Cleaning Silver 

What is the best way to clean silver items? Dave 

Both of us have cleaned thousands of silver pieces in our lifetime!  Our favorite method for removing tarnish from silver is to clean the silver with Hagerty's Silver Foam.  You can purchase this at major department stores that sell silver pieces, such as Macy's.  

There is more than just one use for this product.  Hagerty's may also be used to clean stainless steel sinks and faucets.  Follow the directions on the jar and use a soft washcloth with a dab of Hagerty's to clean the piece.  Avoid scrubbing the item or using a toothbrush because this may remove the natural patina of the piece.   With items like hollow-handled silverware, DO NOT soak the item.  Otherwise the hollow area may fill up with water, and then rust from inside out.    

We don't recommend the so-called "fast and quick" soaking methods as seen in the late night infomercials, they have a tendency to weaken the silver plating.  

Remember if you own beautiful silver pieces then it is important to use them and display them in your home.  Don't hide them away in a closet.  

© 2000-2008 MaryAnne Sullivan and Jeanne Sibert