You might also think the set you purchased or was gifted to you might not be up to par.

However, don’t jump to any conclusions just yet.

Oils from food can hasten the tarnishing process, as can sweat when wearing jewelry (viaInes Bouwen).

Martha Stewart smiling

Then, spread your silverware across the pan andsprinkle baking sodaover each utensil.

About one-half to one whole cup of baking soda should do the trick.

You’ll see the tarnish fade away.

Silverware in boiling water

When baking soda and boiling water mix, they carry away the sulfur molecules from the silverware.

Those molecules adhere to the aluminum, thereby removing the tarnish.

How to preserve your silverware

Once the tarnish is removed, you might polish your silverware.

Silverware in drawer

Polishing can wear off small pieces of metal each time you take a product-damp towel to your utensils.

When polishing silverware, you should employ an up-and-down motion only.

Martha Stewart recommends using a soft cloth to polish your silver forks, spoons, and knives.

Although you make your best effort to prevent tarnishing, don’t be alarmed when it happens.

Simply employ the baking soda method and your silverware will be back to new in no time.