Removal Of Tarnish

Acids dissolve tarnish. Oxalic acid, lemon-juice, and vinegar may be used. But, except for spots, it is best to rely mostly upon powders in cleaning metals. A chemical that removes the tarnish may attack the metal. For example, any chemical that brightens zinc, eats into it. If acid is used on any metal, all traces of it must be removed by rubbing with powder, or the tarnish will quickly reappear. Oil or water, mixed with the powder, forms a paste easy to apply. Use chamois-skin or soft cloth for polishing.

How To Scour Steel Knives

Scrape off a little bath brick with the back of the knife or with an old knife. Dip a cork in water or oil, and then in the brick-dust. Hold the knife firmly, with the blade resting flat upon a level surface, and rub both sides of the blade with the cork. Wash the knife. Scour steel forks in the same way. Never scour silver-plated knives or forks.

Care Of Aluminum Ware

Aluminum should not be used for vegetables with strong acid or for boiling eggs. These discolor it. Otherwise it needs little care. Never use soda on aluminum. Before using any polish fill with water and bring to a boil. For bad stains use oxalic acid diluted, one teaspoonful of acid to two quarts of water. If the stain still remains, rub with a damp cloth dipped in whiting or Dutch cleanser.

How To Clean Silverware

The quickest way to brighten silver is by electroylsis, that is, by decomposing the tarnish by electricity. One device for this purpose is an aluminum pan with cross-bars of tin on the bottom. Fill the pan with water, and for every quart dissolve in it one teaspoonful of baking-soda and one tablespoonful of salt. The silver must rest on the bars and be covered with the solution. A mild current of electricity is set up which causes the tarnish quickly to disappear. No rubbing is needed, but embossed silver may need brushing to loosen the tarnish. Rinse in clear water, and wipe dry with a soft cloth. The old way is to moisten a soft cloth with water or alcohol, dip it in fine whiting, and apply to the silver. When the whiting has dried, rub it off with another soft cloth, and polish with chamois-skin. To cleanse chasing or ornamental work, use an old tooth-brush. Rub egg-stained spoons and other badly tarnished articles with salt before washing them. The tarnish is not soluble, but with the chlorine in the salt it forms a soluble compound. Powders or cakes sold by silversmiths are good. Patent powders and polishes often remove some of the silver.