How to Clean Sterling Silver Effortlessly

Use this easy method to clean tarnished silver.

Step 1: Prepare dish Cover the bottom of a heat-proof glass dish with a crumpled piece of aluminum foil. Make sure the foil is placed with the shiny side up.
TIP: Do not use this method on silver jewelry with porous stones, shells, or pearls, or flatware with hollow handles. Polish by hand instead, using a paste of baking soda and water.
Step 2: Add silver Lay the silver pieces flat in the dish.
TIP: Clean pieces with crevices and designs with a toothbrush and toothpaste before placing in the dish.
Step 3: Add baking soda Sprinkle 1 heaping tablespoon of baking soda evenly over the silver.
Step 4: Add boiling water Cover the silver with boiling water. Stir with the spoon, to distribute the baking soda.
Step 5: Remove and rinse As soon as you see that the tarnish has disappeared, remove the silver and rinse.
Step 6: Dry and polish Dry the silver with a paper towel, and polish it with a soft cloth. Store in airtight containers to slow tarnish buildup and keep silver gleaming.
FACT: Sterling silver is not pure silver - it is an alloy of silver and copper.