How to Polish Silver

Silverware is a wonderful addition to a holiday dining table. I love to use my silver cutlery on special occasions, particularly at Hanukkah. Over the year my silver undergoes a chemical reaction, looking tarnish and unloved. Every so often I spend time de-tarnishing my silver.  I have two methods to ensure my silver sparkles during Hanukkah.

Method 1: Aluminium Foil

You’ll need:

1 large sheet of aluminium/tin foil

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 tablespoon salt

1 large, high rimmed baking pan

1 normal pan

Boiling water to fill the pan.

Step 1: Line your large baking pan with the sheet of tin foil and place your silver items on top. Ensure each item touches the foil.

Step 2: Pour your boiling water into a separate pan and add the baking soda and salt. Transfer this water mix into the large pan with the silver.

Step 3: Depending on the severity of your silver’s tarnish you will see the tarnish disappear instantly or within 5 minutes. When the tarnish disappears, remove the silver.

Step 4: Run your newly cleaned silver under cold water and dry with a clean cloth.

Method 2: Silver Polish

You’ll need:

Silver Polish Cream

1 clean cloth

Step 1: Pour a teaspoon of polish cream onto your cloth and rub into your silverware in an up and down motion. Try to use a clean part of your cloth as you go to not move the tarnish around.

Step 2: The tarnish should disappear within 1 minute. When it does, rinse in tepid water and dry with a clean dry cloth.