As silver oxidizes, it tends to tarnish. This layer of oxidation can be removed without polishing and scrubbing by simply dipping your silver in this non-toxic electrochemical dip. Another big advantage to using a dip is that the liquid can reach places that a polishing cloth cannot. This is an easy experiment and takes mere minutes!
Silver Polish Ingredients
- Sink or glass pan
- Hot water
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Aluminum foil
- Tarnished silver
How to Remove Silver Tarnish
- Line the bottom of the sink or a glass baking dish with a sheet of aluminum foil.
- Fill the foil-lined container with steaming hot water.
- Add salt (sodium chloride) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to the water. Some recipes call for 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of salt, whereas others call for 2 tablespoons each of baking soda and salt. There's really no need to measure the amounts precisely—just use a spoonful or two of each substance.
- Drop the silver items into the container so that they are touching each other and resting on the foil. You'll be able to watch as the tarnish disappears.
- You can leave heavily tarnished items in the solution for as long as five minutes, but otherwise, remove the silver when it appears clean.
- Rinse the silver with water and gently buff it dry with a soft towel.
- Ideally, you should store your silver in a low-humidity environment. Placing a container of activated charcoal or a piece of chalk in the storage area will minimize future tarnish.
Tips for Success
- Use care when polishing or dipping silver plated items. It is easy to wear away the thin outer layer of silver and cause more harm than good through over-cleaning.
- Minimize exposing your silver to substances that contain sulfur (e.g., mayonnaise, eggs, mustard, onions, latex, and wool) because sulfur causes corrosion.
- Using your silver flatware/holloware often and wearing silver jewelry helps to keep them free of tarnish.