When I got married, my grandmother gave us a set of ‘his’ and ‘hers’ silver spoons and chopsticks. They came in a beautiful blue velvet case. I didn’t use them for over twenty years because, frankly, I was too lazy to clean them. But more than that, I hated the toxic silver polish that I had to use to clean them. I couldn’t fathom putting the spoon in my mouth after polishing them with toxic silver cleaners however many times I was supposed to rinse them afterwards.
But now, I found a way to polish them naturally, courtesy of “Body and Soul” magazine.
1. Wash your silver in mild, soapy water to remove any dirt.
2. Place a sheet of aluminum foil at the bottom of a large pot, and put the silver pieces on top of it. Or use an old aluminum baking pan.
3. In a separate pot, mix a quart of boiling water with 1/4 cup baking soda and 2 tablespoons salt. Double or triple the recipe to cover larger pieces.
4. Pour the solution into the pot with the silver, cover, and leave for five minutes. (Note: this creates a sulfur smell, so you may want to open a window.)
5. Remove the silver from the pot, rinse, and then dry it with a soft cotton towel.
6. If you still have stubborn spots, apply plant-derived silver polish (like the ones from ecos.com) with a damp cotton flannel cloth, or for ornate designs, a cuticle stick wrapped in cotton (or Q-tips).
before
after
When you pour the boiling solution over the silverware, you can actually see the tarnish disappearing before your eyes and you can smell that rotten egg sulfur smell. So quickly cover the pot and let the chemical reaction take place. Take the silverware out in a few minutes.
WORD OF CAUTION: Make sure the room is well ventilated and watch carefully since salt can take away the silver finish if you leave it too long.
Look at my grandma’s silverware now. Thanks Grandma. Now, I can use them and think of you more often!
{ 8 comments }
This is so timely- I just spent hours yesterday cleaning a not too big but very ornate old plant stand with regular metal cleaner/polish. And yes it is vile stuff! Don’t have a pot or tub big enough to try this on the stand (though I will be on the lookout now for any old tin baths that might be on offer through freecycle) but will try this out for some smaller ornaments.
Thanks for the tip and how too!
Taking note of this for my silver! I don’t have much, but it’s nice to have a safer way to clean it!
Maura, when I polished the spoon and chopsticks that are pictured here, it was instantaneous. As soon as the solution touched the silver, it sparkled. So you may not need to “soak” them for five minutes. Make the solution and see if you can wipe the plant stand with a cloth dipped in the solution. Make sure to wear a mask and clean in a well ventilated room. It will stink.
Amy, this was so easy to do and less toxic for sure.
Ah good to know! Ok will give that a try and let you know how it goes. Heavy storm supposed to coming this way so could be a few days before I tackle the job outside – if I am organised (lol) I’ll try before and after pics.
I have tried this and it works great, thanks for sharing.
Really awsome to know this!
Thanks Meli!
It’s a great alternative to those toxic silver cleaners.
Very good trick, I will use this. Thanks..