Home Remedies for Dull Flatware

Clean dull flatware properly so that it remains shiny.

Oxidation causes silverware to tarnish over time, which makes the utensils look dull. Instead of replacing the silverware, you can remove the tarnish to restore the shine. Cleaning and drying silverware immediately after each use helps prevent the tarnish from developing. When you need to remove tarnish from silverware, you can avoid purchasing commercial silver polish. Clean the silverware with items in your home to save money and keep the utensils in good condition so that they last for many years.

Dishwashing Liquid

Sometimes silverware does not need polishing. Dirt and grime stick to the surface of the silverware, and you can clean the utensils with a mild dishwashing liquid. Phosphate-free detergents work best because they do not leave behind spots. Fill your sink with 2 to 3 tablespoons of liquid dish detergent and 1 gallon of hot water. Soak the silverware in the dishwashing liquid for 30 minutes to remove any tough grime. If stubborn stains remain, scrub the silverware with a non-abrasive sponge and then rinse the silverware off to remove the soapy water. Buff the silverware dry with a soft washcloth to prevent tarnish.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste restores the shine on silverware and removes tarnish. When you use toothpaste, select a non-gel one for best results. The Michigan State University Extension website suggests wearing cotton gloves to protect the silver against tarnish while you clean it. Apply the toothpaste to the silverware with a soft bristled toothbrush to prevent scratching the surface. Cover the entire surface of the silverware. Once the toothpaste dries, rinse the silverware under warm water and dry the utensils with a soft washcloth.

Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil in combination with baking soda and salt create a chemical reaction that cleans the silverware. The mixture causes the tarnish on the silver to transfer to the aluminum foil. When you clean silverware with this solution, you need a shallow pan large enough to hold the utensils. Line this pan with aluminum foil and then fill the pan with 2 to 3 inches of warm water. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of salt to the pan and bring the solution to a boil on the stove top. When the solution boils, stir it until the salt and baking soda dissolve. Immerse the silverware in the solution and boil it for two to three minutes. Remove the silverware once the water cools, rinse the solution off completely and dry the utensils with a soft washcloth.

Baking Soda

The combination of baking soda and water creates a thick gentle abrasive that removes tarnish from silverware. Combine an equal amount of baking soda and water. Rub the paste onto the silverware with your fingers or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse the paste off and then dry the silverware with a soft washcloth to restore the shine. You can also dampen a washcloth and sprinkle baking soda over it. Rub the washcloth over the silverware to clean it and then rinse and dry the utensils.

References

• Michigan State University Extension; Homemade Cleaners; May 2003
• Vassar College Environmental Risks and Breast Cancer: Cleaning Products Recipes
• University of Maryland Cooperative Extension; Alternatives for Household Products; Helpful Hazardous Waste Reduction Hints; Wanda MacLachlan; 1998
• Society of American Silversmiths; Silver Care; Jeffrey Herman; June 2010