Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: When you appeared on “The View,” you demonstrated a dipping solution as an alternative to silver polish. Among the ingredients were salt, water softener and aluminum foil. Would you please print this recipe? – Mary Cramer, Houston

Here it is, and boy, did I have fun doing that show. Please note: This should not be used on valuable silver-plated, antique or hollow-handled utensils and should only be used once in a while, as overuse could damage the silver.

Place a sheet of foil in the bottom of a pan (not aluminum), then put the silver pieces on top of the foil. Add enough water to cover the silver, then pour in 2 quarts of boiling water and 2 teaspoons of baking soda and mix to dissolve. When the tarnish has “gone away,” remove the silver, rinse well and buff dry with a soft cloth.

If the items are heavily tarnished, it’s worth it to use a good commercial cleaner. – Heloise