How to Clean Your Silverware

Clean and shiny silverware always makes a good impression on dinner guests. Pesky spots and stains leftover by hand-washing or dishwasher operations give clean silverware an annoyingly tarnished appearance. Follow these steps to get your silver ready for a special meal.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Milk
• Water
• Vinegar
• Non-aluminum pan
• Baking soda
• Aluminum foil

How to Clean Your Silverware

1. Determine which process you prefer to use to clean your silverware. One process is gentle on silverware, using a milk and vinegar soaking solution. The other method is particularly adept at getting rid of stubborn marks on silverware, but it is somewhat harsher.

2. If using the first option, mix one part milk with two parts water in the pan. For every 12 ounces of water used, add one tablespoon of vinegar and stir. Allow silverware to soak in mixture for several hours or even overnight.

3. Rinse silverware under warm water and dry clean pieces with a soft cloth.

4. If using the more powerful cleaning method, line the pan with aluminum foil and fill halfway with tepid or warm water. Add a teaspoon or two of baking soda and soak silverware in solution for 5 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on your silverware so you know when the stains have been removed.

5. Rinse silverware in warm water and allow the pieces to air-dry. Once dry, rub them gently with a soft and clean cloth to get rid of any water marks.

Tips & Warnings

• The baking soda method is harder on your silverware than the other cleaning process. Only do this method when necessary stains warrant the harsher treatment and not with frequency.