Bring Life Back To Well-Loved Silverware With An Unexpected Alka-Seltzer Hack

Alka-Seltzer might be a pain relief medication, but it can be used for much more than easing headaches. There are several Alka-Seltzer cleaning hacks, including reviving tarnished silverware. The precious metal naturally discolors when exposed to sulfur gases in the air, making the silverware look more like copper-plated utensils. However, with Alka-Seltzer and water, you can get your fancy knives and forks shining again.

The three active ingredients in Alka-Seltzer might explain why it's great for polishing silverware along with relieving stomach pain. Citric acid is an organic chemical that when used for cleaning, works to descale and remove mineral deposits. Sodium bicarbonate, better known as baking soda, is a popular nontoxic compound that breaks down organic matter. Plus, aspirin, once it dissolves in water, becomes salicylic acid and acetic acid, which can help remove stains. 

For this hack, you'll need the original flavor of Alka-Seltzer. Avoid colorful varieties as they contain dyes that may stain the silver instead of polish it.

In addition to plain Alka-Seltzer tables, you'll need a container, water, and a microfiber cloth to get your tarnished silverware shining like new. First, get a tray large enough to fit your cutlery and fill it with enough water so the utensils can be fully submerged. Next, drop two Alka-Seltzer tablets in the water. As the pain relief meds start to fizz, add your tarnished silverware and let them soak. Then, once the fizzing stops, after two minutes or so, take the utensils out of the solution and immediately rinse the cutlery with clean water before drying them. Now, you can enjoy your tarnish-free silverware. You can also use this hack to clean silver jewelry.

After all your hard work getting them clean, you want to make sure your silverware is stored properly so don't have to bring the Alka-Seltzer out again too soon. You can line the drawer or wrap the spoons and forks with anti-tarnish cloth like this 3-foot roll from Amazon. You can also individually wrap the utensils with acid-free tissue paper before storing them in an air-tight plastic bag. Remember, moisture and sulfur are the enemy.