How to easily clean silver: tricks to make your silver cutlery shine like new

Why does silver turn black?

It's completely normal for silver to darken over time, especially if you don't use it frequently. The main cause is oxidation, a natural process that occurs when silver comes into contact with air and moisture. This is why it's so common to find silver cutlery with black stains after being stored for a while.

But the good news is that there are very effective tricks to clean silver, and some of them are even used in the best restaurants.

Homemade tricks to clean silver

1. Clean silver with alcohol

One of the simplest and most effective methods for cleaning silver at home is to use alcohol.

How to do it?

• Soak a cotton ball with a little alcohol.

• Gently rub the surface of the cutlery.

• Then, use a dry, white cloth to dry and polish the silver.

This trick is perfect if you want quick results and have alcohol at home. In a few minutes, your cutlery will look brand new.

2. Clean silver with gin

Yes, you read that right. Cleaning silver with gin is a little-known trick but widely used in fine dining.

Why does it work? Gin contains alcohol and essential oils that help dissolve oxidation on the surface of the silver without damaging it.

How to use it?

• Moisten a white cloth with a little gin.

• Gently rub the silver cutlery.

• Dry and polish with another clean, dry cloth.

And if there's a little gin left over... you can toast while you clean. 😉

Tips to keep your silver cutlery shiny

• Use your silver cutlery regularly. Frequent use prevents oxidation.

• Store it in a dry place, away from moisture.

• Wrap the silver in tissue paper or cotton cloths when not in use.

• Avoid contact with harsh cleaning products or perfumes.

Below you can see the step-by-step video: