Cleaning/Polishing Daily Used Silver

[Arganto]

Having recently discovered an enjoyment of pewter and subsequently silver drinking vessels, flatware etc I have found the desire to give the odd item a bit of a shine up. Any recommendations for methods/products for this? The bicarb, foil and hot water method is useful for getting tarnish off, but I've been looking at polishes to bring the best out of some pieces. Goddard's polish and cloth is the usual hit when searching, but I've read on some sites this can be a bit abrasive? The pieces I'm using are not super high value and are in daily use so I don't have to be too precious but I would like them to last 🌞

I've used the forum search function to seek out older posts but I don't seem to have much luck with it, I tend to get a big list of results that only have a tenuous connection to what I've asked for...is it me maybe 🤔

[James32]

@stefffana or @ArgentSmith will likely know. 

[SidS]

I can't comment on polishing or cleaning, but the following webite has some great storage bags, which prevent tarnishing (or certainly slow it down). I've used them for my flatware.

https://www.towntalkpolish.com/

(Their products are also on Amazon)

They do cleaning products too, however, I have never used those, so I cannot comment on how good they are.

[Petra]

Flat ware etc. just use an ordinary proprietary cleaner. The issue with these sort of items is the constant cleaning wearing away the hall marks. Unlike coins, these need to be nice and shiny clean!

[stefffana]

3 hours ago, SidS said:

I can't comment on polishing or cleaning, but the following webite has some great storage bags, which prevent tarnishing (or certainly slow it down). I've used them for my flatware.

https://www.towntalkpolish.com/

(Their products are also on Amazon)

They do cleaning products too, however, I have never used those, so I cannot comment on how good they are.

These products are very good, indeed, for cleaning and polishing silver flatware. I have used with very good results the polishing cream TownTalk 250ml. For cloth, an old and clean 100% cotton fabric is good enough, not need to buy any brand new special cloth. 

 

[ArgentSmith]

To restore an item using an abrasive compound is ok since its not going to be a regular thing. The lacklustre finish is cause by small dings and scratches. These can only be tumbled or polished out but can't be magicked away. For regular daily cleaning handwash or dishwasher depending on products.

 

[Mobius]

After years of using different silver cleaners I've found Hagerty Silver Spray to be the least abrasive (Jewellers Rouge is the worst).
Once everything is clean and shiny you can just wash them as normal in warm soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.

 

Edited April 1, 2023 by Mobius

[Arganto]

Thanks for the replies folks! Interestingly Tesco had a small bottle of Goddard's silver polish for a few quid so as I was there shopping anyway and I'm a tightwad I got that. It removed the tarnish from a few items and shined them up lovely. I will take the advice and not do this very often and when I start amassing a pile of daily silver that may need upkeep/restoration I will splash out on the more well regarded products mentioned here.

I'm liking this silver that's useful but still intrinsically valuable lark, more fun than a pile of coins locked up in a death star 🌞

[HillWalkerDundee]

It is so good to see another person who uses silver daily. It is civilised