The holiday season is right around the corner. I like to inventory (and inspect) linens and polish the serving dishes early, so I don’t end up rushing around at the last minute doing tedious tasks. Because a relaxed hostess is the most important ingredient to a successful party.
Frugal Silver Polish
All you need to polish your silver is a towel to place under the item, toothpaste and a old toothbrush.
Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush and start brushing your silver. Occasionally rinse your toothbrush and add more tooth paste. Rinse and dry your silver. Look for any places that you may have missed. Use the toothbrush and toothpaste to touch up as necessary.
Clean silver, produced without harsh, expensive chemicals. You should be careful not to keep the toothpaste away from young children and animals, as the fluoride can be dangerous in large quantities.
N.B. I realized after I took this picture that it looks like there is a dark circle on the tray. The dark circle is actually a reflection of the overhead light. I’m too lazy to go back and take the picture again. 🙂
How do you prepare for the holiday season? Do you have any tips to make it easier?
For more ideas for how to save time and money in your kitchen visit Kitchen Tip Tuesday at Tammy’s Recipes. To see what works for other bloggers visit Works For Me Wednesday at We Are That Family.
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Jeff Herman says
NEVER Use Toothpaste as a Silver Polish
I’m a silver restoration & conservation specialist. Toothpaste should NEVER be used as a silver polish. Some toothpastes contain baking soda or other ingredients which are much too abrasive; even trace amounts can cause serious damage. Use polishes that are specifically formulated to remove tarnish from silver.
Iris says
Thanks for the tip! I just tried this on my jewelry and it worked perfectly.
Alea says
Jane, I was think as I was cleaning the silver, "I wonder if I could do this with baking soda?" but I was too low on baking soda to give it a try. I'm glad to know it works, next time I may be low on toothpaste. 🙂
Sarah says
My sister taught me that trick for my silver jewelry. It was a HUGE help when I was getting ready for a wedding in a hotel, and didn't realized how tarnished my necklace looked. I just rubbed toothpaste on it with my fingers & rinsed off. It was just the thing!
Struggler says
Goodness, I'd never heard that tip either. I'll be trying it for sure – my recent enthusiastic thrift store buy turned out to be a nightmare to polish!
Shana says
We always use toothpaste to clean silver. it is great and cheap! Thanks so much for your comments and prayers! I think it will all be ok after he goes to the ent. Surely they will see this is ridiculous.
Tracey says
That's a great tip! Now if only someone could give me some silver to try it on….
Angela says
Thanks for the tip. Now I can polish my silver jewelry without buying fancy polish.
Vickie's Michigan Garden (my backyard) says
Wow it worked great, looks like new -good tip.
I've been doing the little things too.
vickie
The Thrifty Countrywoman says
I never heard this tip before. I just make a past with baking soda to clean mine.
Jane