How do you remove rust from sterling silver flatware?

Question

The dishwasher killed it - any ideas?

Answer 1

First, be sure it's really sterling silver. True sterling silver is very expensive, and probably was your grandmother's. It's heavy because it's solid silver. The "hollowware" or knives (so called because the handles are hollow) should be handwashed. Sterling doesn't rust, though it will get a dark tarnish.

Silverplate, on the other hand, is more modern styled and if the silver layer wears off, it is possible to rust if the base metal was steel and not brass. I would use a gentle silver polish on the rusted areas. You don't want to remove any more of the silver plating. There are companies which specialize in replating silverplate, generally by the piece.

Maybe what you have is stainless steel flatware, which can rust even if it's 18/8 stainless if it is badly worn. I'd use a partly worn out Scotchbrand scrubbie sponge to remove the rust on stainless.

Dishwasher detergent is very harsh. It has to be to dissolve grease and leftover food. The high powered hot water combined with the harsh detergent will ruin good crystal, silverplate and sterling, and any china with metal rims.

Answer 2

First off, "True" Silver does _Not_ rust. Instead, it discolors (Tarnishes). You probably have Silver Plated flatware. And chances are, that there is 'some' STEEL under that plating. And that's where any rust would come from.

I'm pretty sure "Naval Jelly" makes a product that will remove your rust. Check your local hardware store or Home Improvement Center and ASK someone to help you. But _Be Careful_! Even if the person just hands it to you and says to try it, before you leave, Look At The Label and check for what metals 'not' to use it on. If Silver or Sterling Silver is mentioned, ask for something different so you don't waste your money.

HOWEVER, I'm almost certain the rust has already started to deteriorate the finish. So even if you get the rust completely removed, expect to see a difference of the lustre of the shine. If you don't see a difference, I'd be very surprised, which means you caught it and removed it "Just in the nick of time". Good Luck. :))

Answer 3

I think some otherwise sterling silver knives must have some silver plated steel blades that get worn at the edge (especially the tip) and rust (iron oxide) may form there. How to remove that?

Answer 4

I use offering bowls made of pure silver on my Family Buddha Shrine... As silver tarnishes with oxidisation ,Once a month we needed to clean it. Apart from silver polish or silver dip ( which I am told will actually damage the silver if used too often ), another good polish to use is tooth paste.

Silver dip is the EASIEST!!! Just soak the silver item into the dip for less than 15 secs and it comes out looking almost brand new!!! Just rinse and dry after.

Answer 5

There is something called naval gel for removing rust but, I didn't realize that sterling silver would rust. Are you sure it's sterling?

Answer 6

Hmm I'm pretty sure that there is a chemical that removes rust.

Answer 7

Antique fair or Antique store. just a different answer than e-bay