How to Remove White Residue on Silver Plated Flatware

Most flatware is silver plated.

Silver plated flatware, often referred to simply as silverware, can be fancy and ornate to simple and plain. The cheaper silver plated flatware tends to be used for everyday occasions, while the more expensive types are usually reserved for special occasions such as holidays or weddings. However, the less often the flatware gets used, the more easily tarnished it becomes. When the silverware first begins to tarnish, it will appear to have white to yellow spots.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic tub
• Water
• Phosphate free liquid dish soap
• Sponge
• Wash cloth
• Silver polish
• Polishing cloth

Instructions

1. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to the plastic container and fill 3/4 of the way full with warm water. Washing silver in a metal sink can cause scratches and ruin the silver.

2. Dip your sponge into the soapy water and wash the silver plated flatware using a gentle, circular motion. Rinse well and dry with your wash cloth.

3. Rinse the sponge and plastic tub and make sure they is free of soap. Fill the tub with 1 cup of vinegar and 2 tbsp. of baking soda. Scrub the silver plated flatware with the sponge. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and hand dry.

4. Apply a few drops of silver polish to a wash cloth. Polish the flatware using a gentle, circular motion. The silver polish contains a mild abrasive and will remove any left over white residue. Buff the silver polish away using a polishing cloth.

References

• JB Silverware: Cleaning and Caring for Silverware