Do you think there is any reason you can't use an aluminum pot or pan, instead of aluminum foil??
It seems to me that the chemical reaction would be the same.
Indeed. If you were happy to ruin the pan. The aluminium foil is a sacrificial component.
Edit> I guess not, the baking soda is an alternative to the water softener.
Edit 2> Interesting read here.
Summary as I see it:
You need an aluminium plate or foil.
Use hot or near boiling water.
Use either washing soda, baking soda or salt (in decreasing order of effectiveness?)
Also use water softener (optional, especially if your water is not hard?)
Silver item needs to contact the aluminium.
Only silver submerged in the liquid will have tarnish removed, and parts closest to contact points with the aluminium will be acted on fastest.
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