What happens to silver in vinegar?

Aluminum foil and vinegar can be used to clean tarnished silver due to a chemical process called ion exchange. A vinegar and salt solution transfers some of the silver molecules to the foil, removing the tarnished surface and showing the bright silver beneath.

Does baking soda damage silver?

Although using baking soda and aluminum foil can quickly remove tarnish from silverware, some dealers caution against using it on antique silver, as it can be too abrasive and ruin the finish (especially if youre unsure of the provenance and its possible that the pieces are not actually sterling silver).

Does anyone buy silver plated items?

In fact, youll be surprised to find out that they are more valuable than nickel-silver alloy at any scrap yard. In most cases, storefront buyers of sterling silver and gold will give you something like a dollar or fifty cents for every pound of your silver-plated item. They accumulate what you have until it is enough.