How to Clean German Silver Jewelry

Clean to remove dust and dirt from the surface. Use a clean cotton cloth and water to remove accumulated grime, and a cotton swab for the details. Gently dab the surface to remove excess moisture.

Once the item is cleaned, use a silver dip to test a small area to check to see if the surface reacts in a positive or negative way.

A silver dip may be used to remove tarnish that can make German silver items appear dull. If the item is small, place it in the dip for several seconds and then rinse completely. For larger items, place the dip on a cloth and gently work it into the surface for several seconds, then rinse and dry fully.

After using the silver dip, use a silver polish to complete the process and restore the luster. Apply with a cotton cloth and gently rub into the surface, followed by a rinse.

Use a brass cleaner if the silver dip/polish failed to clean the surface. Sometimes, depending on the composition of the metal, there is more copper than nickel, so a copper or brass cleaner will prove more effective. A reliable, homemade brass cleaner can be prepared using lemon and salt. Cut a fresh lemon in half, remove visible seeds, and sprinkle some table salt over the juicy side of the lemon. Rub the lemon onto the surface. Then, rinse it thoroughly to remove any citric acid that may remain.

Use a precious metals cleaning plate. To use, place the plate into a sink of hot water, add the activator that comes with the plate, and place the metal you wish to clean on the plate. Monitor the progress, and when you are satisfied, rinse the German silver piece.