Eco Silver Polishing

Step 1 Put baking soda and foil in water

I put about 1 tablespoon of baking soda and a piece of foil about 4" square or so.

Boil it until the silver starts to look silver.

(Unfortunately this doesn't clean my burnt up old pot) ;)

Comments

[cordelya]

For this to work well, your silver should be touching the foil. I usually lay the foil flat in the bottom of my basin and sit the silver item on top of the foil. The reaction is electrochemical and the two metals need to touch in order to complete the circuit. See this page for an explanation of the reaction, including the formula: http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/homeexpts/TARNISH.html

[breinke527]

Ok what am i doing wrong? I boiled my silver in a pan with 1tblspoon of baking soda and it actually turned black!!

[lazemaple]

Keeping the solution hot is enough... boiling could damage some jewelry or stones. I use hot tap water and keep it warm with a cup warmer.