How to Care for German Silver

German silver is not really silver at all. Also referred to as Paktong, nickel silver, new silver and Alpaca silver, German silver was developed by German chemists in the 1800s. German silver has the appearance of silver without the expensive price tag. It is made using a combination of tin, copper, zinc and nickel, and takes on a silvery hue resembling the real thing. Because German silver contains no silver, the material doesn't tarnish. However, it will eventually turn a greenish color due to the copper used in its production. Washing German silver is a simple, chemical-free process.

Instructions

1

Add a dime-sized amount of baby shampoo to a damp washcloth.

2

Scrub the German silver item gently with the damp, sudsy washcloth. German silver looks grimy and greenish when it needs to be cleaned, but it will not rust. Pay close attention to details and anywhere debris can gather while you are washing the object.

3

Rinse the soap from the washcloth and use the clean, wet washcloth to wipe away any shampoo residue remaining on the German silver item.

4

Dry the German silver object thoroughly with a dry, flannel cloth. Rubbing the surface makes the object sparkle and shine once again.