Have a bunch of SUPER tarnished silverware, how best to clean?

[applecrisp]

I have a bunch of tarnished (really super tarnished!) silverplated silverware (I am assuming it must be silverplate) that I would like to polish and see how it looks. It was a relative's so I don't even know how it looks all cleaned up.

I was wondering if anyone had suggestions on what to use. I used to have some cloth thingiies that had some solution/product in it (not like the cloths you sometimes get with some jewelry), and I've used silverpolish (I think the names started with an H, Hagerty perhaps?).

I actually hate polishing silver. Lucklly I can deal with my the infrequent quick polish of some silver jewelry.

I wasn't sure if all silverpolish was basically all the same --- just takes some time, a cloth and patience. But wanted to check.

Thanks,

[LaraW]

I have polished silver by lining a pan with aluminum foil and putting baking soda in, and then covering with boiling water. That might at least give you a start. I seem to think you could do it in your sink.

[mkc]

I have polished silver by lining a pan with aluminum foil and putting baking soda in, and then covering with boiling water.

DH just used this method to clean up some old silver items. It's important that the silver be in contact with the aluminum for the process to work.

Michelle

[Kay Henderson]

I normally use Wright's Silver Cream on my silver. However, a pair of candlesticks I inherited was extremely tarnished and Wright's didn't work at all. The only product I found that worked was MAAS, designed to polish all metals. Here is what it says on the box -- "This revolutionary formula cleans, polishes and protects. Silver, gold brass, copper, pewter, stainless steel, chrome, aluminum...all metals. MAAS restores glass, plexigas, fiberglass, enamel...and removes years of residue, rust and oxidation. The protection is long-lasting." The candlesticks still needed some elbow grease, but it did work.

Their website: http://www.maasinc.com

Good luck!

Kay

[ADM]

http://www.mclellands.com/images/s338.jpg

This works like the product that Kay described does. It's good for cleaning all metals.

[BJennif]

I have used the aluminum/baking soda method successfully lots of times. I actually have an old pan from my Mom that is aluminum and I just use that. Lay the silver in a single layer, sprinkle with baking soda, pour boiling water from teakettle over the top. It's so easy.

That's interesting to know that aluminum foil will work too if you don't have an aluminum pan. Especially since you don't want to be actually cooking with an aluminum pan anymore!

[applecrisp]

Thanks everyone for the ideas. The silver cleaning escapade is planned for the next few days. Got the rags, now all I need to do is the work. :D

Lara and MKC -- I've done the aluminum foil/boiling water thing before on some silver rings before --- I remember the first time I was surprised by the "smell". Have you done it to silver plate too, or just silver, I wasn't sure if it was ok on silverplate?

Kay -- I've heard great things by Mass. I've never seen it in store (not saying I'm hanging out in the polish section). I thought it was only via mail.

ADM -- Hmmm, that package looks super familiar. Time for me to look at my cleaning supplies under my sink. I wonder if I have that but forgot. Off to take a look.

BJennif -- I've used foil in the past and/or one of those dispossable foil pans.

Thanks again.

[Kay Henderson]

Kay -- I've heard great things by Mass. I've never seen it in store (not saying I'm hanging out in the polish section). I thought it was only via mail.


You can order the product online at their website below.

Kay

http://www.maasinc.com/