How To Clean Silver with Baking Soda
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
Equipment
- Sink with stopper or glass baking dish
Supplies
- Baking Soda
- Aluminum Foil
- Water
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
There it is ~ a quick, easy and inexpensive way to clean your silver WITHOUT polishing.
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Thank you for the tip. There is no way that I want to sit and polish silver. This is why I pass up sterling silver.
~we may have met by chance...but we become friends by choice.
https:simpleesue.com/household-tips-tuesday-3
Thank so much for stopping by, Sue ~ I'm glad you liked the tip. Since I've been cleaning my silver this way I find that I am definitely using it more and I'm on the lookout to buy more ~ the baking soda and hot water are so much easier than the smelly nasty cream I used to use. Have a wonderful week! hugs, mb
I came over from My Romantic Home. What an amazing tip. I've steered clear of silver/silverplate for this very reason of polishing, yet I've inherited pieces I'd love to be using for display. Thanks!
I'm so happy you stopped by and found a useful tip ~ have a lovely weekend! hugs, mb
wow I never knew about this trick! inspired now to tackle my sad looking silver! xoxo
Very cool tip! Thanks for sharing. I stopped by from six sisters!
Thanks a lot for the tip and I was learned on how to clean a silver. I have so many silver in the house and some of which was stained. BY the way thanks once again for this tips.
I LOVE silver and have some sweet pieces, but while I start out enjoying the polishing it soon becomes a chore especially when I buy a big lot of silverware or a boxlot of trays. My husband thinks I'm nuts when I display them partially or totally tarnished. I think they still have charm that way- sometimes more.
Does this work for silver jewelry as well?
Hi Gina, I have never tried it on silver jewelry so I'm not sure. If I ever do, I'll be sure to let you know. Sorry my answer wasn't more helpful. Thanks so much for stopping by. Mary Beth
It does not say how long to soak it for?
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
4.5
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.
Hi Linda - I hope it works wonderfully for her...and how sweet! <3
Worked like a charm. Thanks for this awesome tip.
I am so glad to hear that, Debbie! Thank you for letting me know.
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!❤
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.