How to Clean Tarnished Silver Plate

Tarnished silver results from a reaction between silver and sulfur. Black silver sulfide coats the silver, dulling and darkening the surface. Restore a tarnished silver plate without polish. Baking soda or washing soda and aluminum foil transfer the tarnish from the silver to aluminum without any abrasive action. This method uses an electrochemical reaction to restore tarnished silver to a bright, shiny finish.

Things You'll Need

• Large pot
• Large plastic dish or basin
• Aluminum foil
• 1 cup baking soda or 1/4 cup washing soda
• Wooden spoon
• Rubber gloves
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Fill a pot with 1 gallon of water. Place the pot on the stove and turn it on high heat. Bring the water to a boil.

2. Remove a sheet of aluminum foil the same size as the plastic dish or basin. Place it shiny side up on the bottom of the dish or basin.

3. Set the tarnished silver plate onto the aluminum foil.

4. Remove the pot of boiling water from the heat. Stir in 1 cup baking soda or 1/4 cup washing soda with a wooden spoon.

5. Pour the boiling water over the tarnished plate. Allow it to sit for up to 15 minutes.

6. Put on rubber gloves and remove the plate from the solution. Rinse it with clean water and buff it with a soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• This process may need to be done a few times to clean extremely tarnished items.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Clean Silver Flatware: Traditional and Homemade Methods
• Science is Fun: Put a Shine on It