Silver tarnishes when it comes into contact with sulfur. Since there are small amounts of sulfur-containing gasses in the air, even well-kept flatware can tarnish with time, causing spots of discoloration.
There are several ways to remove silver tarnish, which range from scrubbing to soaking. Today, we’ll show you the easiest, hands-off method for making your silverware look like new again.
Give Your Silverware a Foil, Baking Soda, and Salt Bath
Place a drain plug in the sink. Line the bottom of your sink with tin foil. Then, place your silverware on the foil. Pour a pot of boiling water into the sink, and add a heaping spoonful of baking soda and a heaping spoonful of salt. Allow the silverware to soak for at least fifteen minutes. Afterward, rinse with fresh water and towel dry with a microfiber cloth.
The silver on aluminum creates an electromagnetic reaction. The black dots and discoloration that were littering your flatware will transfer to the foil, leaving your silverware looking like new.
Note: During this process, you may notice a rotten egg/sulfur-like smell. This odor is hydrogen sulfide, created during the chemical reaction. Open up windows and ventilate the room to dissipate the smell.
When You’re Low On Time, Quickly Shine Your Silverware with This Method
When there’s not enough time to let your silverware soak, give them a quick polish with baking soda. Put about half a cup of baking soda in a bowl or cup and add water until a paste forms. Then, dip a microfiber rag in the mixture and scrub the silverware. The baking soda’s abrasiveness will help remove old water spots, dirt, and some tarnish. After cleaning, rinse and buff dry with a towel.
If your silverware has a lot of tarnish, replace the water with lemon juice. A mixture of lemon juice and baking soda will remove oxidation, leaving your silverware shiny and clean. In a small bowl, add ½ cup of baking soda. Then pour in lemon juice and mix until a paste forms. Coat your silverware in the paste, let them sit for a few minutes, and then wash them off with dish soap and water. Rinse and buff dry with a towel to create shine.
