to clean it before you send it?

No. Condition does not matter for most items, and we recommend you do not polish silver before you send it. Cleaning can damage a piece, and that could lower its value. A specialist can see what they need whatever state it is in, and collectors usually prefer to clean pieces themselves. It also saves you a messy job.