- 1). Select a non-aluminum pan to hold the silver. The pan can be anything from a stove top-proof glass pan--such as the old Corning Ware type--to an enamel stock pot. It doesn't really matter the style or size of the pan; it only needs to be non-aluminum and big enough to hold the silver that is to be cleaned.
- 2). Line the inside of the non-aluminum pan with aluminum foil, creating a bowl. The foil should come up far enough that the silver will fit inside the bowl it creates inside the pan.
- 3). Pour water into the pan, filling it past the aluminum foil bowl. Add the salt and baking soda. The amount will depend upon the size of the pan. A 1.5 quart pan would use 1/8 cup of baking soda and salt while a 2.5 quart pan would use 1/4 cup each.
- 4). Bring the pan of water with the baking soda and salt to a boil. Set the silver inside the foil bowl of boiling water. Let the water come back to a boil and let it boil for 3 to 5 minutes. The baking soda and salt in the boiling water will act like silver cleaners and draw the tarnish off the silver. This will cause the foil to turn black and may even create a smell like a silver cleaner. This is normal.
- 5). Remove the silver from the water using tongs. Allow it to cool. Wash the silver in warm soapy water and dry with a soft towel. Pour out the water and discard the tarnished foil.
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