How to Get Your Silverware Sparkling Clean

Our forks and spoons are the most important appliances in our kitchen to keep clean. What other cooking vessel goes directly into our mouths? (Repeatedly. Several times a day.) So it begs the question: How clean do you get your everyday silverware? Regardless of whether you have dishwasher or rent regularly washing hands, are you sure you’re actually getting all the debris between the tines of the fork? How about individual grains of rice, a sticky egg yolk, or covered in a crust sauce?

And what about mineral build-up or rust on your silverware? Although minimal amounts of these elements are probably harmless, according to US Department of Agriculturerust is not considered food safe and can peel off and be ingested, so why take the risk?

At the very least, it’s worth paying extra attention to your silverware the next time you load the dishwasher or lather up the sink, and you might consider giving it a deep clean every now and then. I spoke with cleaning expert Toby Schultz, CEO and founder of Maid2Matchfor his best advice on making sure your everyday silverware is as clean as possible.

Hand washing is best

This is good news for those without access to a dishwasher. According to Schultz, hand washing works best for clean silverware. “It’s better to hand wash your silverware if possible,” he said. “Using the dishwasher risks tarnishing the silverware and removing the patina, and you’ll also have more control over the cleaning process.”

You’re more likely to notice what might be stuck to your silverware when you wash it by hand, especially if you’re not in the habit of pre-rinsing when you load the dishwasher.

For best results when washing your hands, “remove visible food residue such as dried sauce or stuck-on rice to prevent build-up or the risk of mold,” Schultz said. “Also use soft-bristled tools or non-abrasive sponges, as abrasive cleaners such as scouring powder can scratch or stain the finish.” Forks, in particular, have the ability to trap parts in their many spaces, so make sure you are careful but gentle when getting between the teeth.

Soaking also doesn’t do you any favors and isn’t a useful substitute for proper hand washing. “You shouldn’t soak your silverware for a long time, as that risks rusting,” Schultz said, which probably isn’t something you regularly check for, especially on the tiniest surfaces of forks.

Good luck in the dishwasher

Maybe you have a habit of throwing all kinds dishes, dishes and cutlery in the dishwasher together with the same universal detergent and setting. If so, you may not be doing your silverware any favors when it comes to keeping it clean and safe. (I may not have a dishwasher, but I definitely do this with laundry.)

“You can wash your everyday silverware in the dishwasher, but with some caveats,” Schultz said. He recommends the following best practices to optimize your dishwasher’s cleaning cycle to prevent tarnishing, wear, or mineral and rust buildup:

• Use an acid-free detergent, so no citric acid and no citrus additives.
• Do not wash silverware with the same load as stainless steel.
• Avoid washing silverware in the same cycle as any dishes or pans that may contain acidic food residue, such as tomato sauce.
• Always use a delicate cycle or whichever is the lightest setting on your dishwasher. High heat cycle and dry cycle can damage silverware.
• Always dry silverware by hand afterwards.

Drying and storage of silverware

This last point is probably one that none of us do on a regular basis – dishwasher or hand washer users – but it’s especially important for keeping silverware in its best and cleanest condition.

“You should always dry your silverware immediately after washing to prevent water spots or mineral deposits from hard water,” Schultz said, no matter what method you use to clean it. “Store in a cool, dry place,” he said. “Improper storage can also lead to tarnishing and dust accumulation.” A dedicated silverware drawer is best. This is bad news for those who enjoy the charm of the countryside to keep their silverware in an open tin or clay on the counter, but it risks the possibility of not only dust, but cooking grease and moisture also seeping into your silverware.

Periodic deep cleaning

For kitchen utensils that you regularly put directly in your mouth, you may want to consider giving them a deep cleaning every now and then, but if you follow the tips above, it’s not as necessary. “If you regularly clean your silverware, there shouldn’t be a need for deep cleaning unless you notice a build-up of dirt or your silverware starts to oxidize or tarnish,” Schultz said. But for an added measure of security, deep cleaning your silverware is easy with basic kitchen tools and ingredients you probably already have on hand.

For a quick fix, “if your silverware has oxidized, you can sprinkle some baking soda on a cut lemon and scrub the pieces,” Schultz said. “Do not let the cleaning solution sit for more than 2 minutes. Wash thoroughly with soap and water, then pat dry,” he added. Water stains can also be removed with plain lemon juice or white vinegar, but again, it’s important to both rinse and dry.

For a more thorough deep cleaning, Schultz recommends the following procedure:

1. Start with a glass dish covered with aluminum foil or an aluminum baking sheet.
2. Sprinkle the bottom with one tablespoon each of baking soda and sea salt or kosher salt.
3. Slowly add half a cup of white vinegar, followed by a cup of freshly boiled water.
4. Place the silverware in the dish or pan, making sure they do not overlap.
5. The pieces should touch the aluminum. Let them soak for about half a minute, then remove them with tongs.
6. Buff with a clean microfiber cloth afterwards.

For even more kitchen cleaning tips, check out the magic recipe to get stubborn cookware stains and how to clean a burnt cast iron pan.