2 in 1, Science Day and Household tip

Combination science experiment and household tip. I had a friend who hated to polish her silverware. (Which is something I'm not keen about doing either.) She tried different products that promised easy silver cleaning. None worked to her satisfaction. Due to this she was going to give away a silver tea set a friend gave her to a school rummage sale. Since she was just going to give it away I suggested she first try a polishing tip I heard about. With her child present we did this experiment. This experiment is for older children since it involves a pot of hot water. And use only silverware and silver cups that if ruined in any way, even slightly, you won't be upset. In other words don't try this first on your great-grandmother's silver coffee pot. Some people like this polishing technique, others do not, saying it's too harsh on silver. Due to oxidation tarnish appears on silver. Sometimes you can wipe it off with hard wiping with a soft cotton cloth. This baking soda technique helps take tarnish off without all the hard work, but wiping is safer for silverware you cherish. I take no responsibility for the outcome of your silver with this experiment. Thus, if you're worried about your silver, buy an old cheap silver plated spoon that you don't care about at a garage sale and try this experiment with it.

Put aluminum foil on the inside bottom of a two gallon pot. Fill with water. Heat to a boil. Mix a quarter cup of baking soda with the two gallons of water. Using a tong, you as the parent, ease in silver tea cup and saucer in the pot and any silver forks and knives that fit. Remember: Dip items down, fully. You will see the foil darken and the tarnish disappear on the cup, saucer and silverware. "It's like magic!" my friend's child exclaimed. Once tarnish is off (do not leave in pot too long) take items out with tongs and put in sink to wash. The silver will be hot so let cool before washing with dish soap.