Baking soda and aluminum can be used to clean sterling silver.
Baking soda and aluminum can be used to clean sterling silver.Baking soda, boiling water, and vinegar can be mixed in a tray to help remove tarnish from silver.Before polishing your silver, soak it in boiling water for about 30 seconds.
Step 1: The pan should be lined with aluminum foil.
Pick a pan large enough to hold all the silver you're cleaning.Line the pan with aluminum foil.It's important to cover the full interior.
Step 2: The water should be boiled.
Take a cup of water.Place it in a pot.The water should come to a boil.You can put your other ingredients in your pan while the water is boiling.
Step 3: Put the baking soda and vinegar in a pan.
Add baking soda and salt to your pan.Slowly pour in half a cup of white vinegar.The baking soda will make a small noise.You don't want the baking soda to explode too much, which is why it's important to pour the vinegar slowly.
Step 4: The water should be added to your pan.
The boiling water should be added after the vinegar is added.You don't need to mix the ingredients after they're added.Put the water in the pan.
Step 5: You can add silver to your pan.
Don't touch the silver pieces.They should be in the pan.Make sure the pieces are in contact with the foil.
Step 6: The silver should be soaked for 30 seconds.
Set a timer.Allow the pieces to sit for a short time.tongs should be used to remove the pieces after they are done soaking.You should place them on a paper towel.
Step 7: Remove the silver pieces.
The pieces should be dry with a rag or paper towel.Take a soft cloth after they are dry.Use this cloth to buff the pieces.The pieces are shiny if you keep buffing until you have removed any dirt, debris, or tarnish.
Step 8: If needed, repeat the process.
After the first wash, sterling silver may not be completely clean.Continue the process if your silver is still dull and dirty.
Step 9: Don't use this method on other types of silver.
Baking soda and aluminum will not damage sterling silver.There are other types of silver that may be damaged by this method.It should only be used for sterling silver pieces.Don't wash your jewelry with aluminum and baking soda if you're not sure if it's sterling silver.
Step 10: tongs are used to touch hot silver.
Don't remove sterling silver with your bare hands.After being exposed to boiling water, it will be hot.The tongs should be used to remove the silver.
Step 11: The silver should be left in the water for a longer period of time.
30 seconds is all it takes, but the pieces may still look dirty after that time.Don't let the pieces sit for long, check them regularly until the dirt, debris, and tarnish is gone.