Tarnish accumulates over time on all metals, it’s actual a mini chemical reaction between elements in the air and the metal’s surface called oxidisation.

On silver items the sulphur in the air reacts with the compounds in the jewellery and becomes silver sulphide. These tiny specks of black build up to become black all over.

So second up in our easiest ways to clean metals series is silver.

Second Up : Silver

Our tried and tested tip for cleaning silver with only the things you have around the house? Aluminium foil, baking soda and hot water.

First line a heat proof, non-reactive vessel big enough to submerge the metal with aluminium foil. Boil some water. Then add the metal, the boiling water (enough to submerge) and a 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda for each cup of water. ‘Fresh’ tarnish comes off quickly. But stubborn tarnish can need a bit of a soak, or even a couple of applications for the chemistry to work. Finish with a quick rinse. Note : we only tested this method on sterling. We cannot recommend for other metals. Please do not soak any gemstones, pearls or other non-sterling items.

To make the shine last a little longer, add a coat of any clear wax or even a tiny daub of hair conditioner and buff to a shiny finish.

Check out Cleaning Copper and Cleaning Brass

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