Use a non-abrasive mild soap. Make sure the soap is safe to use on silver. Wipe down the silver with a microfiber rag or a soft dish cloth. Do not put your silver in the dishwasher. Avoid using steel wool or anything else abrasive. Silver scratches easily. [1] X Research source
Use a light detergent, or even baking soda, to scrub down your sink. Place the drain cover securely on the drain so no water can drain out.
When placing your aluminum foil, make sure to use a generous amount. Feel free to reuse old foil. The foil does not need to cover the entire bottom. [2] X Research source
Place your silver in the basin gently. Avoid overloading the basin. You want to make sure each piece of silver is cleaned. If you need to take some out, feel free to do so. [3] X Research source
For a small basin or sink, you may need between 4 and 8 cups (. 95 and 1. 9 liters). Prepare more boiling water than you think you’ll need. This way, you’ll have it ready and available if you need more. [4] X Research source
Use a quarter cup of baking soda for every 4 cups of water (. 95 liters). [5] X Research source
Pour a little bit at a time. Stop pouring when the last piece of silver is completely submerged. [6] X Research source
You should notice yellow flakes sticking to the aluminum foil. This is aluminum sulfide. It may take up to several minutes to clean lightly tarnished objects. [7] X Research source
Wait until the water is no longer steaming. Consider using tongs to remove and inspect the silver after the chemical process has completed. If you’re worried the water is still too hot, use a thermometer to test the temperature. [8] X Research source
Tarnish marks should be removed or lightened substantially. The silver should be extremely shiny.
Add a quarter cup (. 06 liters) of salt for every four cups (. 95 liter) of water – the amount of salt and baking soda should be equal. If you choose to add vinegar, use a half cup (. 12 liters) of white vinegar for every cup of water. [9] X Research source
Drain the sink or basin. Rinse the silver. Remove the aluminum foil and add new foil. Lay the silver back into the basin. Dump more boiling water and baking soda. [10] X Research source
You may need to drain the basin and rinse a couple times to completely remove all residue. [12] X Research source
You may want to consider using a microfiber cloth to reduce scratching. [14] X Research source
You’ll notice that the foil will be heavily tarnished. This is the result of the chemical reaction that helped transfer sulfide from the silver to the aluminum. [15] X Research source
