How to Clean Sterling Silver Flatware

Shiny, clean sterling silver flatware complements any table setting.

Sterling silver flatware adds shine and a touch of class to your table. When sterling silver is taken care of properly, it can last for many years. Because sterling silver is a soft metal, proper care and cleaning is important to keep your sterling silver flatware clean and free of stains and tarnish. Clean and maintain your sterling silver flatware with commercial cleaners and polishing products or save money and use effective home remedies.

Things You'll Need

• Mild hand dishwashing detergent
• Washcloth
• Soft cloths
• Baking pan
• Aluminum foil
• Measuring spoons
• Baking soda
• Table salt

Instructions

Daily Cleaning

1. 

   Wash sterling silver flatware before stains have time to harden and set.

   Clean sterling silver flatware immediately after each meal. Fill your kitchen sink with hot water and a few squirts of a non-lemon, non-chloride mild hand dishwashing detergent. Lemon and bleach products can damage the soft metal of sterling silver.

2. Scrub and wash your sterling silver flatware using a soft washcloth. Do not soak your sterling silver flatware for more then 30 minutes and avoid using scratchy, abrasive cleaners.

3. Rinse your flatware with warm water, then dry thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth. Allow your sterling silver flatware to lay flat on a clean towel to ensure complete dryness before putting it away.

Removing Stains and Tarnish

1. Tackle severe stains and tarnish on your sterling silver flatware with a home remedy tarnish remover. Place aluminum foil in the bottom of a baking pan, completely covering the bottom. Fill the pan with water 2 inches from the top.

2. Add 1 tsp. of baking soda and 1 tsp. of table salt to the water in the aluminum foil-lined pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn off the heat.

3. Lay your sterling silver flatware in the tarnish removing solution and allow it to soak for 30 minutes. Rinse your sterling silver flatware with plain water, then dry with a soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• While sterling silver flatware can be washed in the dishwasher, it's better for the longevity of the metal to hand wash the flatware.

• Lemon and lemon juice is recommended to clean some silver products, but avoid using it on sterling silver as it can pit the soft metal surface.

References

• Online Sterling: Cleaning Sterling Silver Flatware
• Earth Easy: Non-Toxic Home Cleaning Solutions