How to clean tarnished silverware at home using salt, baking soda and aluminium foil to restore its shine without scrubbing

Silverware can lose its shine and develop a dark layer over time because of a chemical reaction between silver and sulfur compounds in the surrounding environment. A simple home-cleaning method using boiling water, salt, baking soda and aluminium foil may help reduce this tarnish without requiring vigorous scrubbing.

However, this technique is not suitable for every silver item. It is important to understand the material.

Why Does Silverware Turn Black Over Time?

Silverware can develop a blackened appearance when silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air, forming silver sulfide on its surface. This process, known as tarnishing, gradually affects the metal's shine.


A combination of water, salt, baking soda and aluminium foil is sometimes used as a home remedy to help remove this dark layer.

How To Clean Tarnished Silverware At Home

Follow these steps to try the cleaning method:

• Pour water into a shallow pan.
• Add one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of baking soda.
• Place a sheet of aluminium foil in the pan, ensuring it makes contact with the solution.
• Bring the water to a boil, then turn off the heat before adding the silver items.
• Place the silverware in the solution for a few minutes, ensuring the items make contact with the aluminium foil where possible.
• Carefully remove the items using suitable utensils, rinse them thoroughly with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth.
• If tarnish remains, assess whether another treatment is appropriate rather than repeatedly boiling the items.

Precautions To Keep In Mind

Handle hot water carefully and use suitable utensils when removing silverware from the pan. Avoid touching the hot aluminium foil or solution directly.

Check the manufacturer's care instructions before proceeding. For valuable, delicate or antique silverware, consult a professional cleaner. When in doubt, a silver-safe cleaning product used according to its instructions may be a more suitable option.