Make Dull Silverware Shine Again With This Aluminum Foil Hack

While coating your silver items with a paste made from baking soda and water is a tried-and-true method for making dull silverware shine, this process can be time-consuming, especially when you're working with several smaller items. Instead, you can count on science to help you remove the tarnish from many items in one fell swoop. All you need is baking soda, water, and an aluminum- or foil-covered glass pan.

To make this work, first mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and another tablespoon of sea salt (already a dynamic duo that cleans aluminum pans with ease) in the pan. Then, carefully pour boiling water into the pan. Put the silverware in — tongs are a smart choice here — ensuring they touch the foil. Alternatively, place the silverware into the dish first, then add the boiling water before dispersing baking soda on top until the mixture begins to bubble. Either way, once the baking soda and water interact, science takes over! These components start a reaction that moves the tarnish (often an accumulation of silver sulfide after silver reacts to sulfur in the air) from the silverware onto the aluminum.

Another variation requires putting baking soda, tin foil, and your tarnished silverware into a pot of boiling water, first wrapping each silverware product in the foil. You might also use a touch of vinegar to the mix in either method for faster results. Take care when working with antiques or delicate silverware, as this method could also remove the finish and small amounts of silver beneath the tarnish. In these cases, more laborious hand-polishing may be the better choice.

Whether it is exposure to chemicals like sulfur or excess moisture, it is all too easy for silver to lose its signature shine over time. For that reason, it is useful to have a variety of tools at hand for fighting off tarnish. For instance, ketchup isn't just a pantry staple that is great for cleaning your kitchen; rubbing a couple of drops of this condiment into your silverware with a paper towel or toothbrush can help remove tarnish with less effort. Whether spot-cleaning the tarnish away or letting the silverware soak for 15 minutes, don't forget to buff with a microfiber cloth or rag before rinsing and drying. This step may also be needed for any persistent spots.

Citric acid, a key component for removing burnt-on stains from ceramic cookware, is also a reliable choice for bringing tarnished silver back to life. Soaking a microfiber cloth with 2 tablespoons of citric acid and 1 teaspoon of oil, then buffing and rinsing the silverware will bring the shine back. Even a combination of lemon juice and baking soda can work. Just coat the silverware with the mixture for a couple of minutes before thoroughly washing and drying the silverware. The trace amounts of citric acid combined with the carbonation of a lemon-lime soda will also help remove the tarnish after an hour-long soak.