Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved silver and that includes vintage silverware and antique silver serving dishes, platters, and tea sets.
The one thing I don’t like about silver is the tarnish. Rather than just giving up on silver, I tried this cleaning tip that I remember my mother using when I was growing up.
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At the time, I thought it was odd, but it worked and thankfully, I remembered it and today I want to share it with you.
How To Clean Silver with Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil
I found this antique silver tray at my favorite antique store for $5.00.
It was in definite need of some polishing/cleaning so this was my test piece.
I also thought, what the heck, and tried it on a set of silverware I found for only $15.00 during a shopping trip to a thrift store while on vacation.
If you’ll be using your kitchen sink for this be sure to put the stopper in fully first so the solution stays in place and can do its magic.
If using a glass
Line the sink or
Place silver pieces directly on top of the aluminum foil.
Do not stack the pieces if possible. The goal is to have each piece in direct contact with the aluminum foil.
Sprinkle pieces heavily with
Next, pour boiling water into sink or container allowing the water to dissolve the
Make sure all of the silver pieces are fully immersed/covered by the solution.
Allow everything to soak for 3 to 5 minutes.
If the results aren’t quite what you would like, repeat the process.
When the results achieved are what you desire, rinse each piece and dry with a soft cloth like microfiber.
How To Clean Silver
This recipe for how to clean silver is the best ever for a natural silver polish and tarnish remover. It works like magic and the tarnish literally disappears right before your eyes.
Materials
- Baking Soda
- Aluminum Foil
- Water
Tools
- Sink with stopper or glass baking dish
Instructions
- Place stopper in sink (if using sink).
- Line sink or glass baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Place silver on top of aluminum foil in direct contact with the foil.
- DO NOT STACK pieces.
- Sprinkle silver heavily with baking soda.
- Boil water in tea kettle.
- Pour boiling water from the side (not directly on to the baking soda). Add boiling water until all pieces are covered by the baking soda and water solution.
- Allow silver to soak in the solution for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove silver from water, rinse, and dry with a soft cloth.
Notes
Do not use paper towels to dry the silver as they will scratch your pieces.
Store cleaned silver wrapped in microfiber clothes or soft flannel to keep it shiny and ready for use.
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There it is ~ a quick, easy and inexpensive way to clean your silver WITHOUT polishing.
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Anna L Plaisance
Tuesday 13th of July 2021
HI! So excited to try this trick today! My mom has literally a closet full of silver plated platters, cups, servers etc that she wanted to get rid of when she sold her house! So Ive got alot to practice on! Does anyone know if the silver is chalk painted after cleaned would become tarnished again and change the color of the paint? Thanks again!❤
Mary Beth
Wednesday 14th of July 2021
I'm so glad you found the tip helpful, Anna! I hope it works wonders for you. Also, I'm not sure about painted silver but if I find anything out, I'll respond here to let you know.
Debbie
Saturday 6th of February 2021
Worked like a charm. Thanks for this awesome tip.
Mary Beth
Sunday 7th of February 2021
I am so glad to hear that, Debbie! Thank you for letting me know.
linda
Friday 11th of December 2020
I'm goingto give this a try. This is a job my granddaughter does for me when sjhe wants soem extra money. She is 11.
Mary Beth
Friday 11th of December 2020
Hi Linda - I hope it works wonderfully for her...and how sweet! <3
Saturday 16th of March 2019
4.5
Darcy
Monday 4th of February 2013
It does not say how long to soak it for?
Mary Beth
Monday 4th of February 2013
Hi Darcy,
Once the water cools down it looses it's effectiveness. That being said, when I cleaned my silver all of the cleaning took place in approximately 3 minutes. I cleaned some more today just to time if for you. : ) Once it's done, rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
I hope that answered your question.
Thanks for stopping by,
Mary Beth