Q&A for How to Clean Silver with Baking Soda

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  • Question
    Can you use baking soda to clean silver?
    Alicia Sokolowski
    Green Cleaning Specialist
    Alicia Sokolowski is a Green Cleaning Specialist and the President and co-CEO of AspenClean, a green cleaning company in Vancouver, British Columbia. With over 2 decades of experience, Alicia specializes in creating a healthier, green alternative to chemical-based cleaning products and services. AspenClean develops and manufactures its own line of 100% Natural, EcoCert® certified, and EWG verified™ cleaning products. AspenClean’s glass cleaner was voted Parent’s Green Pick 2020 by readers of the Parents’ magazine. Alicia holds a CPA designation and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Finance from the University of Toronto.
    Green Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Absolutely! You can make a cleaning paste from 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Rub this onto the silver with a soft cloth to remove stains.
  • Question
    How do you clean heavily tarnished EPNS?
    Toronto Shine Cleaning
    Community Answer
    The baking soda method might be too harsh for EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). Instead, try a mild soap and water.
  • Question
    A pot boiled over and the liquid covered my whole stovetop and stainless steel. Very hard to remove residue. Any solutions?
    Toronto Shine Cleaning
    Community Answer
    To remove hard residue from your stovetop and stainless steel, use a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Apply it with a soft cloth, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently. Rinse with water and dry immediately.
  • Question
    Can this process be used if a larimar stone is set in the silver?
    Toronto Shine Cleaning
    Community Answer
    Be cautious. The baking soda could affect the larimar stone. Instead, clean around the stone using a soft cloth.
  • Question
    Can the baking soda-aluminum method be used on EPNS?
    Toronto Shine Cleaning
    Community Answer
    I wouldn't recommend it, as the baking soda can be abrasive and may remove the nickel plating.
  • Question
    Some of my silver coins went very dark in colour. What happened?
    Toronto Shine Cleaning
    Community Answer
    It sounds like the baking soda method accelerated tarnishing instead of removing it. You might want to consider using a specialized coin cleaner.
  • Question
    I have hard water residue on my sterling silver, which has caused streaked stains. How do I remove them?
    Toronto Shine Cleaning
    Community Answer
    Hard water stains may require a more targeted approach, such as using white vinegar.
  • Question
    How can I identify silver-plated items versus sterling, and what is recommended for cleaning plated items?
    Toronto Shine Cleaning
    Community Answer
    Sterling silver usually has a "925" mark, while plated items may say "plate" or have other markings. For plated items, avoid abrasive cleaners like baking soda, as they can wear down the plating. Use a gentle silver cleaner instead.
  • Question
    Will this method work on a large silver teapot and sugar and cream containers?
    Toronto Shine Cleaning
    Community Answer
    If they are sterling silver, the baking soda method should work. For plated items, consider using a milder approach.
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