How to Clean Fine Sterling Silver

Sterling silver can shine like new if you take the time to clean it properly. Adversely, your silver can dull and stain if you don't clean it, or if you clean it improperly. Over time, the shiny metal starts to discolor and only a few cleaning products can make it bright again. As long as you take your time and do your job competently, though, cleaning your sterling silver is a simple task that will take no longer than a half an hour.

Instructions

1

Line a large cooking pot with tin foil. Set it on the stove and fill it with a solution of the baking soda, salt, dish soap and water. Turn on the stove to a medium-high heat.

2

Set your sterling silver items into the pot before the water has a chance to heat. Separate the items along the bottom of the pot so none of them touch.

3

Wait until the water boils for at least 10 minutes. Remove the pot from the burner and allow it to set for two to five minutes.

4

Set a strainer in the sink. Pick up the pot and slowly pour the hot water from the pot into the strainer. Hold the lip of the pot close to the strainer so your silver doesn't fall far from the pot to the strainer.

5

Run cold water over the hot silver. Once it has some time to cool, stir the contents of the strainer with your hand to ensure a proper rinsing.

6

Throw away the aluminum and set aside the pot. Set out a towel next to the sink and set your silver items on it. Dry the silver pieces one by one to avoid staining the metal.