Short answer: first check the finish. A polished silver idol can be washed in lukewarm water with a little mild soap, rinsed, and dried completely with a soft cotton cloth. An antique-finish (oxidised) idol should only be wiped with a soft dry cloth or a soft brush. Dips, polishing pastes and acidic home remedies will strip the dark finish that shows its detail.
Step 1: Know your idol’s finish
- Polished: bright and mirror-like all over.
- Antique (oxidised): darkened in the recesses so the carving stands out. Most of our idols at G V Silver have this hand-applied antique finish.
How to clean a polished silver idol
- Rinse the idol in lukewarm water.
- Wash gently with a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid, using a soft cloth or an old soft toothbrush for the corners.
- Rinse well with clean water.
- Dry immediately and completely with a soft cotton cloth. Water left in crevices causes spots.
- For extra shine, buff with a silver polishing cloth.
How to clean an antique-finish silver idol
- Dust it with a soft, dry brush, such as a makeup brush or a soft paintbrush.
- Wipe the raised surfaces with a soft dry cloth.
- If it is sticky from oil or prasad, wipe with a cloth that is barely damp with mild soapy water, then dry straight away.
- Do not use silver dips, polishing paste, baking soda, toothpaste, tamarind or lemon. They remove the antique finish from the details.
If an antique idol has lost its finish or needs a deep clean, a silversmith can clean it and re-apply the antique finish. Bring it to our Nagarbhavi showroom and we will advise you.
Removing kumkum, turmeric and lamp oil
- Clean kumkum and turmeric soon after pooja, with a soft brush and a slightly damp cloth. The longer they sit, the harder they are to remove.
- Wipe lamp oil and ghee with a cloth and a drop of mild soap, then dry.
- Avoid scrubbing pads and steel wool, which scratch silver.
How to store silver idols so they tarnish less
- Keep idols dry. Moisture and humidity speed up tarnish.
- When not in daily use, store them in a soft cloth pouch or an airtight box. A silica gel sachet in the box helps.
- Keep silver away from rubber, wool and cleaning chemicals.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use tamarind or lemon to clean silver idols?
On plain polished silver they can remove tarnish, but they are acidic, so rinse thoroughly and dry. Never use them on antique-finish idols, because they strip the dark finish.
How often should I clean my silver idols?
A gentle wipe after pooja keeps them looking good. Wash polished idols when they look dull; antique idols usually need only dusting.
Why is my new silver idol dark in places?
That is the antique finish, applied deliberately to bring out the carving. It is not dirt or tarnish.
See our handcrafted antique silver idols.