Materials Needed: Line a heatproof dish with aluminum foil (shiny side up), add tarnished silver, and sprinkle 1–2 tbsp baking soda per liter of water.
Hot Water: Pour near-boiling water into the dish, fully submerging the silver. A chemical reaction between the foil (aluminum) and baking soda (electrolyte) will occur.
Wait 5–10 Minutes: The tarnish (silver sulfide) transfers from the silver to the foil, leaving your items clean. Bubbling and a sulfur smell are normal.
Rinse & Dry: Remove the silver, rinse with cool water, and buff gently with a soft cloth to restore shine.
Why It Works: Aluminum's higher reactivity "pulls" sulfur ions away via ion exchange, reversing tarnish without abrasives.
Tips: Ensure direct contact between foil and silver. Avoid using on pieces with gemstones or delicate coatings.
