Using a soft-bristled brush and cleaning cloth, you can clean antique silver. There are several ways to clean an antique silver surface.
Basic Methods
The simplest method of cleaning antique silver pieces is to apply a mild silver cleaner, like Dawn, mixed with warm water. However, most antique silver surfaces are so dirty or worn that regular cleaning methods will not work. Antique silver surfaces can become soiled and dull simply by daily exposure to the elements. If your antique silver piece gets dirty, don’t worry; there is no need to worry.
There are several ways you can clean your antique silver surfaces without making your piece look old. Here are a few of the best antique silver cleaners:
Cleaning your antique silver using soap is best done on a piece of soft fabric, like a cotton sheet. This makes cleaning easier and you don’t have to worry about staining the silver surface.
When cleaning antique silver, it is best to avoid using the same type of detergent as you use for cleaning fresh silver surfaces. Different types of detergents can leave a residue behind, which will cause the metal to tarnish and look worn.
Water
When cleaning antique silver, use a mixture of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid, like Dawn. This mixture can be applied with a cloth or even a sponge. However, the only problem with this method is that it can leave a film on the silver surface. If this happens, try using a soft bristle brush and rinsing the cloth again before rinsing the solution out of the cloth.
Use baking soda to clean your antique silver surface. Before applying the baking soda, place the piece of antique silver in a bowl full of hot water for five minutes. After that, let it sit for another five minutes to soften the soap.
Antique silver is very similar to a sponge. If you rub your silver with a soft-bristled brush and rinse thoroughly, you should be able to clean it without leaving a film behind. Cleaning antiques does not have to be difficult, but if you want to give your silver piece a new shine, follow these tips.
Lemon Juice
For antique silver surfaces, you may also want to use lemon juice to clean it. A cup of fresh lemon juice mixed with two tablespoons of vinegar or white vinegar will help to loosen up dirt, dust, and any type of deposits that may have gathered over time.
It is important to never clean antique silver with water or soap, as this can lead to damage to the metal and tarnishing. When cleaning with hot water, you may want to use a soft towel or an old toothbrush. When cleaning the top part of your antique silver surface, you can use rubbing alcohol or any type of cleaner that does not contain water.
How Often?
You will also need to clean your silver surface regularly. You can do this by wiping it down once or twice a week. If the pieces get dirty, you can apply a fresh coat of solution to keep the surface clean. You can also wipe it down with a soft cloth before each cleaning session.
If your antique silver surfaces have any type of stains, they must be removed immediately. You can use the same solution that you use for cleaning fresh silver surfaces to clean them. You must remove any type of stain from your antique silver surfaces after cleaning, otherwise, the stain will continue to damage the surface.
Cleaning antique silver should be easy if you follow a few simple steps. If you find it is difficult to clean your silver, you may want to consider hiring a professional cleaning service to take care of it for you.
