How to Clean Tarnished Silverware

Tarnish derives from a Proto Germanic word and means dark. Tarnish is like a much slower form of rust that affects certain metals, leaving ugly black spots that are tough and gritty. It grows and spreads like mold, depriving the metal of its smooth shiny appearance. If left alone and not taken care of, metal objects are subject to tarnishing just from their own interactivity with the air around them. Fortunately, tarnish is easily reversed with a little time and care.

Things You'll Need

• Shallow dish
• Aluminum foil
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Clean dry towel

Instructions

1. Place the silverware in a shallow dish lined with aluminum foil.

2. Spread the silverware out so the pieces aren't all on top of each other and sprinkle baking soda liberally over them.

3. Boil enough water to cover the silverware and add a pinch of salt.

4. Pour the water onto the silverware.

5. Move the silverware around in the hot water with a wooden spoon. The tarnish will begin to disappear.

6. Allow the silverware to sit in the water for 10 minutes or until you can see that all of the tarnish is gone, moving it around occasionally with the wooden spoon.

7. Remove the silverware from the water when it is cool enough to touch and place it on a clean dry towel.

8. Buff each piece of silverware with a clean dry cloth to restore the shine.

Tips & Warnings

• When silverware is not being used it is best to keep it in an airtight bag to prevent exposure to the air which causes tarnish.

• There is an adverse chemical reaction between stainless steel and silver, If the two come in contact the silver will be damaged and discolored.