Cleaning Silver Today
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382019)
Rockingham, Australia
November 15, 2016 6:22am CST
In the process of decluttering I've rediscovered some silverware that has been hidden away in the back of a cupboard where I don't have to feel guilty about not cleaning it. There were six goblets designed for wine I guess and I have a vague recollection that they might have been a wedding present. So I set about cleaning them but they are past redemption and so are being ousted.
Next was a set of six doovalackeys (Malu knows what that means) that would look lovely holding prawn cocktails or again wine. They have cleaned up nicely and will go on our local buy and sell site.
Next was two candelabras which unfortunately aren't quite matching. I've discovered they were trophies presented to my father at an agricultural show for his Merino sheep. Once I've cleaned them up they will go to my nephew's son who is following in his great grand-father's footsteps and is breeding, very successfully, Poll Merinos.
But what I really want to share is that I've been cleaning the pieces in a mix of carb soda (baking soda), salt, hot water and vinegar. You mix these and place in a bowl with a sheet of foil then add the silver and leave for a while. By some magical process (the books say it's a chemical reaction but I reject that theory – it's definitely magic), the tarnish just melts away. At least it has in a couple of cases but not with the first set of goblets.
As the candelabras have some very fancy decoration it is wonderful to see them come clean so easily. The photo shows them in their neglected state. Once I've finished cleaning them, I'll post an 'after' photo.
13 people like this
13 responses
@DianneN (254926)
• United States
15 Nov 16
I'm in the process of cleaning one hundred pieces of silver on display in curio cabinets, in a hutch, and in arrangements throughout our home. Next will be the stash within cabinets. I love silver when it gleams. I have tried that DIY polish, but it doesn't quite do the trick, nor is it fast enough for me.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (254926)
• United States
16 Nov 16
@JudyEv I do it in the fall and the spring. Some pieces I don't touch until I need them. My husband used to help, but unfortunately it's all on my shoulders now. It is all done now, unless I decide to use a piece or two from the cabinet. Whew! What a job, but it was well worth it.
1 person likes this
@kevinakash (2084)
• Sri Lanka
20 Nov 16
you shouldn't have kept a silverware in such conditions. be careful some mixtures really harm the material
1 person likes this
@Letranknight2015 (52665)
• Philippines
15 Nov 16
That's just nice candle holding thing over there. I wonder how much is that now a days.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (54715)
• United States
16 Nov 16
I find polishing silver to be fun
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382019)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Nov 16
It's certainly nice to see it looking sparkling and lovely. The bad part is that after few months you have to do it all over again. It's like that with all housework isn't it? :)
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
16 Nov 16
that is lovely in its twistyness!
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
17 Nov 16
@JudyEv yeah, I can only imagine
1 person likes this
@shaggin (74988)
• United States
15 Nov 16
I remember when I first moved into this house where my grandparents used to live they had some silver polish silver pitchers etc. They looked wonderful after I cleaned them up but really I can't appreciate things like that the old timers did... I won't keep or use things that require that much work to stay nice.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382019)
• Rockingham, Australia
15 Nov 16
At least it worked on some things. Pretty incredible really.
@Marilynda1225 (91069)
• United States
15 Nov 16
I haven't cleaned silver in years but it certainly seems like an easy method to use. I remember rubbing all my silver with a cloth and it was tedious work. Can't wait to see your finished photo
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382019)
• Rockingham, Australia
15 Nov 16
I've discovered I have 12 mugs which we bought at a garage sale so they'll be next to be cleaned. I can't imagine why we bought them.
@Dena91 (17041)
• United States
15 Nov 16
I worked for a lawyer and his wife who would have me clean their silver, especially before the holidays. I liked the magic of Baking soda, salt, hot water and vinegar too. They had some cleaner but that mixture did a lot better. Wonderful of you to give your nephews son your dad's agricultural trophies. Have a blessed day and looking forward to the after photo
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43586)
• Denver, Colorado
15 Nov 16
Yuck. I've cleaned silver once. Not fun.
1 person likes this
