How to easily clean tarnished silver-plated metal?

Silver-plated metal is often perceived as a symbol of elegance and refinement. Whether it's cutlery, serving trays, teapots, or decorative vases, these items add a touch of sparkle to your home and table.

However, over time, these items can lose their shine and become dull, or even black, due to oxidation. If you're wondering how to restore the shine of your silver-plated metal, this article will provide you with professional solutions and practical tips for caring for your precious items.

What is silver-plated metal?

Silver-plated metal is a material made up of a base metal, usually bronze or copper, covered with a very thin layer of silver using a process called electroplating. This coating gives silver-plated objects their shine and elegance, while being a more economical alternative to solid silver.

Unlike solid silver, which is made up of 92.5% pure silver (sterling silver), silver-plated metal has only a thin layer of silver over a less precious metal base. This thin silver layer is what gives the items their shine, but it is also more fragile and can wear out over time and repeated cleaning.

Why does silver-plated metal tarnish?

Like solid silver, silver-plated metal is prone to tarnishing. Tarnishing is a natural process that occurs when silver reacts with sulphur in the air, creating a layer of silver sulphide that gives the object a blackened appearance. This phenomenon is accelerated by several factors:

• Exposure to air: Air contains small amounts of sulphur, which reacts with the silver, causing it to darken.

• Humidity: A humid environment accelerates tarnishing.

• Contact with certain foods: Foods rich in sulphur, such as eggs, onions, or fish, can speed up the tarnishing process.

• Natural wear: With regular use and cleaning, the thin silver layer covering silver-plated metal may wear down, exposing the base metal (brass or copper), which further alters the appearance of the object.

What is the difference between solid silver and silver-plated metal?

It is important to understand that solid silver and silver-plated metal, although they share aesthetic similarities, are very different materials and require distinct care. Here's a summary of the main differences:

• Sterling silver: Made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (mainly copper). It is a precious and durable material.

• Silver-plated metal: Made of a less precious metal base (copper, brass, bronze, nickel) that is covered with a thin layer of silver. It is more fragile than solid silver.

How to clean tarnished silver-plated metal? 

Although it is more fragile than solid silver, silver-plated metal can be maintained and restored to its original shine, provided that appropriate cleaning methods are used.

With over 130 years of expertise, Hagerty has developed home-use cleaning solutions that deliver professional results in just a few minutes.

Silver-plated cutlery

Silver-plated cutlery, often used daily, is particularly prone to tarnishing. Exposure to food, water, and air can quickly affect their appearance.

If the silver-plated metal is worn, damaged, or if the silver layer is thin, the recommended product is Hagerty Silver & Multimetal Foam.

Hagerty Silver & Multimetal Foam

This cleaning foam quickly restores the shine to silver while protecting the base metal. Its action is fast and effective, and the product protects against future oxidation and tarnishing.

The paste does not cause any scratches or marks on the metals and is suitable for frequent cleaning of cutlery.

This product is also suitable for cleaning pewter, stainless steel and silverware.

Hagerty Silver Guard Cutlery Rolls

To preserve your sterling silver and silver-plated cutlery, Hagerty offers a range of eight protective rolls of various sizes. Opt for fabric storage pouches impregnated with an anti-tarnishing formula that slow down oxidation to ensure the longevity of your tableware.

Tableware: trays, teapots, bowls, sauceboats

Silver-plated tableware items, such as serving trays or carafes, are key pieces for meals or events. These objects, often in contact with food or drinks, require special care. To maintain these pieces, Hagerty has developed a specific product and impregnated storage bags to slow down tarnishing.

Hagerty Silver Care

This product is specially designed for silver or silver-plated tableware items. The paste deeply cleans while leaving a protective layer that prevents oxidation from returning quickly.

The product is safe for items that come into contact with food, such as teapots or bowls, as the item must be rinsed after cleaning. Additionally, it ensures no scratches or marks on the metal.

Hagerty Silver Guard Holloware Bags

Once your tableware items are cleaned, it is recommended to store them in specific protective bags to prevent them from being exposed to air and moisture, two factors that accelerate tarnishing.

Hagerty offers three storage bags of various sizes. Opt for these bags, impregnated with an anti-tarnishing formula, which slow oxidation and ensure the longevity of your tableware.

Decorative objects: vases, candlesticks, frames, pots

Decorative items made of silver-plated metal, such as candlesticks, trays, or decorative sweet dishes, add an elegant touch to your home. However, these items tend to tarnish as they are exposed to air and humidity, which accelerates their tarnishing.

Hagerty has developed a range of specific products for maintaining silver and silver-plated decorative items.

Polishing Lotion: Hagerty Silver Polish

This product is a must-have for cleaning and polishing silver and silver-plated items. It quickly removes traces of tarnishing while leaving a protective layer that slows the oxidation process.

Thanks to its controlled particle size, Silver Polish guarantees scratch-free and mark-free cleaning of the metal. It is perfect for large, smooth objects such as trays or vases.

Polishing Gloves: Hagerty Silver Gloves

These dry, impregnated gloves with an anti-tarnish formula are an ideal solution for polishing silver or silver-plated items with complex shapes, such as chandeliers or champagne buckets.

They allow you to hold the item firmly during cleaning while keeping your hands dry and clean. Cleaning is easy, delivers instant results, and does not cause any micro-scratches or marks on the metal, thanks to the high-quality knit fabric.

Silverware Spray: Hagerty Silver Spray

For quick and efficient cleaning of engraved or carved silver items, Silver Spray is an excellent option. It cleans and makes pieces shine in just seconds, without requiring intense scrubbing.

Impregnated Cloth: Hagerty Silver Duster

This 100% cotton cloth, dry-impregnated with an anti-tarnish formula, has been specially designed to restore the shine of oxidised silver or silver-plated items. It is perfect for regular maintenance and does not require any liquid product.

Thanks to its high-quality weave, it guarantees no scratches or marks on the metal.

In summary

To prolong the life and shine of your silver-plated metal items, it is essential to adopt a regular maintenance routine. Here are some tips for taking care of your precious belongings:

• Clean after use: After each use, clean and take care of your items with Hagerty products. They offer safe, easy, and quick cleaning.

• Store in a dry place: Humidity is one of the main factors that cause tarnishing. After cleaning, store your items in specific protective bags (Hagerty Silver Guards) and in a dry place. Your pieces will then be ready for use.

• Use your silverware: Hagerty encourages you to use your silver pieces, no matter the occasion. The brand’s care products make cleaning silverware so simple that you don't have to fear tarnishing or staining it.

Whether you own cutlery, decorative items, or silver-plated tableware, Hagerty’s cleaning products are specifically formulated for their maintenance. Moreover, they guarantee a simple, effective, and safe use, unlike some of the home remedies that are sometimes suggested.

Take care of your precious items with quality products so they can continue to shine for generations to come.