August 5, 2026
Polishing My Silver
It’s always so satisfying to check off time-consuming cleaning projects.
Yesterday, my housekeepers started cleaning and polishing my silver. This task is done regularly – at least twice a year to remove tarnish, restore shine, and help preserve the value and craftsmanship of the pieces. There are several ways to clean silver. One popular nontoxic method is to fill an aluminum pan with hot water, add salt and baking soda, stir until dissolved, and then soak the silver until a chemical reaction removes the tarnish. While this technique is quicker than polishing by hand, some experts caution it may cause pitting and can strip away the beautiful patina many collectors appreciate. Using a silver polishing cloth made specifically for precious metals is another convenient option. I prefer using a high-quality, non-abrasive commercial silver polishing cream for routine care.
Enjoy these photos.
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- Polishing silver three or four times a year is the best way to keep it in good condition.
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- Look at this piece, which was cleaned and polished just last February. It is already slightly tarnished.
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- These pieces also need a fresh polishing – they are a bit gold in color. While tarnish is not considered damage, it dulls the metal’s appearance and can obscure fine details.
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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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- After washing this silver dish with dish soap and warm water to remove any dust, Enma applies a small amount of silver cream.
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- Enma rubs both sides of the dish, thoroughly spreading the cream on every surface of the piece. 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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- After rubbing the piece with silver cream, rinse the piece very well with warm water.
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- All the cleaning is done on a terry cloth towel lining the bottom of the sink, so the metal doesn’t bang against any surfaces. The towel is also a good idea to use when washing special china… just in case anything slips through the fingers.
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- Here, Enma cleans two small trays. After rinsing off the silver cream, she washes the pieces with dish soap and water again to ensure all the cream is removed.
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- Enma does this carefully and thoughtfully to ensure there is no soapy residue.
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- Once a piece is completely cleaned and polished, it is dried with a soft absorbent cloth right away to avoid any water marks. Never let silver air dry.
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- These pieces are shining beautifully once again.
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- Enma does the same with this large serving tray. First she applies the cream. The silver will start to brighten as it is rubbed. Always use silver polishes that are non-abrasive, and opt for formulas, such as creams and gels instead of sprays.
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- Then rinses off the cream and washes it with dish soap and water.
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- Finally, it is dried thoroughly. Enma is sure to wipe every area, getting into the tight spaces carefully. 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.
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- Here’s Enma with the freshly polished tray. Another tip – never clean 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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- The tray is then returned to its spot in my Brown Room.
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- And all the silver pieces are placed on top. Because my silver is cleaned regularly, it doesn’t take too much time to get the job done.
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- And look at the difference in color between this tarnished bowl and the newly polished pieces – the small bowl is next to be cleaned and polished.
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- The joy of owning beautiful silver pieces does require some work to keep everything looking beautiful, but it is all well worth the effort.
This story originally appeared on Martha Stewart Blog
