Okay, this one is seriously magical. Actually, it’s chemistry, but interesting and easy and safe enough to have the kids help (yes, you can have your three-year-old polishing your silver)!

So, tarnish is apparently sulfer that gets bound up with the silver molecules. Most polishing takes off a thin layer of the silver that has the sulfer in it. That’s why you get lightly abrasive/chemical compounds that can take off the thinnest layer possible.   However, you can usually take the sulfer out of the silver. It’s easy and cheap and totally green.

You need:

*a non-reactive (glass, plastic) container that your item(s) can fit in. I usually use pyrex or for taller items you could use a glass mixing bowl or even a bucket.*aluminum foil

*salt

*baking soda

*water as hot as you can stand (I usually get it almost boiling on the stove and use tongs to dip the silver)

*soft cloths or towels to dry and polish

Line the bottom of your container with aluminum foil.  Put in equal parts salt and baking soda. I don’t measure it…a tablespoon or so of each for a small container, a bit more for larger…don’t think you can do too much.  Add hot water.  Dip the silver piece in and let it sit for a few seconds. Watch it magically go silver again.  Remove the item and polish with the dry soft cloth. For many items (I have silverware) you can set aside to air dry for a few minutes (but not long) before polishing.  If there are tough spots, you can use a little bit of baking soda to polish the surface and then re-dip.

If you are doing a lot, you will smell the sulfer…a bit rotten eggy but not bad…and see the aluminum foil at the bottom get dark.