Has your silverware lost its beautiful shine? Do not panic, this is a completely normal phenomenon called oxidation. It occurs with the action of air, light, but above all time on silver. Fortunately, you will be able to clean your silverware thanks to an ingredient that is surely in your kitchen: baking soda, how to clean silverware with baking soda?
Bring your silverware back to life with a brush and baking soda
This very simple method will allow you to make your silverware shine with just a toothbrush and baking soda. All you need to do is sprinkle a few pinches of sodium hydrogen carbonate on your silver coins and rub them gently with a previously moistened toothbrush.
This process will allow you to gently remove the marks of oxidation that tarnish your silverware. However, it has its limits. For example, it is not effective against the most stubborn stains. Moreover, if you have to clean a large number of objects, the method can very quickly turn into a chore. Fortunately, a more effective solution is available to you and with it, you won't even have to scrub.
For this method, you will need:
a saucepan;
aluminum foil;
water;
cooking salt;
baking soda.
To start, line the bottom of your pan with foil and fill it with water. Then bring the whole thing to a fire until it reaches a temperature of at least 60°C. It is best not to let the water boil.
Remove the pan from the heat and then add a tablespoon of cooking salt and a tablespoon of the essential baking soda. Now immerse your silverware in the solution and let it act for about an hour. Finally, remove your objects from the water and dry them with a very soft cloth.
It is possible to carry out the operation with fire. But in this case, you have to be careful to only dip your silverware for a few seconds. Then remove the objects with kitchen tongs at the risk of burning yourself.
If some stains resist treatment, you can remove them with a damp sponge and a paste of baking soda. To make the latter, you just need to mix ¼ cup of sodium hydrogen carbonate with two tablespoons of water.
Warning! if this process has the advantage of being radical against the oxidation of silver, it does however have a major drawback. He is indeed quite aggressive. It is therefore not suitable for jewelry adorned with jewels. In addition, it is likely to damage the patina of very old silverware or collectible jewelry. This could therefore cause them to lose part of their value. It is therefore preferable to practice a test on a single object before you start.
You now know how to make your silverware shine without investing in expensive and not necessarily effective cleaning products. All you have to do is try it out and judge the result for yourself.
