To Polish or Not to Polish Silver?
My love of sterling silver started when I was a young bride, registering for Francis 1 by Reed & Barton flatware. I have also received treasured pieces of silver from my mother over time.
After inheriting my grandmother's silver-plated pattern, I use it as our everyday flatware. I keep most of the silver-plated pieces in a kitchen drawer, making them easily accessible. I adored my grandmother and was glad for the daily connection to her. It warms my soul to use them every day.
After that, it became an ongoing search for pieces to complete my set. I love the thrill of seeking new pieces to add to my collection from antique flea markets, estate sales, and anywhere in between. I never “hoard” vintage dinnerware or silver, but I proudly use them on all occasions. It’s all about celebrating life with the beauty that surrounds you.
Once again, we’re preparing for spring gatherings and events at our home and farm. Along with my linen organizing, I’m pulling out all my silver flatware to be cleaned. I have recently watched two well-known Instagram influencers clean their silver pieces with baking soda, salt, and hot water. I was surprised by how rewarding it seemed - Who doesn’t love instant gratification, right?
WHAT YOU NEED:
BOILING WATER
BAKING SODA: a cup or 2, depending on how much silver you’re cleaning. Measure with your heart!
SALT: about a half a cup, just enough to cover the baking soda
SOAPY WATER: for extra cleaning after
TIME - ABOUT 15 MINUTES!
DISCLAIMER: I don’t always use this method for cleaning/polishing my silverware since the reaction will pit the silver over time. I like the pits and texture old silverware has. I’m a huge fan of Wright’s Silver Polish too, but this method is great in a pinch to get silverware that’s clean, but not stripped of all of its character and history!
Let's start with the baking soda technique. I’m heating water as I sort some of the pieces by size; otherwise, I simply lay all the flatware in an aluminum pan, sprinkle with baking and salt and immerse them in the boiling hot water.
I recommend a heavy coating of baking soda and salt. I sprinkled the baking soda first, followed by the salt.
Note:
I’m using an old wooden French cutting board under my aluminum pan. For my countertop, it provides extra protection against direct heat.
Immerse the flatware in boiling water. Let stand for a few minutes, as the combination needs to react for at least 10 minutes. I set a timer to keep me on track.
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SHOP CURATED VINTAGE & ANTIQUE SILVER
“I love vintage silver pieces—especially with monograms. “ Paige
My timer has gone off, and I’m ready to carefully remove the hot pieces with tongs. I have soapy water standing by to wash and rinse each piece. A handful of the pieces were still a bit tarnished, so I soaked them for a second time and broke out the silver polish.
This cleaning process was truly gratifying. I’m looking forward to a lovely spring and the connections that will follow! I would love to learn more about your love of silver, as well as your polishing/cleaning techniques - leave your thoughts and suggestions in the comments!
