You can clean silver tarnish using aluminum foil, a chemical reaction, and some common household ingredients. This method is effective because the tarnish (silver sulfide) is transferred from your silver items to the aluminum foil.
Steps to Clean Silver with Aluminum Foil:
-
Line a Dish with Aluminum Foil: Find a glass or plastic dish (avoid metal) and line it completely with aluminum foil, shiny side up. Ensure the foil covers all interior surfaces of the dish and has good contact with the silver you'll be cleaning.
-
Place Silver on Foil: Arrange the silver items you want to clean on top of the aluminum foil, ensuring each piece is touching the foil. This contact is crucial for the chemical reaction to occur.
-
Add Salt and Baking Soda: For each gallon of boiling water you use, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of salt to the dish. A common ratio is 1 tablespoon each per quart (4 cups) of water.
-
Add Boiling Water: Carefully pour boiling water into the dish, ensuring that the silver items are completely submerged. Be cautious to avoid burns.
-
Soak for Two to Three Minutes: Let the silver soak in the solution for 2-3 minutes. You should start to see the tarnish transferring from the silver to the aluminum foil. For heavily tarnished items, you may need to soak them longer, up to 10 minutes, checking periodically.
-
Remove, Rinse, and Buff: Carefully remove the silver items from the solution (they will be hot!). Rinse them thoroughly with cool water. Use a soft cloth to buff and dry the silver, removing any remaining residue. If some tarnish persists, repeat the process or use a silver polishing cloth.
Why This Works:
The cleaning process is based on a chemical reaction called ion exchange. The boiling water, salt, and baking soda create an electrolyte solution that facilitates the transfer of sulfur ions from the silver sulfide (tarnish) to the aluminum. The aluminum attracts the sulfur, effectively removing the tarnish from the silver and depositing it on the foil.
Important Considerations:
- Not for All Silver: This method is generally safe for sterling silver and silver-plated items, but it may not be suitable for antique or delicate silver pieces with intentional oxidation or certain gemstones. If you are unsure, consult a professional.
- Contact is Key: Ensure the silver is in direct contact with the aluminum foil for the reaction to occur.
- Ventilation: Perform this cleaning method in a well-ventilated area.
- Dispose of Solution Carefully: The used solution contains dissolved silver sulfide and should be disposed of properly. Don't pour it down drains connected to septic systems.
