How to clean silver at home, using ketchup

Today, I’m going to show you how to clean your silver using ketchup in just a few minutes. 

Here’s what you’ll need –

1. Ketchup  

2. A soft cloth or sponge  

3. A soft-bristled toothbrush (for detailed areas)  

4. Warm water  

5. A microfiber cloth for drying

Before we begin, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

1. Test on a small area first:  

   Ketchup is mildly acidic, so always test it on a small part of your silver first, especially if it’s an antique or silver-plated.

2. Avoid exposure for a long period of time:  

   Don’t leave the ketchup on for too long, especially on silver-plated items, as it can eat away at the surface.

Alright, let’s get started

1. Apply the ketchup:  

   Take your ketchup and apply a generous amount onto the tarnished areas of the silver. Make sure it covers the surface well, but don’t let it sit for more than 10 minutes.

2. Gently rub with a soft cloth:  

   After 5-10 minutes, grab a soft cloth or sponge and gently rub the silver. You’ll notice the tarnish coming off with ease.

3. Use a toothbrush for intricate areas:  

   For any detailed or hard-to-reach spots, like in between patterns, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to get into those areas.

4. Rinse thoroughly:  

   Once you’re done rubbing, rinse the silver under warm water to remove the ketchup and tarnish residue.

5. Dry with a microfiber cloth:  

   Finally, use a microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry the silver, leaving it shiny and tarnish-free.

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Here are a few extra tips for using ketchup to clean silver:

1. Don’t use ketchup on oxidized silver:  

   If your silver has intentional oxidation for that antique look, avoid ketchup as it can strip that finish.

2. Repeat if necessary:  

   For heavily tarnished pieces, you may need to repeat the process a couple of times. Just don’t leave the ketchup on for too long!

3. Polish afterward:  

   For extra shine, give your silver a quick polish with a silver-specific polishing cloth after cleaning.

And that’s it!