How exactly is this cleaning reaction working?
The Lady Mermaid asked: I am working in the jewelry industry and was wondering how this reaction is working. We frequently clean tarnished silver with a bowl of water lined with aluminum foil, hot water, baking soda, a pinch of salt and a little dishwashing liquid. I have a little chemistry in my [...]
What happens to the silver in this reaction?
Tani asked: Years ago, I used to line a bread pan with aluminum foil, put in tarnished silverware or silver jewelry, along with a tablespoon of washing soda and a tablespoon of salt, pour in boiling hot water, and let it sit 5 or 10 minutes. Presto, the smell of sulfur dioxide, blackened foil, and [...]