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Premise: I'm not a chemist and I've already had a look at this and this but they don't fully answer my question.

I have read that you can clean silverware using tinfoil, salt and water, though from what I understand, $\ce{H2S}$ is (or could be?) freed. Again, from what I understand, this a dangerous compound to breath. Now, is it still safe to clean silverware using this method? Is the amount of $\ce{H2S}$ freed dangerous?

I don't want to come across a "bleach + vinegar situation", which is why I'm asking here.

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  • $\begingroup$ Many things are unsafe if you do them incorrectly, unfortunately. If you perform the reaction in a well ventilated place you reduce the risk effectively to near zero. The answer presumably also depends on the amount of silverware and the state of the silverware. $\endgroup$
    – Buck Thorn ♦
    Commented Apr 26, 2023 at 17:28
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    $\begingroup$ I've used this method several times. You'll need to make sure your silver is in very good contact with the tinfoil so wrap it quite tightly. I do not recall ever smelling H2S from the system $\endgroup$
    – Waylander
    Commented Apr 26, 2023 at 18:21
  • $\begingroup$ 1. The amount of sulfur in the tarnish is microscopic. 2. Much of it reacts with the Al, and is not released as a gas. Consider that there is cyanide bound in almonds and apple seeds. Eating them in reasonable amounts is usually not fatal. There have been exceptions. $\endgroup$
    – DrMoishe Pippik
    Commented Apr 27, 2023 at 22:59

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