The BEST Way To Polish Your Silver: Historic Restoration Tutorial

Laine takes you through the process of Electrochemical Reversal of tarnish. The tarnish will come right off of your silver without all the smell and hard work. You'll never polish silver the same way again!
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[@LaLadybug2011]

If your sink is enamel over cast iron, it might be "interfering" with the process. Try doing it in al plastic 5 gallon bucket next time and see if it takes off more tarnish. Use boiling water from a kettle or stock pot. And after your silver pieces are all dried off-finish with a very light coating of food grade mineral oil. It will help keep tarnish away. Great video!

[@dianefrench1721]

Oh my, I didn’t know about the mineral oil. I’m going to try that!

[@lianapalumbo8457]

Yes. I've seen another KZbinr use this process but in plastic tubs. He does connect a circuit to the foil though and I'm guessing this helps with the outcome

[@PetCactusA_HarmlessLittlePrick]

Add a Sous Vide Immersion Circulator Cooker to maintain the temperature and to keep the water moving.

[@Lycan_24_7]

Thanks for the mineral oil tip. I already have some food grade mineral oil to treat my wooden cutting boards.

[@duke2011ful]

I usually use vinegar, foil and baking soda. Is one method better than another?

[@dianefrench1721]

I also learned form my grandmother, to wrap your silver jewelry in aluminum foil and place in airtight container, it does not tarnish. I use this hot water bath all the time on all silver sterling or plated and it’s magic. I don’t mind having silver, with this cleaning process.

[@kirtandrews1859]

Hello there silly question I am sure. But dies this actually work ? Wrapping in aluminium foil then placing airtight container? I have so so much silver and forever polishing it as I detest tarnish. If this works I'll go and purchase a huge airtight container and I would be eternally grateful 🙏

[@dancingpianofairy]

I'm allergic to chromium, which is in steel, so silver is the most affordable option and it'd be so much more of a hassle without this cleaning method.

[@brandonmckinney3880]

When I worked at the jewelry counter I used to tell my customers about this trick all the time for silver jewelry without stones. I love this trick!

[@deborahmcmillon2507]

What's the trick

[@dancingpianofairy]

​@@deborahmcmillon2507the trick was shown in the video. That's what it's about.

[@Americas50s]

AMAZING! Thank you for this video! I was dreading the requisite Thanksgiving/Christmas polishing of our silver pieces, especially my husband's grandmother's tea service, from Scotland. It is so old, and delicate, but now I don't have to rub it to death to get the tarnish off. Again, thank you!

[@TheWayWalker]

OH MY GOSH your double drain sink!!! My favorite kind of sink 💕💜💛 Love it! Great video 🙂

[@VickyHilliard-ec5cw]

Great ideas ! Thanks for sharing this. I’ll definitely try this. You sure make everything look like fun.

[@kenelliott8562]

LOVE IT!!! I have bunches of antique silver plate and I am going to be doing this!!!!

[@bethreaves403]

Ok...so, I’d watched this video many months ago, and since I had some very tarnished candlestick holders, I saved this. I forgot about my intent to try this technique,. On occasion I’d walk past those tarnished beasts and would think to myself, “I’m going to do that this weekend!” This thought would enter my mind, and fly right out the other side as soon as I glanced around the room and saw all the more important things that needed done. Well, a few days ago when I spotted those candlestick holders for the ga-gillionth time, they cried out to me , begging for some attention. I said ok, ok, ok already!!! And I grabbed them, pulled out the handy dandy baking soda, and foil, and got to work heating water. The first go around, only took minutes to prepare. I set a timer and watched part of.o movie until the timer went off. The results were pretty good for no work on my part at all. But I thought they could look better. I decided to heat the water up a little on the stove this time. Dang!!! s soon as I set the holders in the sink they immediately brightened by about 75%! I set the timer again and the final results were freaking amazing!!! They are gorgeous!!! Don’t procrastinate people! You’ll thank me for pushing you to try this!!!

[@mirjanamilosavljevic4261]

Did you manage to remove the wax from the candle stick 🤞for mine,I got years of accumulated wax. My Christmas candle stick

[@bethreaves403]

@@mirjanamilosavljevic4261 , the boiling water melts it away!

[@mirjanamilosavljevic4261]

I did it last night Miracle 15 minutes work I was so afraid of scratching, hot water and sb melted all the wax even from the finest engraved ornaments ( it’s an old and beautiful candlestick,I was so afraid to clean it) I personally prefer little bit oxidised silver ,but my is now shining for the Christmas 💐

[@momizaidi]

Omg!!! I love your beverage dispenser ❤ I’d love to have one like that.

[@donaldwarriner1640]

I use a similar technique using a canning or stock pot; heat the water to the boil, add foil I've washed and saved after cooking then drop in, add baking soda then silver. It takes very little time which is helpful if one has a lot of silver to clean.

[@tytania3545]

Where do you get the silver?

[@happycook6737]

@@tytania3545 So few people want silver dishes these days I am always seeing it in Salvation Army thrift store. Mine came from my family and is a pain to polish because there is a lot of it.

[@patrickkatie]

Thank You so much for the information. It's like science class. I found a silver gravy boat I fell in love with. Can't wait to try this process. What's old becomes New!

[@auntiekristie]

Thanks for this video ~ I’ve done this before and it was magical to see it in action. I didn’t know about not using a stainless sink ~ thanks for the tip.

[@vidorcoc9227]

Thank you for the information. I have never heard of this; it will come in handy.

[@bjt20f2]

Thank you so much for sharing this and about not doing it in a stainless steel sink. I've been on a cleaning kick/frenzy since the snow started here in Memphis and was trying to decide if I really wanted to polish the silver. This makes it so much easier. I just found your channel and I'm loving it. ❤

[@jeanburgin160]

Glad to learn this. I have several pieces waiting to get cleaned. Many thanks.

[@twobrokeguyz1214]

Thank you Laine for showing me this tip about silver, and silver plate. I just got a small silver plate creamer I'm going to try this on. I'm excited to see what you two do with Hope Farm. I know it's going to be beautiful! I love your channel, and all the wonderful old homes you show. Please stay cool this summer. Have a wonderful weekend.

[@jeanfitzpatrick2287]

Thank you! This instructional video is truly a wonderful gift!

[@GGGG1040]

Awww your Pom is so cute 🥰- I had one for 13 years.

[@cathifamjourney469]

Shared this to a Facebook group I'm in. Maybe it will help your channel grow just a bit! Love the positive energy/vibes you both have. You can tell this is more than a restoration project, it's a labor of love 💘!

[@cynthialuna5786]

Thank you ,I always used Wrights silver polish. I like your way, less work. God bless you Lady.

[@juliehare3403]

For sterling pieces, always use silver polish...it adds to the patina of the piece as well as not to damage the silver.

[@user-qz5dq8kn4p]

Thank you so much for sharing this I’m going to try this and FYI omg your dog is so adorable 🥰

[@kaybonette]

Thank you for this video. Years ago I bought a thick aluminum plate from qvc and the instructions said to use a few teaspoons of washing soda. It worked quick but I didn't know you could use reg soda. Looking forward to your next house tour. Those are my favorite. Thanks

[@ES-pc8kf]

I had that qvc items also. Had difficulty finding washing soda. My silver is sure missing that plate and the attention I gave it back then. Now I’m retired and don’t care about keeping the silver polished. Ha ha

[@Cdees57]

That's pretty awesome. Oh and your little pomeranian is adorable.

[@jimmyfumbanks6081]

The Silverware is in a Box in the attic , Especially with the young homeowner. Glass and Plastic is the rage. The young crowd remember visiting grandmas and are totally turned off by silver and especially wood furniture . Ive seen these people paint Mahogony with white paint. so pack all grndmas stuff up until trees are extinct or sliver is 2000 an ounce.

[@christinealiciamusic]

I made some minor adjustments, but THIS WORKS! Here's what I did for PERFECT results using this video and comments: 1. Start boiling the biggest pot of water you can find 2. Line a bucket with aluminum foil 3. Dump a TON of baking soda in (from a Costco giant bag) at least 2 boxes full 4. Place silver items into bucket 5. Pour boiling water on top 6. Pour more baking soda on top 7. Leave for one hour 8. Return, carefully remove items and dry (use rag as some tarnish may still come off) 9. Rub some mineral oil on silver to protect from rust

[@princessblack5785]

Yep it works...just tried it on my Pandora bracelet with lots of charms and it worked like a charm 😉 very pleased indeed...I actually used the method from another video where she used a small pot over the stove instead of the sink

[@deborahnay8736]

Love your makeup and lipstick

[@betsywashburn9106]

Thanks so much for this . I have silver that needs cleaning and will try you way.

[@keturahstanley8929]

Great video! I'm going to try it on a champagne bucket 🍾 THANKS

[@MrGeroman]

Thank you! It really works greatly ❤

[@Susan.I]

Amazing difference!!!

[@infinitelightcouncil]

My husband loved this!

[@juliebergacker5680]

Awesome 👏👏👍👍💕

[@teresawommack5148]

Good one, thanks!

[@Velo1010]

So let me tell you I tired this with a few tarnished silver serving ware pieces today. The pieces came out looking much better than they went it. There were some spots on them still, but this method worked. However I used a plastic storage tub (14” long, 8” wide, 10” deep). Thanks for sharing.

[@ChaChaLaguna]

Amazing what a fun channel

[@jeffcole1914]

I’m loving that sink 🤓

[@amandamason6211]

I use this a lot for silver jewelry but I use a half cup of white vinegar in my bath it seems to work better for me...an old grandmother trick lol...but love the aluminum foil jack...will def try this next time...ty for all your hard work and sharing with us ❤

[@ayo.aolowofela261]

How do you use the Vinegar tho

[@shirleyk.f.6568]

When I do that, I need to OPEN A WINDOW. The fumes from doing it is very strong. Could it be that I have a stainless steal sink.

[@laineeden]

Yes, this should. NOT be done in stainless steel sinks. The stainless steel reacts to the silver and can actually damage it.

[@discoblair938]

I used to do this until I found Hagerty's silver dip. Just use a plastic container. The minute it silver,put it under warm water. Not as harsh as Tarnex. I have been a dealer in silver for 39 years .

[@shellydehart8217]

I’ve seen this done before but I’ve seen people do it on a stove in a pot. Pro cool! ♥️😊👍

[@patricianewman1034]

Thank You Fabulous

[@joannecirincione3896]

I also add salt to this process. I always do my table silver like this for a dinner party. So easy. Try the table salt addition.

[@celeste-236]

How much salt do you add?

[@juliehare3403]

Do NOT use salt on your silver, especially sterling! It is corrosive and will leave pot marks.

[@preisser32750]

wow... GONNA DO THIS....

[@richardherrera6368]

You’re beautiful thank you

[@denisemcgovern2485]

Love this! I have a very old silver Art Nouveau hand held mirror. Do you think I could do this method with a old glass mirror inside without ruining it?

[@OurRestorationNation]

I wouldn’t use it with a mirror

[@margopolo5054]

I heard that budgie in the background!

[@marilyn6556]

Off topic, but I love your eyes! Could you please tell me what eyeshadow you are wearing???

[@sherryseitz1889]

Hi Laine,, I love your show. I was wondering if I could use a aluminum pan from dollar store instead of using aluminum foil. Thank you.

[@KittyHannah]

I don't have one square inch of plated silver. Did I still watch this video? Yep!

[@OurRestorationNation]

😂😂😂

[@SuzGuzDesigns]

Hey, Laine! Thanks for the steps in how to do this! I saw this method done on a show recently, but they didn't give specifics as to everything you needed. So helpful! Do you know if one could use a disposable aluminum tray (such as those used to make lasagna or a casserole) with the same results, or is aluminum foil best? Reason I'm asking is that I have a bunch of them in storage and this would be a great way to put them to use. Thanks, girl!

[@OurRestorationNation]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for you though. Maybe give it a try.

[@bedstuyrover]

yes. If you have an item that is easy to clean you can also use Nevrdull.

[@TheTonialadd]

That’s a good idea. Try it on something that you’re not afraid of messing up.

[@loisschneider99]

Yes, you can use any aluminum. However, if you use aluminum cookware, it will accept the tarnish and, after a few pieces (one or two large, or six to ten of flatware) it won't continue to transfer. so a disposable pan or multiple pieces of foil will work better. Keep the water heated, add more baking soda and replace the foil after a bit. You won't see that it's getting dull until you pull it out of the water bath. If you continue to search for this method, some recommendations also have measurements, so an entire box of baking soda may be overkill. I think I was using 1teaspoon per cup of water, so definately more for a two or three gallon sink of hot/boiling water.

[@sweetmommyof5763]

I may be the odd ball here but I love it when my silver tarnishes. I love that old look! 😅 Is there a reason silver needs to be polished besides the obvious? If it needs to be polished, I'm willing to try this method but if it doesn't I'd love to just keep it tarnished.

[@loisschneider99]

The look of shined and polished silver is totally different than the look of tarnished or damaged silver, which is closer to a pewter color.

[@loisfolk5492]

Cool.

[@kirtandrews1859]

Hello i used to do this method to quickly clean my tarnished silver. But i find it leaves my silver dull afterwards. Any idea where im going wrong? I really like my silver to sing sing sing. Awesome video by the way thank you

[@lynnmaupin-simpson1215]

I have my mom's tea set. The tray is huge. I will have to use a tote or a plastic bin that it will fit in. I have a stainless steel sink. Bathtub is just too big. How about cleaning copper? I have 2 very old copper kettles from England. Silver polish is taking off the copper.

[@user-ri9xh9io9k]

Whats the foil for

[@diningbeautiful]

It works! These candle holders were black!!!

[@shannonanissa]

Wonderful. Could you put the tinfoil piece in before you add water? Or there is some chemical reason not to?

[@OurRestorationNation]

Not at all, other than it tends to float up when you run the water!

[@TheTonialadd]

I have some sewing machine parts I need to try this on. They’re nickel plated and I’m trying to remove the rust. I wish I was brave enough to try and replate them.

[@allafisher1762]

Can I do this in a metal sink? And maybe without aluminum foil?

[@OurRestorationNation]

No metal sink- you can use a plastic bucket !

[@aliceblauvelt7835]

some of my silver pieces have ivory on them (handles and such) it it still safe to do this or would i somehow need to keep those parts out? also do these still need polishing after?

[@OurRestorationNation]

If they have ivory do not use this method

[@ambitiousseeds7346]

is it normal for all the spots around the silver? like water spots almost they dont go away.

[@Rich32262]

I did exactly as you said and it hardly did anything. I soaked for 30mins., 45 to well over an hour. Swing and a miss. It was worth a try though.

[@sarahhall2863]

What would you recommend for copper?

[@dsandoval9396]

*QUESTION* I purchased a sterling silver ring "polished", with designs in it. While it didn't look tarnished or that dirty I thought it could be brighter. I did this and the ring actually got DARKER after a few seconds. But it got darker inside the deeper parts. I'm assuming it's left over polish or some kind of residue. Is this normal? Or am I missing something or wrong about something? (I'm actually going to leave it in longer later as I'm in my way to class)

[@vickiemeyer3869]

What happens to the silver plating if you leave the piece in longer than 1 hour?

[@MsFugax]

Would this process still work if you did it in a stainless steel sink?

[@laineeden]

This should NOT be done in stainless steel sinks. The stainless steel reacts to the silver and can actually damage it.

[@MsFugax]

@@laineeden Thanks!! :)

[@uscitizen898]

I did this process in a stainless steel sink and it worked fine. I DID make sure the entire sink was lined with aluminum foil though. Maybe that's why it worked for me.

[@ccaswick]

Nice kitchen sink -- is it old or a repro?

[@laineeden]

The is the homes original sink that we found in a trash pile in the backyard !

[@lindamyfatcatcow2606]

@@laineeden Wow, what a terrific find!

[@tfibby14]

Can you do this with copper or brass?

[@OurRestorationNation]

Just silver plate

[@cruesteele15]

dog was a paid actor

[@tomcatjunior9730]

Does this work on copper and copper plated ?

[@OurRestorationNation]

I’m afraid we don’t know the answer to this one.

[@tomcatjunior9730]

Ok, well I have two sets of old copper plated stamped plates, two from Grandmother and two found in salvage. I will try the two salvage and let you guys know the outcome. We have watched almost all your videos and have gotten answers and ideas from them for our Folk Victorian

[@OurRestorationNation]

This is Laine- your earlier answer came from Kevin. I would not suggest this process on copper. The two metals will react quite differently in the solutions and it will damage your copper. Sorry!

[@TaraElizabeth]

How frequently should we do this process?

[@OurRestorationNation]

Twice a year should be enough.

[@deborahnay8736]

What kind of bird do you have?

[@melinajimenez7742]

Does anyone know if this method of using baking soda is non-abrasive to silverware and silver plated objects? I heard that using baking soda is abrasive to silver and will actually remove silver particles the way a commercial silver polish does? Is this true?

[@OurRestorationNation]

You don’t run the silver with the soda.

[@tintinlol7881]

Why we have to put a aluminum foil at the bottom?

[@bethreaves403]

Do you have a parakeet or a cockatiel?

[@OurRestorationNation]

It’s a budgie!

[@bethreaves403]

@@OurRestorationNation, I’ve had a few budgies throughout my life time. Now I raise Society finches and Lady Gouldian finches. I love birds ❤️

[@blancavr1]

How about using tarnix?

[@OurRestorationNation]

The objective of this process is to limit the removal of the actual silver. Tarnex is a strong strong chemical that removes some of the silver every time you use it. Multiple uses result in removal of all the plate from the piece.

[@dianaeveland]

Does the freshness of baking soda matter?

[@laineeden]

Hmmmm..... I wouldn’t think so?

[@karenkoeberlein3118]

Could you buy silver jewelry cleaner and brush it on?

[@OurRestorationNation]

Sure

[@LilyMay-ch8rk]

I wanted to know more about that OSHA lolol................

[@ileanasemail]

If you'd out FIRST aluminum foil, then baking soda (and salt?) and AFTER THAT the hot water...it would be easier.

[@wendymacmullen6480]

Why would you pay for silver playing when you can pick up sterling far cheaper?

[@karenreed4648]

I tried this on jewelry and it did not work.

[@laineeden]

Is your jewelry coated? If it is it won’t work. Did you leave it in for a long enough period of time? Did you see the bubbles forming-if not you didn’t heve enough soda in the water. Was your water boiling hot? If not it won’t work. Did you bud them dry? That will remove what has released

[@antsquirly7654]

There's a reason why we have OSHA.

[@laineeden]

I didn’t say there wasn’t just mentioned that due to OSHA guidelines we can’t get things replayed like we once could, so care is more important.

[@celeste-236]

Hey Ant Squirly , you must work for the government, because like everything the government touches it eventually gets corrupted. And these Federal agencies constantly are adding more rules for business owners, while the government agency adds more personnel, MORE EXPANSION, & more money to their own budget . What started out as a good idea, turns into government overreach, & expands until it HARASSES people out of business. It’s the same reason why we don’t have Term Limits for Congress. When the Fox is allowed to guard the henhouse, BAD THINGS HAPPEN. Can you notice I’m sick & tired of government OVERREACH/CORRUPTION & the people who have the nerve to defend it.

[@babawali3021]

@@celeste-236 Hey Celeste, relax and have a nice glass of iced tea.

[@jahmasin]

you should BOIL the water...I use this method all the time

[@linanicolia1363]

we knew that, the foil, the baking soda and the boiling water.

[@yorweth1]

great video . But its (A LU-MIN-I-UM- ) not aluminum lol

[@ale7564]

Toe-may-toe, tuh-ma-toe!

[@valeriereneeharper]

No, it’s aluminum

[@yorweth1]

@@valeriereneeharper 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ElizabethsaParish]

My silver is Sterling…

[@OurRestorationNation]

Good for you!

[@judysebold1436]

Real silver is not plated

[@OurRestorationNation]

Correct, but real silver is used to plate base metals, hence “silver plate”.

[@beana666]

Oh no. I see you have a caged bird. Bye!

[@OurRestorationNation]

Don’t worry. It’s dead

[@CleeinMontana]

Karen’s … 🤣

[@silverlaptop2022]

Close yur mout 😐

[@OurRestorationNation]

Thanks for your comment, you’re paying my bills!

[@kidherder]

I must be the only one that didn’t think the piece looked much better. A tube of silver polish costs under $2 and a box of baking soda cost about a dollar. In other comments it was suggested using a “ton” of baking soda so maybe more than one box. I don’t see why you’d do this instead of buying a tube of polish.

[@Youtubesux2200]

Thanks for this, but that bird though!!

[@OurRestorationNation]

Well it’s dead now

[@Youtubesux2200]

@@OurRestorationNation oh no. Sorry to hear that