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Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

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How to restore sterling silver flatware tarnished by exposure to chlorine bleach?

2006

My heirloom silver flatware is turned shabby gray when I added about 5 ml of chlorine bleach to about 1 L of a detergent-water mixture. It soaked there for about 15 minutes.

Someone suggested that I try using vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , but I'm afraid to do anything unless the advice comes from someone knowledgeable about the chemical processes involved.

The flatware was made around 1900 and has been handed down through my family. Can you help?

Harriet Gilman
homemaker - Dallas, Texas

2006

That's what silver polish is for, Harriet. Unfortunately, it's probably also what patience is for, as it may take some time to get a deep discoloration out with silver polish. If you are confident that it is solid silver, the "aluminum foil and washing soda ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] " trick described in letter 4785 ought to work fine.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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