Give Your Good Silver A Protective Layer Using WD-40

Whether it's you or your sweet grandmother who is the fine silver collector of the family, you know that tarnish is the bane of any silver lover's existence. That dulling black film that collects on silver is caused by a chemical reaction between it and airborne sulfur compounds. Even though a regular polish removes tarnish and restores that silvery shine, the task is nonetheless time-consuming and can even slowly wear down the surface of the silver. Fortunately, you can slow down that process and protect your silver by applying a thin layer of WD-40 to it. While many people know the product for quieting squeaky things, the light oil-based solvent also offers a protective barrier. And in the case of grandma's beloved silver, it can help seal its surface, protecting it and keeping it from tarnishing.

This clever hack is great for most silver items, albeit with one huge caveat: you can't use it on silver that will come into direct contact with food. So, go nuts polishing any cherished silver pieces you have lying around like elegant picture frames, ornate candelabras, decorative silver vases, or even jewelry. You don't want anything damaging your silverware or serving trays, nor do you want to be consuming traces of a chemical lubricant with your next formal meal. WD-40 is not food-safe. Having it on any of those items causes an immediate health risk, as it can be harmful if you ingest it. Do your best to reserve the WD-40 method for display-only type items.

Make sure your silver is completely clean and tarnish-free before you seal it in WD-40. For a dirty silver item, use a gentle degreasing soap to get the surface clean. If there's lots of gunk, let it sit in a bowl of soapy warm water, and if there are small nooks and crannies, use a soft brush to clean those areas out. Then, give it a rinse under warm water. If your silver is also tarnished, use some silver polish to get it looking nice and new again. After all, anything left will get stuck underneath the WD-40, which defeats the purpose. Now this isn't a necessary step, but feel free to also test the WD-40 on a small hidden spot of your silver item if you're worried about negatively affecting a unique patina or finish.

As you begin to apply the WD-40, just remember that a light touch is the key here. Spray it directly onto your item or indirectly onto a clean soft cloth (we recommend microfiber, as it's gentle). Then use a small circular motion to rub in the WD-40 onto the item until you've covered its entire surface.

Now, grab a second clean, dry cloth to lightly buff it. Using a second cloth ensures the finish is smooth and even and removes any excess WD-40. This protective layer helps delay the tarnishing process. You can repeat these steps as needed to help your silver stay protected. Give this unconventional hack a try to keep your beautiful silver gleaming while on display.