What is the best way to clean and maintain silver plated dishes?

I recently inherited some silver plated dishes from my grandmother, and I'm not quite sure how to freshen them up and take care of them.


Are there any specific products or techniques that I should use for cleaning? And are there any things that I should avoid doing?


I want to make sure that these dishes stay in good condition for as long as possible, as they have sentimental value to me. Any advice or tips that you can offer would be greatly appreciated.


Thank you

Silver plated dishes

  13 answers
  • William William on May 02, 2023

    I sell a lot of silver on Ebay. Jewelry, silverware, serving sets. Silver polish like Wrights and dips like TarnX tend to remove some of the metal. The foil method doesn't work that great and still leaves a grey film that still needs to be removed. I use white toothpaste (not gel) and a damp toothbrush. For large items I use a damp cloth. Also works on copper, brass, gold, porcelain, ceramics, sneakers, plastics, etc. For my sales I needed one product for cleaning everything. A dab of toothpaste on a damp toothbrush and gently brush letting it foam up. Wipe off with a damp cloth.


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  • I use polish on my silver pieces. It doesn't take long and brings them right back to their original shine. The brand I use is Weiman.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on May 03, 2023

    Don't use commercial silver polishes. You can clean with a paste of baking soda & water, wiping with a soft microfiber cloth.

    Periodic mild dishwashing detergent & warm water cleansing will help keep at bay.

    Air is the biggest enemy that causes tarnish so in a case would make cleanings less often. Humidity is also going to accelerate tarnish.

    I think it's wonderful that you have such a lovely keepsake.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on May 03, 2023

    I use the white toothpaste-non get, rub it on with a damp cloth, if there are tiny areas, then a soft damp toothbrush. Do not use a lot of pressure when rubbing.

  • I use Wright's silver polish to clean any silver I have. It's got a little sponge inside the container which makes it real easy to clean. Keep things wrapped up in cloth bags though that won't prevent future tarnish, just keeps them safe from scratches and dings.

  • Dee Dee on May 03, 2023

    Cleaning silver with aluminum foild and baking soda with salt works well on small and large pieces.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on May 04, 2023

    Maybe Clean then and put a sealer on them?

  • Rivka Hellendall Rivka Hellendall on May 07, 2023

    Thank you for all the great tips on cleaning my silver-plated dishes, I always appreciate the advice!

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 01, 2023

    Whatever you decide to use please be gentle not to use abrasive substances such as lemon, vinegar, salt, parmesan, cola, because they tend to corrode the surfaces.

  • Sandi Paulus Sandi Paulus on Nov 05, 2023

    I just spent 2 days cleaning and polishing my silver pieces. Vowing never again to do this, I searched for something to save me! I found this... ProtectaClear Kit 16oz with Polish. It's on Amazon, plus they have their own website with a LOT of information. I went there first and read all about it. It sounds like the answer I needed so I decided to order some and give it a try. I did order it on Amazon because it's a few dollars cheaper and arrives faster. It will arrive in 3-5 days. There are also some YouTube videos showing how to use aluminum foil, baking soda in boiling water to create a soak to clean silver, and that's what I did last week. It's pretty good, but I the ProtectaClear has polish to remove the tarnish and then a clear sealer to protect it from tarnish for years.

  • Janice Janice on Nov 05, 2023

    It's best to polish the silver on a regular basis so the silver doesn't pit.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Nov 06, 2023

    There are a number of ways from bicarb foil and water to silver plating polish. The only way to keep them looking good is to store them in a cabinet with a damp collector as that helps a lot!

  • Dee Dee on Nov 10, 2023

    Wash by hand in warm water and Dawn. Never put in dishwasher.