How to Clean German Silver

Quck answer

German silver, also known as nickel silver, is a popular material used in jewelry and decorative items. To clean German silver, start by mixing equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and gently rub the tarnished areas of the silver. Rinse the silver with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the tarnished areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing and drying. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes, as they can damage the silver.


German silver, also known as nickel silver, paktong silver, or alpacca silver, is an alloy made of nickel, copper, and zinc. Cleaning German silver requires special care, as regular silver cleaning products may not be effective. While precious metals cleaning plates can be used for both silver and German silver, it is important to consult the product manual for confirmation.

Step 1

Start by washing the item with warm water and mild dish soap to remove dirt, dust, and oils. Rinse thoroughly and gently dry the surface using a soft, static-free, lint-free cloth.

Step 2

Prepare a sink or bathtub filled with hot water and place the precious metals cleaning plate in it. Follow the instructions provided with your cleaning plate to add the appropriate amount of activator specific to your brand.

Step 3

Submerge the tarnished item in the hot water, ensuring it comes into contact with the cleaning plate. Allow the tarnish to dissolve and transfer onto the plate. The time required for this process may vary depending on the level of tarnish.

Step 4

Rinse the item with warm water and gently dry the surface using a soft, static-free, lint-free cloth.

Step 5

For heavy tarnish, repeat steps 2 to 4 but increase the amount of activator used. Refer to the instructions provided with your precious metals cleaning plate for the recommended amount.

Step 6

For stubborn stains, soak the item in a mixture of one part ammonia and three parts water for up to 30 minutes. Use gloves to remove the item from the solution and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Gently dry the surface using a soft, static-free, lint-free cloth.

Step 7

Finally, polish the item. Ensure it has been rinsed with warm water and completely dried. Use a Selvyt polishing cloth to gently buff the item until it shines.

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