How to Clean Silverware

What You'll Need

• Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap
• Aluminum foil
• Baking soda
• Boiling water
• Soft polishing cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Line a basin with aluminum foil

   Place a sheet of aluminum foil shiny-side up in a glass baking dish or plastic basin. This creates a chemical reaction that removes tarnish.

2. 2

   Add baking soda and boiling water

   Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda over the foil, then pour in enough boiling water to submerge the silverware. You'll see bubbling -- that's the tarnish transferring to the foil.

3. 3

   Soak the silverware

   Place your tarnished silverware directly on the foil so each piece makes contact. Let it soak for 2-5 minutes depending on the tarnish level.

4. 4

   Wash with dish soap

   Remove each piece with tongs, then wash with Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap and warm water to remove any residue.

5. 5

   Buff to a shine

   Dry each piece immediately with a soft polishing cloth, using gentle back-and-forth strokes -- not circular motions -- to bring out the shine.

Pro Tips

• TIPStore silverware in anti-tarnish cloth bags or with chalk pieces to absorb moisture and slow tarnishing.
• TIPUse your silver regularly -- regular handling and washing actually slows tarnish buildup compared to leaving it in storage.
• TIPFor heavily tarnished pieces, repeat the aluminum foil bath twice rather than scrubbing harder.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XUsing toothpaste as a polish, which is too abrasive for silver and leaves micro-scratches.
• XRunning sterling silver through the dishwasher, where harsh detergents and heat accelerate tarnishing.
• XMixing silver and stainless steel utensils in the same soak, which can cause a galvanic reaction that damages both.

Frequently Asked Questions