Cleaning and Polishing Silver
This month, while many of us are in the throngs of winter with below-freezing temperatures and another storm expected to drop several inches of snow here in the Northeast, it's good to be indoors where we can tackle some of those time-consuming chores that often get pushed aside for more important tasks - like polishing the silver.
Recently, my housekeepers took on the job of cleaning and polishing some of the silver platters and trays, so they're ready for that time when we can once again gather and entertain safely. 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 some photos, enjoy.
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- In my Winter House, I have several cabinets specifically designated for storing silver. Whenever there is time, my housekeepers like to clean and polish small batches, so there is never a rush to do it before a party. Right now, we are not sure when we will be able to gather in large groups, but it is always nice to know I’ll be ready.
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- In between all these stacked silver trays is a piece of felt – one can be seen on the lower shelf. Placing these layers of felt prevents any scratches or scuffs. And felt is easy to find at fabric stores.
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- This piece is 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 later.
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- 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.
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- Whenever cleaning precious silver, always use a soft moistened sponge. A soft cloth can also work well.
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- After washing the piece with dish soap and warm water to remove any dust, apply a small amount of silver cream. Place a terry cloth towel on the bottom of the sink, so the metal doesn’t bang against any surfaces.
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- Tarnish ranges in color from a light yellowy gold to almost black, depending on how long it has been allowed to develop. In addition to using soft sponges and rags, use cotton swabs to apply the cream to tight spots and crevices when cleaning.
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- It may take a little longer when cleaning a piece with more intricate designs, crevices, or indentations. Enma is sure to wipe every area, getting into the tight spaces carefully.
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- Completely coat the piece with the cream. The silver will start to brighten as it is rubbed.
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- After rubbing the piece with silver cream, wash it with dish soap and water again to ensure all the cream is removed. Rinse the piece carefully and thoroughly, so there is no trace of cream left.
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- And then dry the silver thoroughly right away with a soft absorbent cloth to avoid any water marks.
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- The piece is then buffed very well, and placed on a towel nearby.
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- Save your old flannel pillow cases to use when wiping silver – the fabric is soft and won’t scratch. It also gives it a very good shine without any streaks.
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- The piece is so shiny, one can see the polished copper pots hanging above the counter. 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.
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- 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. When polishing, Enma and Elvira work in a very efficient production line process – while Enma washes and polishes…
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- … Elvira dries and buffs.
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- This square serving tray is buffed to perfection – the round object in the tray is the reflection of the light fixture.
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- Here is the side of another tray – not a trace of tarnish. With regular cleaning, 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, 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.
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- Meanwhile, here are some of the beautiful blooms that have decorated my Winter House over the last few weeks. This is called a lady slippers orchid or slipper orchid because of the unique pouch-like flowers. These specimens are easily grown as houseplants and look wonderful with their striking green leaves.
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- These flowers are from another orchid – Cymbidium Midnight Tracey ‘Moonwalker’. Cymbidiums need a constant supply of moisture, with more during spring and summer. In winter, it should be kept barely moist.
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- Here are beautiful dendrobium orchids – propagated from one plant right in my greenhouse. Dendrobiums need lots of light, but not direct sun. A lightly shaded south window is best.
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- And so many stunning amaryllis this year! All the gorgeous amaryllis bulbs came from Colorblends Wholesale Flowerbulbs in nearby Bridgeport, Connecticut.
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- These red amaryllis were in my newly decorated sitting room – be sure to check in on my blog tomorrow and this weekend for more photos of this finished space – you’ll love it.
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