Clean a Silver Tea Set

• 1). Fill your sink with hot water. Place a sheet of aluminum foil over the bottom of your sink.
  
  
• 2). Whisk in 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of salt. Place the silver tea set in the sink and allow to sit for 5 minutes. It is best to clean one piece of the tea set at a time. Salt can be used in cleaning with the aluminum foil because the combination of salt, aluminum foil and water creates a chemical reaction known as ion exchange. The ion exchange causes the tarnish on the silver to be transferred to the foil.
  
  
• 3). Remove the silver tea set and dry with a soft towel. Do not air dry, as extended exposure to water will cause the silver to tarnish.
  
  
• 4). Inspect the silver tea set. If you still see tarnished areas, you can make a thin paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste in a back and forth motion with a soft cloth. Rinse and dry with a towel.