How to Clean Silver with Natural Cleaners

Most of us use stainless steel silverware, and have some real silver that we use occasionally. When silver tableware is used frequently, it doesn't need polishing as much. But, when it is stored away and pulled out for special occasions or company, some cleaning is always on the agenda.

Here are some different ways you can clean silver with natural cleaners. it is quick and easy with some things you may have on hand..

1. This is a well-known method to clean silver, but merits repeating here: Cover a pan completely with aluminum foil, shiny side up. Place your silver pieces in there, and add warm water to cover

2. Add several tablespoons of baking soda. Soak for around 10 minutes, and tarnish should be gone!

3. Make a paste out of ground up banana peels to. Grind them up in your food processor and use them to shine and clean silver.

4. You can clean silver or other metals, even jewelry, with plain white toothpaste! Clean with a soft cloth and rinse well with water.

5. After you boil potatoes, use that water left over to soak your silverware. Leave in pot around an hour, then wash with mild soapy water, rinse and dry.

6. You can also make a paste to clean silver quick and easy out of baking soda and water. Using a soft cloth, polish. Rinse and dry.

Here are some more tips concerning handling and storing your silver pieces and silverware:

Store Silver on a fabric called Pacific Cloth. Line the drawer and cover the silverware, too. You can buy this at a fabric store.

• Add a piece of chalk to the silverware drawer.
  
• Keep rubber away from silver: rubber gloves, rubber drawer liners, etc..
  
• Do not place silver in the same area as stainless steel in the dishwasher or drawer, because it will scratch it.
  
• Be extremely careful with the big silver knives with hollow handles. Do not leave them in water or wash them often in the dishwasher. The handles will eventually come off.