Unlike other cleaning products, silver polishes aren't usually available in non-toxic or plant-based formulas (except for DIY solutions made of household ingredients). Gazzo recommends looking for silver polishes that are ammonia- and phosphate-free and wearing gloves and/or a mask if you have sensitivities. Most silver items are actually an alloy, which means that the silver is mixed with another metal to make it strong enough for everyday use or wear. Although other metals are sometimes used, copper is most commonly combined with fine silver to create a more durable alloy. When exposed to air, the alloy tarnishes in reaction to sulfur, pollutants, and moisture. The result is a dull, darkened, or even dirty appearance to what was once a brilliant shine. Types of silver

To clean badly tarnished silver, you need to use a heavy-duty cleaner that is strong enough to cut through the layers of tarnish. Q. What is the best way to clean sterling silver? Using a silver cleaning cloth is arguably the easiest way to clean small silver items. In addition to doing a good job of removing tarnish, the soft material buffs the metal for a mirror-like shine. Dips, which are sometimes called baths, are liquid solutions designed for dipping and soaking silver items with various degrees of tarnish. Some solutions come with trays for coating small pieces like rings or pendants. Items like flatware can be dipped, and larger pieces can be wiped with the liquid. Most dips require rinsing, and some include polishing cloths. Although the liquid can be a bit messy, dips are highly effective at removing even stubborn tarnish. Some silver polishes feature gentle solutions that are safe to use with silver jewelry that has gemstones. High-strength silver polish will clean heavily tarnished silver. Keep in mind that some silver polish can damage certain jewelry. Some cleaners can cause porous stones such as pearls, emeralds, and amber to lose some of the oil that gives them their color. Silver ItemsDirections: Dab a little bit on a soft cloth, rub it on any silver item, rinse it clean, and buff it dry. You'll also want to get acquainted with the different consistency options: Some polishes are liquid, while others are foam. Liquid polishes are the go-to option and can be applied with a rag, and smaller items like jewelry and flatware can be dipped directly into the solution. Foam polishes are often more powerful and can settle into the crevices of fine detailing, so it's a better choice for larger, more ornate silver pieces. Dry cloth silver polishes works without any moisture at all, so these are a good choice if you want to polish your silver without messes. However, cloths tend to require a little more scrubbing.

You can leave heavily tarnished items in the solution for as long as five minutes, but otherwise, remove the silver when it appears clean. We also reached out to Laura Elizabeth, owner and designer of luxury jewelry line Laura Elizabeth Jewelry. “When silver is exposed to oxygen or moisture, it tarnishes,” says Elizabeth whose creations are made of recycled brass, 14 karat gold, and sterling silver. Because metals don’t mix well together, she suggests keeping silver, gold, and rose gold separate when cleaning.Dry cloths are essential for polishing silver—they can remove any excess water or solution and add a layer of shine to the surface. We like the Hagerty Silversmiths' Gloves because they allow precision while polishing and require minimal cleanup. The gloves are made of a soft and absorbent heavy-gauge terry cloth that can withstand several cleanings. They're also expert-approved: Fahey always has these in his toolkit to gently massage silver jewelry and other items. It can be used to clean and polish antique silver, sterling silver, plated silver, and even gold. It is extra-mild so you don’t need to worry about it irritating your hands while you apply it, rinse it away, and dry your pieces. While it's smart to always wear gloves, this foam is milder than many other silver polishes. For some heavily tarnished items, you may need to scrub a bit, especially if they have intricate designs. An old toothbrush or a soft cloth can make this step much easier. Wipes: This type consists of a cloth coated with a dry cleaner. There is no need to squeeze a solution out of a bottle or apply a cream with wipes. Simply wipe the tarnish free, rinse, and buff. If you’re still wondering about which silver polish will work best for your needs, read on for answers to some of the most common concerns about silver polish. Q. Can tarnished silver be restored?