Non-Toxic Silver Polish
Remove tarnish from silverware using baking soda, aluminum foil, and boiling water
15 min beginner Yields 1 treatment (up to 12 pieces)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Baking soda
- 1 sheet Aluminum foil
- 4 cups Boiling water
Steps
- Line a glass baking dish with aluminum foil, shiny side up.
- Place tarnished silverware directly on the foil, ensuring each piece touches it.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of baking soda over the silverware.
- Pour 4 cups of boiling water over everything. It will fizz — this is normal.
- Soak for 5-10 minutes. Tarnish will transfer from the silver to the foil.
- Remove with tongs and rinse under cool running water.
- Dry and buff immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Why It Works
Aluminum donates electrons to silver sulfide (tarnish) through the baking soda solution, converting it back to pure silver. Unlike commercial polish, this removes no silver — it reverses the tarnish chemically.
Tips
- Avoid using on pieces where the plating is already thin or worn.
- For heavy tarnish, repeat with fresh foil, baking soda, and water.
- Polish 1-2 days before a dinner party so you are not rushed day-of.