How to Remove Tarnish From Silverplate
Objects made of pure silver or that are sliver plated eventually start to darken and loose their luster. This is caused by a chemical reaction in which the silver combines with sulfur compounds in the air and forms silver sulfide. A coat of silver sulfide covers the object, tarnishing it. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Two pots
- Aluminum foil
- Hand muffs
- Baking soda
- Granulated toothpaste
- Soft bristle toothbrush
- Hand towel
Instructions
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Aluminum Foil Method
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1
Line the bottom of the pot with aluminum foil.
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2
Place the your silver-plated pieces on top of the aluminum foil in the pot.
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3
Pour water into the second pot. Be sure it is enough to cover over the silver in the first pot.
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4
Place the second pot on a stove and heat the water until it comes to a boil.
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5
Add a half a cup of baking soda into the hot water in the second pot.
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6
Put on your hand muffs to protect yourself from being scalded.
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7
Pour the water/baking soda solution into the first pot, making ure the silver is completely submerged.
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8
All of the tarnish should immediately start to come off. If the silver is deeply tarnished, reheat the water/baking soda solution and repeat the process until the silver is tarnish free.
Toothpaste Method
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9
Cover silver-plated pieces with granulated toothpaste.
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10
Work the toothpaste into foam by running it under a water faucet.
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11
Scrub the objects with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
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12
Run the objects under water to rinse off the excess toothpaste and tarnish and dry them with a dry cloth.
Baking Soda Method
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13
Combine baking soda and a small amount of warm water into a paste. Do this in a cup.
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14
Place the baking soda paste solution onto a damp hand towel.
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15
Rub the silver-plated pieces until the tarnish is gone.
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16
Rinse the excess baking soda off with warm water.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Avoid using chemical polishes in addition to table salt, eggs, vinegar, fruit juices, and olives. Do not rub your objects with rubber as this damages the silver plate surface. Chemical polishes can do the same to silver plate.
