How to Clean Sterling Silver Using Reynolds Wrap

Reynolds Wrap--or another kind of aluminum foil--is often used as a home remedy to clean tarnished sterling silver.  Because sulfur is attracted to the aluminum foil rather than the silver, the aluminum foil, along with baking soda, water and heat, work together to transfer the tarnish-causing sulfur from the silver to the aluminum foil.

1. Line the bottom of a pan with Reynolds Wrap and place it on a stove burner. Do not turn it on yet.

2. Pour enough water into the pan so that it will cover the sterling silver that you plan to clean.

3. Add 2 to 3 tbsp. of baking soda for small pans. For pans that hold a gallon of water, add 1 cup of baking soda. Stir the baking soda until it dissolves.

4. Turn the stove burner on and wait for the water to boil. Turn off the stove burner and remove the pan from the heat source once it boils.

5. Add your sterling silver to the pan so that it touches the Reynolds wrap.

6. Remove the silver with tongs after about 2 to 3 minutes. Inspect it. If it still tarnished, set it back in the water for a couple more minutes.

7. Rinse the clean sterling silver with water and dry it with a soft rag.