If your silverware is looking a bit dull, try cleaning it using an ion exchange—a molecular reaction in which aluminium acts as a catalyst. Simply line a dish with a sheet of aluminium foil, fill it with cold water and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Drop your tarnished silverware into the solution, let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse off and dry.

Keep silverware untarnished

Store freshly cleaned silverware on top of a sheet of aluminium foil to deter tarnishing. For longterm storage of silverware, first tightly cover each piece in cellophane wrap—make sure you squeeze out as much air as possible—then wrap the bundle in aluminium foil and seal the ends.