Hot water, soda clean silver

Dear Heloise: Years ago, I had a cheap silver cleaner: Line the sink with aluminum foil, add hot water and I forgot what else. Let soak (?) minutes and dry. Do you have any hints on silver cleaner? — Mary, Hardin, Texas

Yes, I do! I use my sterling-silver flatware every day, and I do the following for a quick way to shine it up. First, here are a couple of cautions to keep in mind: DO NOT do this in a stainless-steel sink — use a porcelain or enamel sink. DON'T clean antique or heirloom pieces. Some should never be cleaned, because it can diminish the value. Also, pieces with oxidation (the black, shadowy part — called patina) really shouldn't be cleaned this way, as the patina may be removed. And DON'T clean silver-plate or hollow-handled utensils this way, either.

DO use two sheets of foil, enough boiling water to cover the silver pieces and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Put the stopper in the drain and put the foil in, one piece lengthwise and one piece across (shiny side up or down — it doesn't matter). Carefully pour in the boiling water and dissolve the baking soda. Place the silver pieces in the solution (making sure they touch the foil), let stand for several minutes and watch. Remove the pieces, rinse well and dry with a soft cloth. — Heloise

P.S.: This method is for occasional use only. A good silver polish is the best product to use.

Dear Heloise: Whenever you open a new jar, wrapper or package of a product, write that item on your shopping list. If there is a backup container on the shelf, you will always be safe. — Frances Hammond, Coral Springs, Fla.

Dear Heloise: I cut soap pads in half. They work the same and last a lot longer. — C.K., Englewood, Calif.

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

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