Does your silverware shine and sparkle?

You may think that your dishwasher does a fine job of cleaning your silverware but think again. If you look closely, you may find that your silverware is tarnished, a result of overuse and poor washing techniques. Maybe there are unseemly stains on your spoons or rust has started to form on your forks. Whatever it is, your silverware needs a good polish. Don’t go entertaining an important house party without giving your silverware a deep clean.

 

Or maybe you keep your fancy silverware in your cupboard saved for special occasions. Chances are, your specialty silver is tarnished too. They’ve sat in your cupboard for far too long and no longer look like the shiny spectacle they once were. Of course, you can go out and buy silver polish, but these products usually contain harsh chemicals that could harm the environment. If you have a green thumb, or if you’re looking for an at-home remedy, this may not be the option for you.

 

So how do you clean silver? Luckily, there are some proven household items that can return your silverware to its former luster in a matter of minutes. Read on to find out how to polish silver effectively.

 

1. Use an Aluminum Foil Concoction

This tried and true recipe works like magic. First, find an aluminum pan or baking dish and line it with foil. Next, place your silverware on the pan and apply 1 tablespoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) over everything.

 

Pour a cup of boiling water over the silverware or add enough to completely submerge the tarnished silverware. All you have to do is leave it be for 3 minutes and watch in awe as the tarnish magically transfers onto the foil from the silverware. Here’s a special tip: you can use this method to cleanse your jewelry too.

 

2. Mix Baking Soda and Water

This hands-on approach will help get rid of even the peskiest stains. Just combine baking soda and water to create a paste-like substance. Rub your tarnished silver with the mixture and you’ll rub off every stain.

 

3. Rub with Organic Toothpaste

All you have to do is squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto a cloth or rag and rub it on the silvers’ imperfections. After rinsing off the toothpaste, you’ll get to see how your silver shines.

 

4. Soak in Lemon Juice

If you don’t have access to baking soda but still want a deep clean for your silverware, this lemon juice recipe is for you. Soak your tarnished silver in a mixture of ½ cup water, ½ cup instant dry milk, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. You’ll wake up in the morning with your silverware shining brighter than ever before.

 

How to Polish Silver?

After you’ve made sure that your silver is spick and span in preparation for a big event, it’s time to correctly polish your silver. Rinse the silverware and dry thoroughly. Then polish with a soft cloth and buff with a rag. Your silverware will shine like never before. Now, all you have to do is place your beautiful silverware on the table and relax. Your guests will certainly appreciate the effort that went into cleaning your silverware!

 

How to Keep It Shiny?

Now that you know how to clean silver, the next step is to make sure your beautiful silverware stays shiny. When your successful house party is complete, make sure to store your sparkling silver in non-tarnish bags or wrap in acid-free tissue paper. Store your silver in a resealable zipper storage bag.

 

Whatever you do, make sure that you avoid touching your silver with rubber as rubber corrodes silver and causes it to tarnish. A little extra effort on your part after the big occasion will save you from having to clean your silverware the next time you bring it out.

 

There you have it. Cleaning silverware does not have to be hard or expensive. Just a few household items can restore a brand-new shine to your old tarnished silverware. Impressing your guests has never been this easy. Thanks for reading!