Cleaning silver has never been easier thanks to washing soda crystals. You will need a container large enough to hold the item to be cleaned, preferably made from aluminium. Alternatively, using enough aluminium foil to cover the bottom of a glass bowl will also do.
Make a solution by mixing one rounded dessertspoon of washing soda per litre of hot water – enough to cover the item to be cleaned. Immerse the item, making sure that it is in contact with the aluminium when in the solution. Lightly tarnished items should come clean in seconds, while heavily marked ones may need repeat treatment and the help of a soft-bristled brush.
If you are cleaning a load of cutlery in a stainless-steel sink or other container, this will take longer, as the solution will first clean the stainless steel.
It is the use of aluminium that sets off the cleaning action. Rinse in clear water and dry with a soft cloth. You can buy the washing soda in the laundry aisle of your supermarket, or at the hardware store.
Warning: Don’t immerse nonmetal items, or those with painted surfaces, as damage could be caused. Also, be cautious if silver items have other non-silver components.
