How to clean silverware until it dazzles

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Getting the silverware out means it’s time for a special occasion. And any guests you have over will definitely appreciate the love and care you’ve put into making their cutlery so shiny that they can see their own distorted faces in it. 

And even when that cutlery’s caked in beef wellington or salmon en croute (the dinner party classics) and you’ve got to clean it up, it’ll be fine. Because cleaning it is easy, and because you had a great night getting that cutlery filthy.  

So, what’s the best way to clean silver without using a smelly polish? This guide will take you through how to polish silver at home, all with ingredients you already have in your cupboard.

How to clean silver cutlery with foil

This easy way to clean silver requires next-to-no effort – just a boil of the kettle, a bit of mixing, and a bit of waiting. Here’s what you’ll need:

This might sound like a fun science experiment, but once you’ve done it, you’re free to tell your friends it’s your secret method. If you’re using a glass baking dish, start by lining it with the aluminium foil. Put the water on to boil. While you wait, mix the salt and baking soda in the baking dish. Pour the vinegar over them – taking care, because it’s going to fizz – and then, once the fizzing has died down, put the silverware in, making sure each piece is touching the foil.

Now add the boiling water. Together, these ingredients will move the tarnish from your silverware to the foil. Yep, like magic. Let them act for up to 5 minutes, then use the tongs to lift your cutlery out. Once it’s cool enough to handle, buff away any spots using a piece of kitchen paper.

How to clean silver with baking soda or toothpaste

If you’ve got a bit more time on your hands, you can just use plain baking soda for your silver cleaning. Sprinkle a load of it over the cutlery, covering everything, and let it sit for 30-60 minutes whilst you relax/get on with cleaning something else. Once you’re sure the tarnish is gone, give them a final buff with a piece of kitchen paper.

You can also make a paste of baking soda and water or use a tube of normal white toothpaste. Use a piece of kitchen paper to rub the paste evenly all over the cutlery. Buff it away with some clean Plenty kitchen towel, then rinse and dry your silver carefully. There – good as new!

When it comes to cleaning and polishing silver cutlery, the caked-on food or water spots are nothing to worry about. And to be honest, when cleaning them is this easy, you could start using your silver for everyday use. Fish and chips with the finest silver, anyone?