There’s something special about using real silverware—whether it’s an heirloom set passed down through generations or a lucky antique store find. I truly believe in not saving our silverware and best dishes for special occasions. These pieces should be used and enjoyed every single day. But keeping silverware clean and shiny can feel like a chore, especially when tarnish sets in.
The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals to restore its beauty. With a few simple, natural ingredients—most of which you likely already have in your kitchen—you can keep your silverware gleaming.
You’ll need to set aside 20-30 mins of your day to clean and polish your silverware. But you don’t need to polish it every single week. I find that once a season is enough to keep my pieces looking shiny and bright.
To keep our silverware gleaming, we’ll focus on silverware cleaning tips that are eco-friendly, non-toxic methods that are both effective and simple.
Understanding Silver Tarnish
Silverware can be a beautiful addition to our homes. But if we were to list the downsides, tarnish would be right up there. Silver naturally reacts with air and sulphur, leading to that dull, dark coating we call tarnish.
If you’ve ever wondered why some pieces tarnish faster than others, it often depends on humidity, exposure to certain foods (like ones high in sulphur), and how the silverware is stored. Whether you have sterling silver or silver-plated pieces, the right care makes all the difference.
Essential Supplies for Cleaning Silver
Before you start scrubbing, gather these homestead-friendly cleaning staples:
✔ Baking soda
✔ White vinegar
✔ Salt
✔ Aluminum foil
✔ Soft cloth (like an old cotton T-shirt)
✔ A soft-bristled toothbrush for detailed work
No expensive store-bought polish is needed—just simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Quick Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning
If your silver just needs a little freshening up, a quick wipe with a cloth and baking soda might do the trick. Get the cloth wet and then wring it out so that it is damp. Dip a corner of the damp cloth into a small bowl of baking soda and buff the silverware.
Rinse off the silverware piece, dry and put away.
If you’re dealing with heavy tarnish, it’s time for a deeper clean. Below is my favourite way to deep clean my silverware.
DIY Natural Silver Polish Recipes
Baking Soda & Aluminum Foil Bath (Best for deep cleaning multiple pieces at once)
Line your sink or a bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up. If you are using the sink, make sure the drain is plugged so that it will hold water. Alternatively, you could use an aluminum foil baking pan, and forgo the foil altogether.
• Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of salt and ½ cup of white vinegar
• Pour in enough boiling water. Add silverware to the sink and top it with enough water to make sure each piece is fully submerged.
• Let it sit for 5-10 minutes as the tarnish transfers to the foil.
Using tongs or a pair of heavy-duty gloves, transfer the silverware to a towel. You can now add another round of silverware to the baking soda/salt mixture. You can always refresh the water by adding another tablespoon of salt and baking soda if you notice the pieces are taking longer to come clean.
Once your silver is clean, a final buff with a soft cloth will bring back the shine.
Use your silverware regularly—oddly enough, frequent use helps prevent tarnish!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✖ Never use toothpaste—it’s too abrasive and can scratch the surface.
✖ Avoid soaking silver in vinegar for too long, as it can be corrosive.
✖ Skip rough scrubbing pads—stick to soft cloths to prevent damage.
Caring for silver doesn’t have to be complicated, and with these simple, natural methods, you can keep your silverware looking beautiful for years to come. Whether you’re polishing up a special occasion set or maintaining your everyday pieces, a little routine care goes a long way.
Do you have a favourite natural silver-cleaning trick? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!
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