cleaning plated silver

[Shelli]

please can someone tell me the best green cleaning method for EPNS cutlery? - - my neighbour's spoons have got very dull and need a good polish - but she doesn't want to use chemicals as they actually use the spoons for eating on high days and holidays

Would lemon juice work? - what about Coca Cola? (alright not very green I realise - but works on coins )

shelli X

[franbee]

I have a 'Polivit', a metal plate you put in a bowl of hot water with a handful of soda, immerse your silver for a few minutes then dry with a soft duster. I think you can use aluminium foil instead of the plate, cheap enough to try. The silver needs cleaning more regularly as there is no anti tarnish effect.

[keepersdaughter]

Shelli, I have several times that the aliminium foil method is supposed to work very well, never actually tried it myself, but may be worth trying particularly as it's very simple with no harsh chemicals. also I've tried toothpaste on a soft old toothbrush on some items.

Here are some things I found, the foil method is mentioned.

Silver has enemies. Rubber severely affects silver. Rubber corrodes silver, and it can become so deeply etched that only a silversmith can repair the damage. Raised designs can be lost permanently. Avoid using storage cabinets or chests with rubber seals, rubber floor coverings, rubber bands, etc.

Other enemies of silver include table salt, olives, salad dressing, eggs, vinegar and fruit juices. Serve these foods in china or glass containers. Although flowers and fruit look lovely in silver containers, the acid produced as they decay can etch the containers and cause serious damage. When using silver containers, use plastic or glass liners.

Baking Soda: Apply a paste of baking soda and water. Rub, rinse, and polish dry with a soft cloth. To remove tarnish from silverware, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and rub it on the silverware until tarnish is gone. Rinse and dry well.

Aluminum Foil, Baking Soda, and Salt: Place a sheet of aluminium foil in the bottom of a pan, add 2-3 inches of water, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil. Add silver pieces, boil 2-3 minutes, making sure the water covers the silver pieces. Remove silver, rinse, dry, and buff with a soft cloth. This method cleans the design and crevices of silver pieces.

Please note also: the other methods I've heard of using the foil do not suggest boiling, but using hot water and leave to soak for at least five minutes.

Toothpaste: To clean off tarnish, coat the silver with toothpaste, then run it under warm water, work it into a foam, and rinse it off. For stubborn stains or intricate grooves, use an old soft-bristled toothbrush

Good luck.

[Shelli]

wow - thank you KD and Franbee - I shall tell her about aluminium foil method - sounds good

thanks again
Shelli X

[franbee]

I'd be cautious about using toothpaste, it can have quite a coarse 'grit' and may scratch.
The foil method is not very good at removing heavy tarnish, ie things that are black, you would need to use a proper polish, then maintain with the foil method.