A silver polishing cloth is a useful tool to remove tarnish from your silver jewellery, hollowware and other silver items. It works by using a combination of tarnish-cleaning chemicals woven into the fabric which will not damage your precious silver. It is important to avoid washing the silver polishing cloth as it will remove these chemicals and make it less effective for polishing.

You can buy these silver cleaning cloths at most jewellers and some large department stores. These are a very affordable and efficient way to clean your silver. They will last for a very long time if they are cared for properly. You can also make your own silver polishing cloth at home by soaking a soft square flannel cloth in a solution of water and liquid silver polishing and cleaning agents. Some people even use sour milk to make their own silver polishing cloth.

Ketchup can be used on silver items if there is a light layer of tarnish built up. Squeeze a few drops on a paper towel and rub the silverware or jewellery. You can then rinse the silver with lukewarm water. This will also clean any silverware with intricate designs like fancy candlesticks.

Another way to remove tarnish from your silver is by lining a glass or ceramic bowl with aluminium foil and filling it with hot water and baking soda. Drop your silver jewellery or hollowware into the mixture for a minute then take them out with kitchen tongs and wash with lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Rinse them and leave them to dry on a piece of paper towel.  silver polishing cloth