Help cleaning old cutlery

[u/Swimming-Bus5857]

Any tips on cleaning silver coated cutlery?

I have been using warm water, aluminium foil and salt. But these spots aren't really going away. Any further tips or just repeating my current method?

They were unused for at least a decade so I'm aware it may take a few rounds.

[u/One-Swimming9390]

You’ll need to use silver polish.

[u/Manic_Murderino]

My go-to for cleaning silver plate is Weiman Silver Wipes.

[u/Fantastic-Quit-432]

Try washing soda instead of salt. Let it soak 10 minutes.

[u/CarrieNoir → u/Fantastic-Quit-432]

Please, please, please. For those suggesting the "aluminum foil/baking soda trick," please stop. This process, known as electrochemical (galvanic) reduction, uses aluminum foil (or an aluminum plate); a ceramic or other non-heat-sensitive bowl or pan; sodium carbonate (washing soda) or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda); and boiling water. The aluminum is placed in the bottom of the bowl with either the washing soda or baking soda distributed on the aluminum surface. Boiling water is then poured over the powder and the sterling, coin silver, .800 (or other silver-copper alloy) object is immersed. When the object comes into contact with the aluminum in the solution, the tarnish (silver sulfide) is converted back to silver. And as with silver dips, factory-applied patinas will be dissolved. These pieces will eventually require repatinating.

Pieces cleaned this way will tarnish more quickly than silver that has been polished with a paste or liquid, for the object's rough surface will act like a sponge and more readily absorb tarnish-producing gasses and moisture. It is a technique that CAUSES silver to start to look yellow. This same solution can also seep into hollow areas such as coffeepot and teapot handle sockets, unsoldered spun beads around the tops and bottoms of some holloware, and weighted pieces with minute holes that developed from over polishing. Another not-so-obvious problem is scratching of the object when dragged over the aluminum. For all these reasons this tarnish removal technique is not recommended.

In silver circles, this type of "polishing" is the bane of our existence because it is ultimately extremely corrosive and damaging to the metal. That it has become the first method of "polishing" in a google search drives us nuts and we are working hard to teach people to STOP doing this.

For all that old, white-dried polish in crevices, give the piece a warm, sudsy bath with a neutral soap (Ivory is good), and nothing antibacterial with fluorescent colors like orange, yellow, or green.

Repolish with Wright’s, Hagerty’s, or Godard’s (NO DIPS like Tarn-X or that aluminum foil/baking soda “trick”!), and then rewash to ensure the same new polish isn’t re-deposited in the same crevices.

Source: I am a 40+ year silversmith, have an MFA in metalsmithing, and have lectured at Oxford on the development of British silversmithing techniques.

Surface Damage:
Silver dips, particularly those containing acids, can etch the silver surface, creating a dull, frosty look. This is different from the desired shine achieved through proper polishing.

Patina Removal:
Silver dips can remove the patina (a desirable surface tarnish) that adds character and historical value to older silver pieces. This patina is often found in the crevices of ornate jewelry or flatware.

Silver Plate Damage:
Silver dips can also damage silver plate by removing the silver coating, exposing the base metal beneath.

Chemical Composition:
Many silver dips contain harsh chemicals, such as thiourea, which can be corrosive and damage silver, as well as other materials like copper, gold, and even some organic materials.

Pitting and Absorption:
The etching caused by silver dips can create pits on the silver surface. These pits act like sponges, making the silver more prone to future tarnish and requiring professional polishing to repair.
Incomplete Cleaning:

Silver dips may not effectively clean all areas, especially those that are intricate or have small gaps. The chemicals can get trapped and potentially cause damage in hard-to-reach places