Silver plated goods are undoubtedly extremely beautiful, and also amongst the most prized possessions that one owns. However, while everyone loves their silverware, they may not know how to maintain its shine and sheen, which was so attractive when the items were brand new. Silver plated goods are in fact, even more delicate than those made of pure silver. This is because they have only a thin layer of silver over them, which is susceptible to permanent scratches and wearing off. Thus, maintenance of silver plated products is very crucial for their long-life, especially in those households where they are out on display or used on a daily basis. If one has been wondering about exactly how to clean silver plated items, look no more, for the solution lies right here.

Silver plated goods get tarnished when they’re exposed to air. This causes them to have unsightly black and brown spots, which naturally lends them an air of rundown antiquity. But if one knows how to clean silver plated products, these articles will gleam like they are new. And all one needs for this transformation is some well-chosen implements, and a half hour at most. One must remember though, that all silver-plated products are not to be cleaned the same way, there are different techniques for jewelry, cutlery, frames, so on and so forth.

For delicate items like jewelry the process is fairly simple. Such articles do not undergo regular wear-and-tear, and thus, are less likely to be heavily tarnished. One should know how to clean silver plated jewelry for tarnished ornaments are hard to miss, and generally reflect shoddy accessorizing. To clean jewelry, one should take a suitably sized container that is filled with tepid water. The water shouldn’t be excessively hot, for that may in fact cause the silver plating to erode away. Jewelry should then be immersed in this water for a quarter of an hour, after which each piece should be wiped clean separately. For this purpose, a soft sponge can be used. However, if the jewelry has a very intricate design, using an ear-bud or q-tip may be a better option. If such cleaning alone does not provide desired results, one can also shine the ornaments using some of the silver-cleaning liquids and foams available in the market. One must ensure that the product they are using is suitable for silver plated goods as well.

Jewelry is not usually the problematic silverware that most people struggle to keep clean. Most experts are asked how to clean silver-plated cutlery, how to clean silver plated cups, sometimes even how to clean silver plated trays. There is fairly effective home remedy that usually rids such goods of all dirt and tarnish. One must take a container of suitable size and fill it with tepid water. A sheet of aluminum foil should be placed at the bottom and the utensils and cutlery over it. Then, one should add an appropriate amount of baking soda, depending upon the quantity of water; a half cup of soda should be used for a gallon of water. Another sheet of foil is then to be placed over the water, so that it floats and covers the entire surface. On should leave their silver plated wares for about 15 to 20 minutes in this state, after which they should be removed and wiped. One must use a soft cloth or dry sponge for the same. Often people take to scrubbing their silver-ware with toothbrushes and bristly implements; however that is not a good idea for silver plated articles. Harsh rubbing may cause them to get visible scratches. In extreme cases, the plating begins to peel. Cleaning of cutlery, cups and trays in this manner, is usually not followed up with shining using market-bought chemicals. The reason is not that they are ineffective or harmful, but it is best that chemical inputs not be used for items that come in contact with one’s mouth and tongue.

Some people are also very proud owners of candle sticks and photo frames having silver plating. However, if not maintained well, these blackened, tarnished beauties are condemned to a future in a corner display, which they surely don’t deserve. If one doesn’t know how to clean silver plated candle sticks or frames, it’s not too late to learn. For such articles it is best to use those silver-cleaning liquids that are available in the market. This is because, not only are they convenient to use, but also as they are most effective in removing tarnish-spots that are quite old. Also, silver frames are often very large, and thus using home remedies on them is not very practical. Thus, for such articles, store-bought products are the best.

While the above mentioned techniques shall ensure one’s silver plated goods shall gleam and shine, there are certain precautions one must take too. One should never use hot water, detergents or acidic materials like lemon and vinegar to clean their silver-ware. These are abrasive, and more often than not, cause the articles to get spoilt prematurely. If one is still unsure of what method to use, simply dipping their silver plated wares in warm water; this is the safest and the safest way to clean. So no need think and think about how to clean silver plated frames, cutlery, jewelry and decorative pieces. All the secrets have been revealed.