The combination of sodium bicarbonate and aluminum, commonly used in conjunction with hot water, forms an electrolytic solution. When tarnished silver is immersed in this solution, a chemical reaction occurs. Silver sulfide, the compound responsible for tarnish, is converted back to metallic silver. This process, technically a reduction reaction, involves the transfer of electrons from the aluminum to the silver sulfide.
This cleaning method offers a less abrasive alternative to polishing cloths or chemical dips. It is often favored because it can remove tarnish from intricate silver pieces that are difficult to clean manually. Furthermore, it can be a cost-effective approach for maintaining silver items. This technique’s popularity stems from its ease of use and the common availability of the necessary materials.
