Yep.....don't do that!!!
I figure your sterling tea service is worth....2? maybe 3 thousand dollars? That dip method will eventually lay a film down on your silver and if there are any areas of detailing, decoration that are enhanced by oxidation, it removes that as well. The resale value of silver that has been dipped is less than that that has been cleaned with silver polish.
Get some Wrights polish and wash your service with dish soap....then put some wrights on a sponge and wash the silver with that. If you wash your silver with Wrights silver polish....just put some on a sponge and wash like you are washing dishes, about every month, you won't ever have to do a big deal polishing job.
But....take care of your investment.
Note I didn't give you the recipe for the silver dip? LOL! I know it...but I'm not telling!!
Linda C

Thanks Linda for the warning. I went ahead and used my Haggerty liquid that I had on hand. It is so beautiful when it is all polished up! The service was my grandmothers and she got it as an anniversary present in 1930! So I dont want to harm it in any way. Is there a website where I can find out more about this service? Or should I take it to an appraisor?

Send me a picture.....and what the markings are on the bottom....I'll see what my books say.
And/or post a picture on the antiques forum.
Linda C