Silver Polishing - The Easy Way

     No really. There really is an easy way to make silver shine! I didn't believe it, when I was about 10 I insisted on polishing my tea set, it took me forever and I finally believed my mom that it just wasn't worth it.  So when I read this method in my house keeping books, I didn't fall for it, not even for a moment. But this morning my curiosity got the better of me.  I had the baking soda out already (it cleans everything), and the water was just about boiling and I decided why not, I'll give it a go.  My mind was blown in about three seconds flat. I immediately ran to get my camera and find all the my mom's silver.  I had to show this to you. (Yes I was geeking out, yes my inner dork was taking over, but heck, this was just plain cool!)

     Do you see the difference here?? That was almost instantaneous! No polishing, no scrubbing, no special creams or cloths. How is this possible? I'm really not sure, but I would be the last one in the word to question it!  How did I do it? Easy peasy! Take a pan (I used a loaf pan the first time, and it wasn't big enough so the ladle handle stuck out (but that turned out to be an awesome thing, because it lets everyone see the amazing change!) and a cake pan the second time) and line it with crumpled tin foil. Then add your silver pieces, and cover them with a generous amount of baking soda. 

     Then just pour boiling water over everything.  I found that actually pouring the water over each spoon produced the best results. The baking soda will fizz and bubble. I think this is the chemical reaction that is actually removing the tarnish, but don't quote me on that.

See how much better everything looks already? And this is less than 30 seconds later!

     Then just wait until the water has cooled enough that you can pour it off.  Rinse the silver pieces and admire your upsidedown-self reflected in the reflection.

Note: I'm not sure how this would work with larger pieces like cups or bowls, but I'm sure there is a way to make it work. If you figure it out, please let me know!

                                                                                                                                  I'm Linking to: