Simple way to bulk clean silver?

Jewelry Discussion
1

Is there a simple way to bulk clean silver? I have a mix of silver
and silver plate spoons, dishes, etc that I’d like to dump into a
pot to clean enough to see if they are worth more time and effort.

Thanks,
Bobi

2

some one will surely know the recipe for exact recipe, it involves an
aluminum pan…or a glass one with aluminum foil in it, and washing
(not baking) soda. cleans it in a snap…it may even be archived.

mary

3

Hi Bobi;

Is there a simple way to bulk clean silver?

This has probably been covered before, but try this. Get an aluminum
pan, any kind, and fill it with very hot water. Stir in a couple
tablespoons of washing soda. Put the silver in, making sure it makes
contact with the aluminum. Works great, just make sure the silver is
free of grease and oil. Washing soda is a bit hard to come by these
days. It used to be in the laundry supplies section of most grocery
stores, but people don’t use it much any more. You’ll have to try a
few places. Baking soda won’t work.

David L. Huffman

4 
Washing soda is a bit hard to come by these days. [snip] Baking
soda won't work.

Actually, it worked for me…

Noel

5

Arm & Hammer sells washing soda on line, small packages or large:
soapsgonebuy.com

Wayne Emery
The Gemcutter

6

I’m sure I won’t be the only one with the “recipe” for cleaning
silver but I have a card with this recipe that I give to all who
purchase my chainmaille for making their silver sparkle like new…
My deceased mother-in-law cursed me with a silver tea set and it even
works for that. I just have to use the kitchen sink instead of a
bowl.

Line a container with aluminum foil, shiny side up. Depending on
size of container and number of pieces, pour 1/4 to 1 cup (don’t
measure, just estimate) WASHING soda in container. (Made by Arm and
Hammer, it is found in the washing detergent section of grocery
store. You can use regular Arm and Hammer cooking soda but it’s not
as strong and doesn’t work as well.)

For the tea set in the kitchen sink, I probably use 2 cups of the
soda. Fill the container with boiling water; drop in silver. (Or vice
versa–it doesn’t matter which you do first.) In 10-15 minutes, your
silver should sparkle. The tarnish and discoloration migrates to the
foil. Since I was an English major in college and failed all science
courses, I can’t explain why this works, but it does! I promise!!

One caveat–Do NOT use on pieces that have been deliberately
“patina-ed” or patinated." :slight_smile: It will also remove that.

Ann L. Lacava
158 Overton Lane
Powell, TN 37849
865-938-4180; 865-776-3902
www.PureSilverStudio.com

7

Funny, but I have been doing this with BAKING SODA for quite a
while, and it works very well. Have I been holding my mouth
different of something?..

Allan Beck
Boise, Idaho

8 
Washing soda is a bit hard to come by these days. It used to be in
the laundry supplies section of most grocery stores, but people
don't use it much any more. You'll have to try a few places. Baking
soda won't work.

My favorite source for washing soda, aka soda ash:
http://www.dharmatrading.com Lots of other cool things, too!

Lisa Orlando
Albion, CA, US

9

Is this method safe for silver plate?

Thelzeda Moore

10

Occasionally someone askes this question–it’s now MY occasion. Will
someone please post the method for mass clean/restore polish to
tarnished silver? It involves shiny aluminum foil and some solution.
I believe it has to be heated. Also, would a shiny aluminum foil
baking pan do the same job as lining a container with foil, shiny
side up?

Thanks folks,
Joyce

11

Crumple foil slightly and put the piece on it then add hot water and
Calgon water softener

Also, would a shiny aluminum foil baking pan do the same job as
lining a container with foil, shiny side up?

The tarnish migrates into the creases in the foil (or at least it
did for me), so I am not sure there is good reason for using the
baking pan. I use a glass or plastic container.

Louise
http://www.fine-wire-jewelry.com/spectrum