How to Clean Sterling Silver Effortlessly

Watch more Housekeeping Tips videos: howcast.com/videos/218010-How-to-Clean-Sterling…

Use this easy method to clean tarnished silver.

Step 1: Prepare dish
Cover the bottom of a heat-proof glass dish with a crumpled piece of aluminum foil. Make sure the foil is placed with the shiny side up.

Tip
Do not use this method on silver jewelry with porous stones, shells, or pearls, or flatware with hollow handles. Polish by hand instead, using a paste of baking soda and water.

Step 2: Add silver
Lay the silver pieces flat in the dish.

Tip
Clean pieces with crevices and designs with a toothbrush and toothpaste before placing in the dish.

Step 3: Add baking soda
Sprinkle 1 heaping tablespoon of baking soda evenly over the silver.

Step 4: Add boiling water
Cover the silver with boiling water. Stir with the spoon, to distribute the baking soda.

Step 5: Remove and rinse
As soon as you see that the tarnish has disappeared, remove the silver and rinse.

Step 6: Dry and polish
Dry the silver with a paper towel, and polish it with a soft cloth. Store in airtight containers to slow tarnish buildup and keep silver gleaming.

Did You Know?
Sterling silver is not pure silver - it is an alloy of silver and copper.