How to Care for and Clean Silverware and Flatware

Shiny silverware or flatware is a possibility with proper care.

The seemingly obvious answer to the question of how to clean silverware and flatware would be to hand wash with dish detergent, or for the flatware that is dishwasher safe, put it in the dishwasher. However, some silverware and flatware needs a little more cleaning or caring than that. Some of the care and cleaning depends on whether you have silver plated silverware or stainless steel flatware.

Things You'll Need

• Dishwashing detergent
• Sponge
• Blackboard chalk
• Velvet bag
• Salt
• Rag
• White vinegar

Instructions

1. To clean silverware that is silver plated, use a mild dishwashing detergent with a sponge. Never put silver-plated silverware in the dishwasher. It is not dishwasher safe, and you will ruin your expensive spoons, forks, knives and serving pieces.

2. Store silver-plated silverware with a piece of blackboard chalk in a velvet bag or velvet-lined box. The chalk will absorb the humidity to slow tarnishing. The velvet also helps keep the moisture away from your silverware.

3. To remove tarnish from silver-plated silverware, sprinkle your silverware with salt and rub with a clean, soft rag dipped in white vinegar.

4. To wash stainless steel flatware, wash by hand with dishwashing detergent and a sponge or clean them in a dishwasher.

5. To remove dark stains from stainless steel flatware, place your stained pieces in a bowl, sprinkle with baking soda and add about 1/2 cup of white vinegar. It will bubble and foam. Clean the flatware with the solution and dry thoroughly.

References

• Housecleaning Central: Silver Cleaning Tip