How do you clean sterling silver?

[minniemoo]

Hi guys, I don't know whether I have put this in the correct section but here goes - does anyone know how to clean sterling silver that has tarnished? Thanks all.

[Clanad]

Try this with a few pieces to see if it is suitable for the whole serving. In a pan big enough to hold the amount of silver you wish to clean, pour in enough warm but not hot water to cover thoroughly, Add about a cup of baking soda that's been pre-disolved with about 1/2 cup of salt. Into this add several strips (about 1 inch wide and the width of the roll) of aluminum (ya'll call it aluminium, no?) foil.
The process will start very soon. It's not violent but you will notice a slight smell of rotten eggs. The tarnish will be removed from the silver and deposited on the foil. Leave it in for a good hour or so.
When complete, rinse the silver in hot water and dry and buff thoroughly. If there are any tough spots remaining, rub it gently with any cheap, white toothpaste using your bare hands since the body oils help in the process... rinse, dry and store, wrapped in a soft cloth, preferably cotton.....
Best of luck!

[minniemoo]

Clanad thank you so much for your response. I only have one item to clean - it is a bangle and it has tiny diamonds and sapphires in the silver - would your way of cleaning it be okay for the gems? Thanks.

[spudqueen]

You can buy silver cleaners, just look in the cleaning section of your local supermarket.

[lajohn]

that's an expensive and easy method. i will try that.
thank you Clanad. x

[Clanad]

The process only affects the silver, minniemoo... other than a ten pound sledge hammer, very little will damage a diamond... and ther's no acidity to damage a sapphire... however I reserve the right to deny any involvement at all!

[PatriciaH]

Toothpate and a soft brush, will take time though so be gentle, wash well in water after to get all the toothpaste off , ive done this with picture frames that were really ornate , let me know if it worked for you

[minniemoo]

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to respond - I'm going to give it a go today and I'll let you know how I cleaned it and how it went. Thanks again all.

[GINGER BIRD]

coca cola overnight !

[Caladon]

Cleaning the silver should be the chore of ones butler!

[minniemoo]

Ha ha Caladon - I like it.

[cosmaximum]

You rang, m'lady?

<bows obsequiously>