Asked on May 28, 2017
How to clean collector's spoons?
by
TerriD
+6
This set of about 16 collector spoons were handed down from my mother. Most are at least 50 years old, and have been stored in a variety of conditions. They are beautiful, but filthy, and I would love to be able to display them again. Thank you!
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Wrights Silver Polish is the best. There's no quick fixes that do justice
I can't see the spoons, but I'd avise against cleaning ALL of the patina off. Patina is "nature's highlighting brush". I don't know if the spoons are all metal or are metal with the colored resin cabochons at the top, but if all metal, use a polish recommended for stainless. Put a very little bit on a cloth and just wipe the flat parts. Don't press into every nook and cranny. Rinse (or whatever cleaner suggests) and if a little more is needed, then repeat. Leaving the dark patina in places will accentuate the depth and scrollwork. by the way...my answer is really more about the aesthetics then specific cleaning. Im not overly picky about what I use, as i use it sparingly, always starting on the back. Good luck! And I'd love to know where to see a picture of these beautiful spoons!
Silver polishes like Wrights, Tarn X, etc. remove some of the metal. I sell a lot of silver on Ebay. Jewelry, silverware, serving sets. I use white toothpaste ( not gel) and a damp toothbrush. Put a dab on toothpaste on the brush a lightly brush. Rinse and wipe off. For large items I use a damp cloth. Also works on copper, brass, gold, porcelain, sneakers, etc. Makes gems sparkle. For my sales I needed one product for cleaning everything.
Carmen had a really great response. Over cleaning can damage precious metals. Use only a top quality cleaner. I know this is a little strange...but do you have, or know someone who has a good home food sealer? After the spoons are cleaned to your liking. seal each with the sealer. Offer to buy the bags. It will stop tarnishing and scratching. Keeping them as airtight as possible is the key to
preserving a precious memory.
Is this step necessary if the items are put in a clean display or put away properly? I love efficiency and I'm cheap lol
Jocelyne Charuk, it's the fine marble powder in white toothpaste that does the polishing (hydrated silica). I get toothpaste samples in the mail. Also buy the travel size at Walgreen's and Osco. I buy jewelry, along with other stuff, in thrift stores and garage sales. I buy vintage watches at garage sales, clean them up, replace the battery myself, and sell them. Toothpaste really cleans up scratches on the lens crystal.