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You are here: Home / DIY PROJECTS / How to Clean Heirloom Silver

How to Clean Heirloom Silver

July 31, 2019

I am not the fancy, heirloom silver type of girl. I blame it on Colorado. Colorado is in a bubble; not the mid-west or the southern living state, but not exactly Vegas. But, over the years, I inherited and adopted heirloom silver pieces from extended family members. 

 how-to-clean-heirloom-silver 

But thanks to Pinterest and Instagram I discovered the charm of vintage silver. And, my southern blog friends assured me a little heirloom silver goes a long way in the decor.

 So with the hodgepodge of silver pieces, I set out to find out how to clean heirloom silver.

how-to-clean-heirloom-silver

Many of my heirloom sterling pieces were tucked away in boxes and stored in the basement or the back of my hutch. Some of these pieces have traveled back and forth across state lines with temperature and humidity fluctuations.

My favorite piece, a sterling silver water pitcher from my grandmother had more tarnish than sparkle.

how-to-clean-heirloom-silver-feature-everyday-edits

I read a few cleaning solutions before I took on this project. I read this method with aluminum foil. Other tutorials used toothpaste. Other tutorials used toothpaste.I went the route of the aluminum foil, because I did not have an extra tube of toothpaste and did not want to sacrifice my husband’s toothpaste.

I decided to give it a try. My rationale was the aluminum foil method would not add more tarnish. As with any cleaning project do a test with a small spoon or flatware. 

How to Clean Heirloom Silver

This how-to tutorial requires a low boil of water. Once the water begins to boil, turn off the heat. Add the sterling piece(s). My sterling pitcher took up the entire pot. Tuck crumpled balls of aluminum foil around the sterling pieces. The aluminum foil acted as the cleaning agent. 

how-to-clean-heirloom-silver-everyday-edits

Add approximately a 1/2 cup of baking soda to the pot of water. I found this box in bulk and keep it under the sink. 

how-to-clean-heirloom-silver-everyday-edits

It was like a high school chemistry lab in my kitchen. 

how-to-clean-heirloom-silver

The aluminum foil acted like a magnet and pulled the grime and oxidation buildup onto the foil. That concludes my knowledge of chemical reactions. 

I love the results. As with any cleaning agent and process start with a smaller piece. I used a silver-plated ice scoop as my test piece. And, then I just went all-in with my sterling pitcher. 

how-to-clean-heirloom-silver

Please share other suggestions or techniques to clean silver pieces. I love the results. Now I may need to go find some (new) vintage sterling silver.

how-to-clean-heirloom-silver

Here are other ways to repurpose household items. 

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7 Comments / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS, ONE HOUR PROJECTS, TIPS
Tagged: clean, heirloom, silver, sterling

About laura

Laura Nuss is a home decor blogger and REALTOR®. Laura combines her love for real estate with the everyday edits that make a house a home.
And, just like her profile she is short and to the point. #snarkasm

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Comments

  1. Sarah says

    August 8, 2018 at 8:35 am

    Laura, I’ve not tried this technique, but had read of it. I’ll give it a try. There is always silver to clean here.

    Reply
    • laura says

      August 8, 2018 at 6:32 pm

      Hi Sarah, Keep me posted on the results!Thanks for stopping by! laura

      Reply
  2. Kathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {At Home} says

    August 9, 2018 at 9:53 pm

    I have to admit that I’m a tarnished silver kind of girl:) That being said, I use a creme that comes with a sponge and it works like magic! Love having heirlooms! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home

    Reply
    • laura says

      August 10, 2018 at 6:17 am

      I love a little tarnish too! Thanks Kathleen! laura

      Reply
  3. Cecilia says

    August 13, 2018 at 11:53 am

    Laura, this is the same way I clean silver too 😉

    Reply
    • laura says

      August 14, 2018 at 5:14 am

      HI Cecilia, Thank you for stopping by! laura

      Reply
  4. Ashley says

    August 3, 2019 at 1:41 pm

    Thank you Laura! You’ve just inspired me to go clean my silver. I’ve been needing to do this for a long time and finally have a great method! Have a great weekend!
    Ashley

    Reply

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