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Silverware when used for table settings looks fantastic and lends a touch of elegance to the entire occasion, whether you are hosting an elaborate luncheon or an intimate dinner party! However, tarnishing is inevitable, no matter how cautiously you utilize and clean the silverware. That is why; you have to be well-versed in different cleaning methods used for sprucing up the items to make them look as good as new!

What is tarnishing?

Silverware gets tarnished due to the result of a chemical reaction between the metal and sulfur compounds. The reaction creates a layer of silver sulfide on the surface of the object, making it appear dull and discolored. Salty air, humidity, bleach, and foods like eggs, onions, and garlic, can tarnish silver. Even acidic stuff like juices and tomato sauce leads to tarnishing. Once a meal is done, it is best to clean the silver pieces immediately, in order to prevent the silver sulfide from settling on the surfaces and changing the color of silverware. 

Regular cleaning

If you have just used silver items for serving food, wash it right away with warm water and pat dry with a soft linen cloth. 

•	Always wear untreated cotton gloves to prevent the transference of acid from your fingers to your clean silver.
•	Use mild dish soap and water to wash away debris. Make sure the soap doesn’t contain harsh chemicals as it could damage the cutlery. 
•	Don’t let water droplets settle on the silverware as it could cause spotting and corrosion – dry with a soft cloth without delay.

How to wash silverware in the dishwasher?

A common question while washing silverware using this gadget is whether they are supposed to go up or down. Some say they should be placed handle-up, while others are of the opinion that handle-down is the right way. Let us find out!

•	When it comes to knives, the answer is pretty obvious - the handle must face up, or there is a chance of getting injured as you reach in to pull them out! Ideally, chef’s knives should be washed by hand as they tend to become duller if used in the dishwasher regularly. However, table knives or butter knives can go in the dishwasher – handle-up, of course.

•	Forks and spoons should be placed handle-up, as it is a much more sanitary approach. When unloading silverware, you want to avoid touching the part of the utensil that gets used for eating. If they are placed with the handle facing down, you won’t be able to unload the dishwasher without putting your hands all over the part that goes into your mouth. 

•	You can mix it up as well – placing some handle-down and others handle-up, so they don’t rest against each other. When cutlery overlaps, it is called nesting, which prevents a thorough clean. Mixing different types of cutlery in each slot also prevents this. 

Cleaning with baking soda and aluminum foil

Luckily, cleaning tarnished silver isn’t a difficult process. With a few pantry ingredients, such as salt and baking soda, you can easily remove tarnish from silver items. This simple homemade solution can be used to clean even heavily tarnished pieces. Take a look:

Get the pan or sink ready

You can use a pot or roasting pan for smaller articles. Line it with aluminum foil, while ensuring the entire surface is covered. If you are cleaning large silver items, it is advisable to use the sink. Here too, the whole surface should be covered, including the edges. 

Pour boiling water

Boil some water separately and pour over the sink or pan. Use sufficient water so the pieces are fully submerged. 

Add baking soda and salt

For smaller items, put 1/4 cup of baking soda and 2 tsp of kosher salt in the water and stir well. Use 1 cup of baking soda and 1 of cup salt for larger cutlery. In both cases, stir till you see bubbles form. 

Add the silver articles
Mix the solution well, and place the silverware in the pan or sink. Be careful so they don’t rest against each other or the sides. Soak for up to 30 minutes. 

Cool and dry
Once the water has cooled, remove the items one by one, and dry with a soft cloth. Their former sheen will be restored!

Cleaning with vinegar

If you want a more rigorous polishing, use a homemade solution of vinegar, salt, and water.

•	Line a roasting pan or sink with aluminum foil and ensure it covers the whole surface.
•	Mix 1 tbsp of baking soda and 1 tbsp of kosher salt and sprinkle on the aluminum-lined space. 
•	Pour a half cup of distilled white vinegar into the space; the mixture starts to bubble.
•	Add 1 to 2 cups of boiling water – the silverware should be submerged completely. 
•	The pieces have to be placed in a single layer without overlapping.
•	Lightly tarnished pieces should be soaked for 30 seconds, while heavily tarnished articles need to be submerged for around 3 minutes.
•	Use tongs to remove the silverware, and dry and buff until clean.

How to polish silverware

Cleaning silverware isn’t enough – you have to polish it as well. There are plenty of silver of commercial silver polishes available online and in stores. Always choose a mild cleaning agent specifically designed to polish sterling silver or silver-plated items – it shouldn’t contain harsh or abrasive chemicals that could damage the articles permanently. 
•	While polishing silver, wear fitted nitrile gloves to protect your hands and prevent any contact with the surface.
•	As mentioned, use only mild silver polishing products, as they can remove the tarnish without damaging your piece. 
•	Use soft cloths, cotton balls or swabs to apply the gently polishing agents. When these turn black, use a new one.
•	Wipe any residues using distilled water. 
•	Don’t opt for generic metal cleaners or polishes, as these might be too harsh for your silverware. 

How to store silverware properly

There is no way to prevent tarnish completely, but the process can be slowed by storing silverware in a dawer, cabinet, or other space that limits its exposure to air and humidity. 

•	Wrap large silver items in acid-free paper and store in a cotton bag, till they are required.
•	Smaller items can be kept in silver cloth bags to protect from tarnishing elements. The bags provide cushioning to prevent accidental scratches or damage. 
•	There are anti-tarnish strips and silica gels to keep tarnish and dampness at bay while your silver is not in use.
•	Storing in a dry and well-ventilated area is a must, as the smallest amount of moisture can cause damage. Use drawer liners for this purpose.
 
Please refrain from storing silverware in newspapers or with rubber bands and felt – they typically have chemicals in them that react with silver, causing irreversible black spotting. Silverware should be kept away from certain painted surfaces and treated fabrics that encourage tarnishing. 

Cleaning and polishing silverware isn’t rocket science, but it could be slightly time-consuming, so you have to be patient while applying the techniques mentioned above. Routine care and maintenance will ensure your silver cutlery remains tarnish-free and retains its shine for years to come!