how to clean silver necklace

Antique and modern silver will become tarnished over time. Use these tips to clean silver with ease and keep it gleaming.

WASH AND DRY

Silver and silver plate cutlery is less likely to tarnish when it's in everyday use. In this case, simply wash in warm, soapy water and dry well. To remove any stains, try gently rubbing on a paste of baking soda and water. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.

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POLISH AND BUFF

For silver that's become slightly tarnished, use a metal cleaner, applying with a soft cloth, using light pressure. Avoid areas where the metal meets a different material, such as a wooden handle or glass bowl. Before the product dries, buff to a sheen with a clean cloth. For an even quicker option, get your hands on some silver cleaning gloves, such as Hagerty silver gloves, from Lakeland, £7.55.

SOAK IT OFF

If your silver has been unused for some time and is heavily tarnished, try this method. Line a plastic bowl with aluminium foil, fill it with very hot water and add a cupful of soda crystals. Completely submerge your solid silver pieces, making sure they're in contact with the foil. Leave to soak for no longer than 10 minutes – the bowl contents will start fizzing and the tarnish will lift off with very little effort. Finish by buffing dry with a soft cloth.

WAX AWAY

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Remove wax drips from a silver candlestick by gently warming the area with a hairdryer. Once the wax is warm it will be easier to peel off. Work on a surface covered by an old towel and wear cotton gloves to protect your hands.

STORE IT WELL

Keep pieces that you use less often in an airtight container, as this will limit the oxidation process that causes tarnishing. You can further slow down this process by wrapping silver in a silversmith's cloth, such as a Hagerty silver keeper bag from The Container Store, from £5.56.

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