Have you ever looked at your cutlery and realized that it's lost its shine and has developed that dreary grayish-black layer? It's no wonder - silverware and metal utensils oxidize over time, and although we wish they would clean themselves, unfortunately we have no choice but to... well, grandma's magic. The good news? You don't need any miracle sprays or special pastes for this trick. Just some hot water, some baking soda, and a few balls of aluminum foil.
Edible The accessories will shine in a few minutes, without scrubbing and with minimal effort. If you've been wondering how to restore the shine of your cutlery before your mother-in-law's visit - you're finally on the right track.
What do you need?
- 1 liter of water (or more, depending on the amount of utensils)
- 3 aluminum balls (simply crush the aluminum foil into rough balls, the size of a walnut)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons baking soda
- Pot or a larger metal container
- Cutlery in need of restoration
Cleaning process
- Boil water in a large pot.
- Once the water boils, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda and three balls of aluminum foil.
- Carefully place the utensils into the boiling mixture – make sure touching the foil, as this is key to initiating a chemical reaction.
- Leave the utensils in the pot for 5 to 10 minutes, then remove them, rinse with clean water and wipe with a dry, soft cloth.
How does this cutlery trick even work?
At silver and silver-colored objects Over time, oxidation occurs – the surface darkens, becomes matte and takes on a characteristic dirty appearance. Most people at this point resort to aggressive cleaners, which not only irritate the skin, but can also damage the surface of the utensils themselves in the long run. Grandma would say: “Why complicate your life when you can use foil and baking soda?”
And he's right. It's about electrochemical reaction, in which aluminum and baking soda in hot water create an environment in which the oxidation layer on silver transfers to aluminumThe utensils are not “cleaned” in the classical sense of the word – oxidation literally move. And the result? Shiny, pure metal eating utensils that would be the envy of even a nice hotel breakfast.
Why is this method better than the others?
First time, is incredibly simple. You probably already have all the ingredients at home, and you can achieve the result in less than 15 minutes.
Second time, you don't have to rub anything. True, you'll tire your hands more rolling the aluminum balls than cleaning them.
Third time, it is essential cheaper and more environmentally friendly from purchased products that come in plastic packaging and contain aggressive chemicals.
Conclusion
If you thought that sparkling cutlery was a matter of professional cleaners or expensive products, let this grandma's trick convince you otherwise. All you need is a pot, a few basic kitchen ingredients, and a few minutes of patience. Your cutlery will be as good as new - or even better, because when you look at it, you'll feel like you've discovered a secret that household empires prefer to keep hidden.