Jeffrey Herman Silversmith: Hand Sanitizer Removes Tarnish

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• New Finding in Tarnish Removal •

Don't forget to visit my new Silver Polish Abrasion Ratings!

Wash your silver objects periodically, and you might avoid the dreaded polishing session to remove accumulated tarnish. Wash with warm water and a phosphate-free detergent such as Dawn (not lemon-scented), and dry immediately. Do not immerse any object that has hollow sections or wooden parts such as handles.

If tarnish does start to build up, remove it as soon as possible. The reason for this is twofold: (1) you will be happier, as tarnish is much easier to remove in its very early stages of formation; and (2) your silver will show less wear, as it will be exposed to less abrasion than if you wait for more tarnish to form.

Most of us are familiar with that light brown – and eventually black – color that forms on silver. But you can catch tarnish in its very early stages if you hold an object against a piece of white paper (glossy paper if you have it). If tarnish has started to form, you will see a very light yellowish tint in the silver.

Try removing this light tarnish with either Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar or Purell Original Formula hand sanitizer. Use a cotton towel or cotton ball and rotate the material regularly to expose unused surfaces – elements in the tarnish itself can be very abrasive.

If tarnish remains after using the above products, a silver polish will be required. (Please see my Silver Care Guide for help in choosing a polish.) As always, feel free to contact me should you have any questions.

Above: The right side of this sugar bowl was cleaned with Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar to demonstrate its tarnish-removal attribute.