This Homemade Silver Polish Will Make Your Silverware Sparkle

Although the results are satisfying, polishing a collection of silver flatware can feel incredibly tedious. The easiest method for removing unsightly tarnish from your wares (and minimizing the elbow grease required to do it) is to give them a baking soda bath.

This nontoxic technique for making homemade silver polish helps reverse the chemical reaction by using baking soda to lift and transfer the sulfur off your silverware onto the aluminum pan. Ahead, learn the best way to polish your silverware, plus why tarnishing happens.

Why Does Silver Tarnish?

All silver, whether sterling or plated, is vulnerable to tarnish when exposed to air and light. Many naturally occurring gases in the air contain sulfur, which reacts with the silver to create silver sulfide, the dark coating you find on silver items that have been unused for some time. Moisture and humidity can promote this chemical reaction, which is why silver tarnishes quickly in areas where the air is humid or damp.

How to Polish Silverware Using a Baking Soda Bath

Light tarnishing can often be removed by simply washing the silver item with warm water and gentle dishwashing liquid and then buffing it dry with a soft cloth. However, if your silverware is looking especially sad, a baking soda bath is the way to go.

What You'll Need

Materials

Large aluminum pan
Salt
Baking soda
Hot water

Instructions

Create baking soda bath:

Fill an aluminum pan (or one lined with aluminum foil) with hot water. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup salt, and stir to dissolve.
Submerge silver pieces:

Working in a ventilated area, submerge the silver pieces in the baking soda bath. A chemical reaction will occur, removing the tarnish. It's important to note that with this technique, the good tarnish (a desirable patina and the dark crevices in a pattern) may be removed as well, and pitting may result.
Rinse, dry, and polish silver:

Rinse and dry each piece, and then buff with silver polish to remove any remaining sulfur sulfide. Experts recommend using a good-quality commercial polish, and there are some less-toxic ones available.

Keeping your silver items stored in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight will help reduce tarnishing.