How to Clean Silver with Coke

Co-authored by Hunter Rising

Last Updated: February 21, 2022 References Tested

Silver is a common metal used in jewelry or dinnerware. If you don’t have any chemical cleaner, you can use Coca-Cola, or Coke, as a simple cleaning substitute for sterling or plated silver. The acid in Coke works to cut through any grime or rust on the silver’s surface. Once you soak the silver in cola, you can have a piece that looks good and new!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Soaking the Silver

1
Put the silver piece in a bowl or container. Use a container large enough to hold the silver piece you’re cleaning. Make sure it’s deep enough so you can submerge the silver completely. Lay the silver on the bottom of the container.^{[1]
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2
Pour the Coke into the container until the silver is submerged. Make sure the silver is completely covered with the Coke. It doesn’t matter whether you use regular or Diet Coke.^{[2]
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- Substitute any carbonated cola if you don’t have Coke.
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3
Let the silver soak for 1 hour. Leave the silver in the Coke undisturbed. The acid in the Coke will help loosen any grime and residue from the silver. If you want to leave the silver in the Coke to clean it longer, keep it submerged for up to 3 hours.^{[3]
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- Check on the silver every 30 minutes to see how clean it is.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Cleaning off the Coke

1
Take the silver out of the Coke. Use a pair of tongs if you don’t want to get Coke on your fingers. Grab the silver and shake off any excess Coke back into the container. Set the silver on a piece of paper towel or on the table.^{[4]
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2
Use a toothbrush to scrub any remaining residue. Work a soft-bristled toothbrush in tight circles across your piece of silver. This helps scrape off any loosened tarnish or grime that didn’t come off with the Coke.^{[5]
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- Use a jewelry brush if you don’t have a spare toothbrush.
3
Rinse the silver under clean water. Run the silver under the faucet with cool, clean water or soak it in a container full of water. Shake off the excess water so the silver isn’t wet.^{[6]
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- Put a small piece of silver in a water bottle and shake it to rinse it.
4
Dry the silver off with a paper towel. As soon as you pull the silver out of the water, dry it off to prevent any tarnish or rust. Make sure it’s completely dry before putting it away again.^{[7]
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5
Polish the silver with mild dish soap. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water. Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water and rub the silver clean. Rinse the silver with cold water and buff it dry.^{[8]
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Community Q&A

Question

Does the Coke damage the coins? I have a really grimy old coin at my house that I want to make clean and shiny, but I don't want my old coin getting damaged from the Coke.

Community Answer

As long as you do not scrub the coin, the Coke will not damage it.
Question

I have a 1929 1/4oz .999 fine silver Indian incuse ring and I am wondering if this is safe for it?

Community Answer

It could go wrong trying to do it yourself, so it would be best to take it to an experienced jeweler.
Question

Does this actually work?

Community Answer

Yes it does work! But it is not recommended that you do it on expensive jewellery.