How to Get Rid of Tarnish on Silver

Silver, copper, brass and other semi-reactive materials are prone to several chemical reactions that can wear away your valuables. Once sulfur combines with silver, silver sulfide is formed. It is the main reason why your silver darkens and looks tarnished. Fortunately, there are some ways that you can try to remove tarnish and make your silverware look good as new.

Getting Rid of Tarnish on Silver

 

There are many different products available in the market these days which are designed to attack tarnish on silver. Through some polishing, a chemical reaction is triggered to undo tarnishing. Heating some water allows the silver sulfide return to its original silver state, without taking off any silver lining from it.

 

If you don’t want to spend a fortune, there are several alternative methods that will help you in removing tarnish off your silver valuables. Try the following method to bring back the value of your silver without bearing a burden on the pocket.

 

Baking Soda

 

1. Line a deep dish or a pan with aluminum foil. You can also use a disposable aluminum pan.
2. Place the silver into the dish or pan while laying it flat onto the foil’s surface.
3. Boil water, and then pour it into the dish or the pan. Make sure that the silver is completely submerged into the water.
4. Add baking soda into the hot water.
5. Soak it until you notice all the tarnish has vanished.
6. If your silver is badly tarnished, repeat the procedure again until you remove all traces of tarnish.
7. Clean the treated silver with a mild dish soap and water, and then wipe it very carefully using a soft dish towel. The patina or the outer surface of the silverware is enhanced with regular cleaning by hand.

 

If you want to remove tarnish on specific areas, simply create a paste using baking soda and water, apply it onto a cotton pad and then buff the tarnish off the silver with the pad. Vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and toothpaste are also good and inexpensive treatment solutions for tarnish.

Preventive Guides

Here are some brilliant tactics to help you prevent tarnish on silver.

• Rubber should be kept away from your silverware since it contains sulfur that corrodes silver. Certain types of place mats can also tarnish your silver.
• Do not let stainless steel flatware come into contact with your silver-plated flatware or fine silver. Also, avoid washing these two different kinds of metals in one area to prevent damage on your silver. Certain reactions between these variations of metal could occur.
• Do not expose fine silver to foods over a long period of time. Foods like mustard, mayonnaise and eggs contain sulfur substances that may corrode your silver serving dish.
• Silverware is not intended to be kept inside cabinets forever. When left unused for a very long time, tarnish builds up. Use your silverware regularly!
• When you use your silver on a regular basis, make sure to clean and dry it thoroughly before storing it again.

When treating the tarnish with some cleansing solutions, make sure to pre-test the solution first in a small hidden spot to determine any adverse reaction that may further damage your silver.