How-To: Cleaning Silverware

The party invitations have stopped coming, presents have been opened, and weekends are made for sleeping in again—it's safe to say that we're already in the final stretch of the holiday festivities. As we gear up for the New Year, we're sure you're thinking about storing everything you've used for parties and the decorations you've displayed, too. Remember that before you stash silverware back in the box, it is important to clean and polish these pieces to make sure it lasts a lifetime. Here's a step-by-step guide that can help you get rid of every scratch and stain:   

IMAGE Mandy Allen

What you need:

• Aluminum foil 
• Glass or aluminum baking dish
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup white vinegar (optional)
• Washcloth 

IMAGE mom4real.com

How-to: 

1. Pour two cups of water in a pot and bring to boil. The heat activates the baking soda combined with salt and transfers the tarnish to the foil. 

2. Line the baking dish with good quality aluminum foil to avoid tears.

3. Add dry ingredients into the baking dish and  pour in the vinegar. (Note: It is possible to clean your silver without adding vinegar, but it helps loosen build-up and speed up removal of stubborn stains.)

4. Pour in the boiling water before dropping the silverware into the dish. Make sure each item touches the foil without overlapping.

5. Leave to soak for about a minute. (Note: This should only take about 30 seconds but if you have heavily tarnished pieces you may need to let them soak them longer.)

6. Remove the silverware from the mixture and scrub off any remaining spots by buffing with a washcloth.

PHOTOS and SOURCES: @bathchrislien and @jeroenvanderspek via Instagram (Main) | Mandy Allen | mom4real.com |  Apartment Therapy (How To Clean Silver With Aluminum Foil & Baking Soda)