Add your firs paragraphs hereIf your household has silver cutlery — like stainless steel sets — you know that these items tend to lose their shine and develop a dull appearance over time. So if you are wondering how to clean silver cutlery, don’t worry: it is much easier than you might think!
To help you achieve that sparkling look again, we developed eight (tested and approved) tips to restore your cutlery to its former glory! Keep reading to find you!
8 tips on how to clean silver cutlery
Stainless steel cutlery definitely forms part of the list of quality kitchen utensil sets, as the material is known for its durability, corrosion resistance and modern appearance. However, over time, even the best stainless steel can lose its shine due to various factors such as:
- exposure to water, that can cause water spots after the cutlery is dry;
- scratches, even normal daily use can cause;
- certain foods;
- etc.
So, if you are wondering how to clean silver cutlery, here are 8 tips for maintenance that will help your items look brand new all the time:
1. Warm water and mild detergent
The first tip on how to clean silver cutlery is also pretty obvious: for a daily clean, you should use warm water and a non-abrasive detergent. However, the tip here is to use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the surface and speed up the process of making your cutlery look dull.
2. Baking soda and aluminium foil bath
If the question is how to clean silver cutlery, the first answer is using baking soda and aluminium foil. Honestly, it can work wonders!
Line a glass or plastic container with aluminium foil — shiny side up. Place your cutlery on the foil and sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over them. Pour boiling water into the container until the cutlery is fully submerged.
Related topic: Heritage Steel, Family-Owned Cookware Brand
After a few minutes, remove the cutlery, rinse with warm water, and dry with a soft cloth.
3. Vinegar and baking soda solution
This mix is one of the best, in our opinion. Mix half a cup of white vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl to prepare the solution. The mixture will fizz, so make sure to use a large enough container, use rubber gloves and don’t breathe in the fumes.
Soak your silver cutlery in the solution for about two to three hours. Rinse with cold water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
4. Toothpaste for spot cleaning
Toothpaste isn’t just good for your jewellery! Many people use it to help clean actual silver rings, necklaces and earrings, but if you are wondering how to clean silver cutlery this method is also an excellent option.
You can use a non-gel and low-abrasive toothpaste to remove spot stains, to avoid scratching the item. Apply a small amount of it on a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the stains you wish removed. After scrubbing, rinse with warm water and dry with a soft towel.
5. Lemon juice and olive oil
Lemon juice and olive oil can be used to clean silver cutlery and give it a beautiful shine. Mix half a cup of lemon juice with a teaspoon of olive oil in a bowl. Dip a soft cloth in the mixture and rub it onto the tarnished cutlery.
The acidity of the lemon juice helps eliminate the dull look, while the olive oil adds a protective shiny layer. As always, rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
6. Avoid harsh chemicals
The sixth tip on how to clean silver cutlery has more to do with what not to use to clean it. Harsh chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia, can damage the surface of stainless steel and cause it to lose its shine.
Therefore, you should stick to mild detergents and avoid abrasive cleaners to maintain your cutlery shining.
7. Avoid using steel wool
We have another tip on what not to do if you want to know how to clean silver cutlery: don’t use steel wool or any other abrasive pads. They can — and will — scratch the surface of stainless steel, causing it to lose its shine and become more prone to staining.
Instead, use soft sponges or cloths for cleaning.
8. Store properly and focus on regular maintenance
Finally, this tip does not relate to cleaning silver cutlery but is just as important, as it can help maintain the shine of the set. So, make sure to store your cutlery in a dry place, away from humidity and moisture. Consider using a cutlery tray or organizer to separate the pieces and prevent them from scratching each other.
Moreover, focus on regular maintenance of these items as it can help keep your cutlery in top condition. Periodically check for any mild stain signs and address them quickly to prevent them from becoming tougher to remove.
Wrapping up: keep your cutlery shining bright
See, keeping your silver cutlery clean and shiny doesn’t have to be a daunting task! With these eight easy tips on how to clean your silver cutlery, you can maintain the shine of your kitchen utensils for longer!
Whether you use cleaning solutions like baking soda and vinegar or a more natural approach with lemon juice and olive oil, the key is regular care and proper storage.
And if you are looking for budget-friendly essential cleaning products for your kitchen, make sure to read this article with our top pics!
