How to Remove Tarnish From Antique Silverware

In this blog post, I will show you how to remove tarnish from your beloved antique silverware. This method leaves your vintage pieces shiny and radiant without having to polish them by hand! Using only a couple of items you most likely have in your home, this quick method restores luster and will become your new go-to for maintaining your high quality flatware.

Okay, let’s talk vintage tableware…I’M OBSESSED! I can’t really remember when my obsession started, but I have built quite the collection over the years. Anytime I am thrifting or visiting antique stores, these beautiful, shiny, detailed objects ALWAYS catch my eye!

Each piece I have collected varies in character. I love how they each tell a story. I have pieces with monogrammed initials, baby names, some from famous hotels, many different shapes, and also different levels of patina. My goal is to get rid of all of my modern pieces and replace them with my antique silverware. I love eclectic style so having table settings that have different details yet seamlessly go well together is something I am striving for in our manor. It seems I am not the only one who loves this style. I came across this set from Anthropologie and thought this idea was neat! It seems I am not the only one who loves this style. In fact, Magnolia has adopted this style too!

Beautiful Tarnish

When you hear the word “tarnish”, it can make you think of something dull and undesirable. I am an odd duck I guess because I find it very beautiful. It might not have the vibrancy of polished silver but I can appreciate the many colors and depths this natural phenomenon creates. It is especially beautiful when the unique crevices are given even more dimension.

What Causes Tarnish?

Tarnish is a chemical reaction between a metal and a nonmetal compound, such as oxygen or sulfur. This process is called oxidation. Some other causes of tarnish are:

• Sulfur: Sulfur-containing gases in the air, like hydrogen sulfide from hard-boiled eggs, can cause tarnishing. 
• Moisture: Excessive moisture and humidity can speed up tarnishing. 
• Temperature: Extreme temperatures can cause tarnishing. 
• Chemicals: Contact with certain chemicals, like those in cleaning products, perfumes, and lotions, can cause tarnishing. 
• Other substances: Interaction with oils, cosmetics, and certain types of packaging materials can cause tarnishing. 

How to Prevent Tarnishing

• Avoid contact with water, sweat, and chemicals.
• Store jewelry in a soft pouch or lined box to minimize scratches.
• Use protective coatings, like rhodium or gold plating.
• Clean and polish jewelry regularly.

How to Remove Tarnish From Antique Silverware

Even though I appreciate the tarnished spoons, forks, and knives from my personal collection, my household sad does not. Never will I forget the time I offered our teenage boy a vintage spoon to eat with and he so eloquently replied “No thanks. I would prefer to have one that hasn’t seen things.” This made me giggle because that comment was just too cute. I knew right then that if I wanted to successfully replace our modern tableware with my vintage collection that I would need to bring back their luster and shine in order for my family to be willing to use them. 😅

Supplies You Will Need For This DIY Project

• Baking Soda
• Aluminum Foil
• Casserole Dish
• Tongs
• Pot with Boiling Water
• Towel
• Microfiber Towel

Prep Your Casserole Dish

First, line your casserole dish with aluminum foil.

Next, spread a generous amount of baking soda over the aluminum foil, making sure it covers the dish.

Prep Your Area

Now, choose the antique silverware pieces that you would like to remove tarnish from. Place them in the bottom of the casserole dish. Make sure to wiggle the silverware a little bit to settle it into the baking soda and to ensure that it makes direct contact with the aluminum foil. This is important for this method of tarnish removal to work properly. Lay a towel next to the casserole dish to place the silverware on after removing the built up tarnish.

Boil Water

In a medium sauce pan, fill with water. You will want to make sure you have enough water to completely cover the silverware in the casserole dish. In doing this, it will ensure you do not miss any of the tarnished surface. Bring the water to a boil.

Create A Chemical Reaction

Now to get really scientific…When you clean silver with baking soda, water, and aluminum foil, the process works through an electrolytic reaction where the aluminum foil acts as a conductor, transferring the tarnish (silver sulfide) from the silver to the foil, leaving the silver clean; essentially, the tarnish is pulled onto the aluminum foil due to a difference in electrical potential between the two metals, making the silver shiny again. Isn’t that so interesting?! Honestly this is a great DIY project to do with your kids!

Now that you have prepped the pan and boiled the water, CAREFULLY pour the water into the casserole dish. Watch the chemical reaction take place! You will see the water begin to fizz. Wait several minutes and watch as the tarnish dissappear and the beautiful shine returns to your gorgeous antique silverware.

After several minutes, remove your silverware and place on the towel. Gently dry them with a microfiber cloth. You will want to do this to prevent water spots.

What a difference and it only took less than ten minutes!!!

Notes

• Do not use this method for heavily plated silver: The aggressive cleaning process might damage the plating (sadly, I have learned this from experience)
• Check for damage: Always inspect your silver for any potential damage before cleaning. 
• Be gentle: Avoid scrubbing the silver with the foil, as this could scratch the surface.
• Repeat as Needed: For heavily tarnished pieces, you may need to repeat this process to get desired results.

Now that you have learned this easy method for how to remove tarnish from antique silverware, I hope you will be inspired to start your own collection of vintage pieces for your table settings. Your holiday tablescape will be unique, timeless, and beautiful!

If you enjoyed this blog post about restoring the luster to your antique silverware, you will also love this post about incorporating vintage metals into your home décor. Happy homemaking!