Let your stainless steel silveware shine as the sun

Silverware plays an important role during mealtime. The quality of flatware we use shows how much we value and enjoy dining at home. Stainless steel silverware is a popular choice as for everyday dining because of its price, durability and good quality. There are a lot of options for silverware patterns and design and it is important that your silverware set matches the rest of your dinnerware such as your plates and glasses.

When we talk of antique silverware, what’s more important are the designs and patterns of the flatware than with the age. Some individuals and families actually collect special cutlery that it becomes part of their heritage and tradition, passing down silverware from one generation to another, with consideration on the antique silverware pattern crafted therein.

Unfortunately, even if it is made of stainless steel, flatware such as spoon, fork and knife can wear out over time because of different factors such as humidity, frequent usage, and time. It is always wise to get stainless steel flatware in order to minimize immediate tarnishing.

In order to make stainless steel silverware longer lasting, here are ways on how to clean and preserve your silverware.

Cleaning Silverware

Because of wear and tear or through time, your steel flatware can tarnish and lose its lustre. For some, tarnished cutlery can ruin a very special meal. Cleaning stainless steel silverware is important in order to preserve special silverware such as international manufacturers like Oneida, Henckels and Gorham.

Here are some of the different products and methods on how to clean tarnished silverware.

Wash by hand

It is important that when you regularly clean stainless steel flatware, use liquid detergent soap and rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid the detergent powder types because they will stain your silverware and will lose its shine. Be careful in using abrasive sponges and scouring pads as they may scratch its surface. Like for instance, with Gorham silverware, you’ll need to be extra careful because of its special designs such the Gorham Lancaster pattern silverware. Once stainless steel is scratched, it will lose its quality and you won’t be too keen on using them anymore. Wipe silverware after washing to avoid streaks and spots left by air-dried water. While using a dishwasher would be easier, better results can be achieved if you wash your stainless silverware by hand.

Baking soda solution

Cleaning stainless steel silverware can be done with the use of baking soda as your regular maintenance cleaning solution. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2-3 inches of water. Soak the flatware in the baking soda solution for about 10 to 15 minutes and rinse under warm, running water thoroughly. Air dry the silverware by putting them under a clean towel. And lastly, polish each piece of cutlery using a clean cloth to wipe away any water spots. You will feel great after cleaning stainless steel silverware because they will surely shine like new. Oneida stainless flatware will be shiny and sparkly when cleaned using the baking soda solution.

Commercial cleaning agent

It’s always safe to use commercial cleaning solutions which can be bought in your local hardware stores. Just wipe the cutlery using a polish cloth and you’re good to go. For elaborate pieces such as Gorham silverware chests and Oneida silverware jewelry, you can also use liquid metal polish to further preserve the shine and lustre.

Olive Oil

Another trick on how to clean tarnished silverware is by natural products. Olive oil, for instance, is an effective agent in cleaning stainless steel flatware like Oneida silverware. This may sound a little unusual but when you use about a teaspoon of olive oil on a cloth in cleaning stainless steel silverware, it will surely remove streaks and spots on your treasured flatware.

Vinegar

Also highly effective in cleaning stainless steel silverware is using vinegar. Vinegar is said to be a miracle cleaning agent because it can be used for cleaning a lot of things. Make a vinegar solution by diluting it with water and use a cloth to polish flatware.

Preserving silverware

It is one thing to clean stainless steel silverware, it is another thing to preserve them. There are steel silverware that are simple and are being used daily. And there are antique silverware which become heirloom of certain families wherein various types of flatware are well preserved and kept alive. When you own cutlery with antique silverware patterns, it is an indicator that you have a passion for collecting flatware patterns which could last for a number of years if well taken care of.

Whether you are just a regular user of cutlery, or you have an entire collection of antique silverware with detailed patterns, it is wise to know how to take care of your stainless steel silverware.

Here are some tips on how to elegantly preserve your stainless steel flatware:

Tip #1

Rinse your steel flatware thoroughly after each use. Even if stainless steel is known for its ability to resist rust and corrosion, there is always risk when silverware is not washed immediately. Food products such as milk and acids can discolour and tarnish your silverware so make sure you don’t expose them too long under those products.

Tip #2

An old-fashioned remedy in bringing back the shine from dull flatware is by soaking them in a gallon of hot water mixed with one teaspoon of ammonia. After a few minutes, rinse the stainless silverware with hot water and dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Tip #3

Store your stainless steel flatware in dry and cool places as humidity and warm temperature adds up to tarnishing your silverware. For collector’s items, it is ideal if your store them in their original packaging if it came in a special box or carton as this would be the best storage place for your stainless silverware. There are also special types of cloth and bags available in the market to store your precious silverware.

Tip #4

Most people use their prized stainless steel silverware with patterns and designs during special occasions only. However, using them regularly will help keep the steel from tarnishing immediately as long as proper washing and storing is followed.