How to Clean a Silver Polishing Cloth

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Pretreated silver polishing cloths bring shine back to your silver because of the tarnish-cleaning compounds that are woven into them. These compounds are sometimes referred to as jeweler's rouge, so you may hear the cloth called a jeweler's rouge cloth. Since minute polishing particles are woven into the fabric, do not launder a pretreated silver polishing cloth. Washing it may damage the compounds and affect its ability to clean silver.

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When you want to launder your silver polishing cloth, check its label or packaging first for recommendations. Most silver polishing cloth manufacturers agree that cloths are usable without washing for a long time after they first appear to be dirty.

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Tarnished Cloth

The dirt you see on a pretreated polishing cloth is just the tarnish that has been wiped away from your silver. Tarnish on the cloth can appear yellow, brown or -- in severe cases -- black. Even with the tarnish smudges, your silver polishing cloth is still an effective cleaner. With average household use, a silver polishing cloth lasts about two years without any need for laundering. You'll know when it's time for a new silver polishing cloth when the one you have starts to pill, or develop little fabric balls like sweaters do.

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Pretreated Cloth Care

Fold your cloth into quarters and use a small section at a time to polish silver. Once an area becomes dark gray or black, fold the cloth again and clean with a fresh section of the cloth. Store silver polishing cloths in their original packaging or in a resealable plastic bag.

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Washable Polishing Cloth

Cloths that have not been pretreated with jeweler's rouge can be washed, but these cloths must be used in conjunction with a silver polish liquid or paste. Cloths that are 100 percent cotton, such as soft cotton flannel pieces or a cloth baby diaper, are good choices if you are not buying a pretreated silver polishing cloth. For best results, wash these cloths separately to avoid exposing other laundry to the polishing chemicals.

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You can also clean silver with a variety of household ingredients that you may already have in your cupboards without having to use chemical compounds. For best results, wash silver in warm, soapy water first before polishing.

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