How to Clean Tarnished Silver with Aluminum Foil

Silver can be passed down as a cherished heirloom if given the proper care.

Cleaning the precious silver pieces in your home does not have to involve scrubbing them with a harsh commercial product. You can easily remove tarnish from silver items by using boiling water, aluminum foil and a couple of common household products. Humidity and use can cause beloved silver pieces to tarnish over time. Silver items are cherished gifts that add elegance to your home and can be passed on to future generations as heirlooms if given the proper care.

Things You'll Need

• Aluminum or enamel saucepan
• Aluminum foil
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Mild dishwashing liquid
• Metal tongs
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Place aluminum foil in the bottom of an aluminum or enamel saucepan.

2. Fill the pot with at least 2 or 3 inches of water, or enough to cover your silver items.

3. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the saucepan, according to the Purdue University website (see References for a link). You can find baking soda on the baking goods aisle of your grocery or discount store.

4. Turn the stove on high heat and bring the water to a boil. Add your tarnished silver items and boil them for approximately 3 minutes.

5. Remove the silver items with a pair of metal tongs and place them into a sink with soapy water.

6. Wash the silver items thoroughly and rinse them well. Dry the items with a soft, lint-free cloth and enjoy the shine.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using a non-stick saucepan to remove tarnish from your silver pieces because it will not work correctly.

References

• Purdue University: Alternative Household & Garage Cleaning Products