Our house is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be happy.

How to Polish Silver Naturally

Silver is a traditional gift given when a couple marries. Taking care of it, however, isn’t always easy. Here is how you can polish silver naturally and more easily.

#1 – Determine how much silver you have to clean to decide whether to use your sink or a large bowl. Small quantities can usually be cleaned in a bowl; larger quantities may take your sink.

#2 – Tear aluminum foil off the roll and cover the entire bottom of a bowl or in your sink. Place it shiny side up or the process won’t work as well.

#3 – Fill the container half-way or with enough lukewarm water so the silver will be totally submerged.

#4 – Add two tablespoons of salt per each cup of water. Be sure the salt all remains on the aluminum foil if didn’t cover the entire bottom.

#5 – Place the silver pieces into the water, ensuring each piece touches the aluminum, and allow the items to soak for 10 to 15 minutes.

#6 – The tarnish will transfer from the silver to the aluminum foil due to ionization. It may take longer to soak to remove heavily tarnishing. If this is the case, you’ll want to change the water, salt, and aluminum between cleanings.

#7 – Remove each piece from the water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Another method to polish silver naturally is to grind banana peels in a food processor. Use the paste to clean and shine your silver. You can also use plain toothpaste on a soft cloth followed by rinsing and drying it.


  • The how to guide, "How to Polish Silver Naturally" was added to Natural Cleaning Recipes on December 5, 2009 and has been viewed 132 times.

:: top of page ::

Cleaning Tip #19

Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.

How to Guides

11 Cleaning Articles

Site Credits