Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Silver lining


As I was making breakfast this morning, I could see my glass container of silver cutlery was looking shabby rather than shiny. So I mixed up my foolsafe cleaning solution.


Out comes my non-metal heatproof dish (I use a small ceramic lasagne dish), which I line with alumunium foil. Three tablespoons of washing soda are scattered on top before I pour in enough boiling water that will cover a layer of cutlery.

Before bath

Into the bath goes the tarnished cutlery, which I leave for a couple of minutes before using tongs to remove and then drop into a bowl of cold water to rinse. Finally, I use a clean teatowel to wipe away any residue.

Clean cutlery goes back into glass jar and sparkles in the sun again just like it should.

Example of a not-quite-half-dipped cup


If you're going to try this, be sure not to overcrowd the container as the cleaning solution won't work as well. Pieces must also be in contact with the foil. I do my cutlery in a few batches, changing the solution, including the foil, with each lot.

Works just as well with silver jewellery.
Posted by Small Things Simple Pleasures at 9:51 AM
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7 comments:

  1. Carmel's ClosetAugust 3, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    This looks simple. Just need to ask - Is there a brand of washing soda in particular? Or is this something you make up yourself?
    Enjoy the rest of your week.
    Carmel

    ReplyDelete
  2. janefAugust 3, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    ooh thanks Vera, i bought some very tarnished teaspoons yesterday, and wasnt sure how i was going to get them cleaned- Ive tried the alfoil with bi-carb before, which was okay- but this looks like it will do a much better job
    cheers
    jane

    ReplyDelete
  3. Small Things Simple PleasuresAugust 3, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    The brand I buy (the only brand I've ever seen, actually) is Lectric and called Lectric Soda Crystals, which I've bought at both Coles and Woolworths.

    According to the plastic bag it comes in, the company is an Australian one. There's also a website: www.lectric.com.au

    I've just edited the post to show an example of a half-dipped mug I just did so that you can really see the difference.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tracey@bountifullyAugust 3, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    great tip. Do you use your silver ware? I often look at silver in the op shop but wonder what I would do with it...

    ReplyDelete
  5. TaniaAugust 3, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    This is the same trick my nana used to use - only I've been racking my brain for the last ten years trying to remember the what and the how.

    THANK YOU.

    ReplyDelete
  6. harmony and rosieAugust 6, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    What a difference, that's amazing. Do you have a suggestion for brass?

    ReplyDelete
  7. claireAugust 11, 2011 at 12:41 AM

    This is neat! Thanks for the demo :)

    ReplyDelete

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