Start by identifying the flatware: stainless steel, sterling silver, and silverplate need different care. Wash stainless according to its maker’s instructions and dry it promptly. Hand-wash sterling silver and silverplate gently; if they are tarnished, use silver polish as directed, then wash and dry them.
Identify the material before cleaning
“Silverware” can mean stainless-steel flatware, sterling silver, or silverplate. Stainless steel does not tarnish like silver and does not need silver polish. Sterling silver and silverplate can tarnish and may need periodic polishing. Check markings and the maker’s care instructions if you are unsure. Liberty Tabletop’s buying guide describes flatware materials, while its FAQ covers care for its own stainless flatware.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Clean stainless-steel flatware
- Rinse utensils after use and wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use the dishwasher only if the maker says your flatware is dishwasher-safe. Liberty Tabletop says its stainless flatware can go in the dishwasher and recommends avoiding detergents with chlorine or citrus additives; that guidance is specific to its products.
- Dry promptly. This can help prevent mineral spots, particularly where well water leaves marks.
If mineral buildup or discoloration remains after routine washing, Liberty Tabletop says a quality stainless-steel cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend is typically effective. This is the manufacturer’s guidance, not an independent comparison of cleaners.
Wash sterling silver and silverplate gently
- Wash pieces soon after use. Replacements warns that food left on silver for as little as an hour can stain sterling silver or damage silverplate; it specifically identifies mayonnaise, vinegar, and eggs as concerns.
- Protect the pieces from knocks in the sink by laying down a dishtowel or rubber mat.
- Wash with a soft cloth, mild detergent, and hot water. Avoid lemon-scented detergent, abrasive pads, and steel wool.
- Dry immediately with a soft cloth to help prevent water spots.
These steps follow Replacements’ silver tableware care guidance. If the maker provides different instructions for a particular piece, follow those instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- RESTORE LONG LASTING SHINE: Wright’s Silver Cream is formulated with the finest ingredients to keep silver, chrome, pewter & porcelain clean, shiny, and beautiful for years to come. Our fast-acting cream shows instant results, bringing your valued items back to like-new condition
- EASY TO USE: It takes just seconds to effortlessly polish, shine, rinse, and buff dry for a brilliant, mirror-like shine. Be sure to always test on a small area first, before cleaning your entire item. Be sure to use a soft, clean cloth for buffing
- KEEPS TARNISH AWAY, LONGER: Our anti-tarnish formula leaves behind a protective coating that delays tarnish from reforming
- FOR USE ON: Silver, chrome, pewter, and porcelain. It also works beautifully on stainless steel. Wright’s silver cream is great for cleaning cherished treasures like antiques, vintage flatware sets, silver trays, jewelry and so much more!
- POLISHING CLOTH INCLUDED: This bundle offer includes (1) Silver Cream, and (1) Polishing Cloth
Remove tarnish with silver polish
Silver polish is for tarnished sterling silver or silverplate, not routine cleaning of stainless steel. For silver that needs polishing:
- Remove dust and debris with a lint-free cloth or soft toothbrush.
- Wash the piece to remove remaining debris, then dry it thoroughly.
- Apply a quality silver polish gently in a circular motion, following the product label.
- Wash the piece afterward to remove polish residue, then dry it completely.
Polish directions vary by product, so use the label for the polish you have. Replacements’ care and storage catalog lists silver-care products, but a catalog listing is not a comparative product test.
Rank #2
- EFFECTIVE TARNISH REMOVAL - Wright's Silver Cleaner and Polish Cream gently removes tarnish from silver, brass, copper, aluminum, and pewter for a brilliant shine. Restore the luster of your precious metals with ease.
- AMMONIA-FREE FORMULA - Our cleaner is safe to use on all types of silver jewelry and flatware without the harsh smell of ammonia. Keep your home smelling fresh while cleaning your valuables.
- VERSATILE USE - This cream can also be used to polish other metals such as brass, copper, aluminum, and pewter. It is a must-have for anyone looking to maintain the shine and brilliance of their metal items.
- EASY TO USE - Simply apply a small amount of cream onto a clean cloth or sponge and gently rub onto the surface you wish to clean. Wipe away with a dry cloth for an instant shine that will make your silver look like new again.
- TRUSTED BRAND - Wright's has been providing quality cleaning products that are safe for all surfaces. Trust us to help you keep your silver looking its best year after year.
Know when not to use the dishwasher
Do not assume that dishwasher advice for stainless flatware applies to silver. Replacements advises against dishwashing sterling silver, especially hollow-handled pieces: heat can loosen the adhesive in knife handles. For stainless flatware, use the dishwasher only when the maker confirms it is suitable for that specific product.
Recommended Free Tools
Store silver between uses
For extended storage, Replacements recommends a tarnish-resistant lined silver chest or felt bags and advises against airtight containers. This is intended for silver that will be stored for a while, not a substitute for washing and drying pieces after use.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Long-Lasting Shine - The finest ingredients keep silver and other metals beautiful for years to come
- Restore - Rejuvenates dull and tarnished silver by removing tarnish, and polishing to a brilliant shine
- Ammonia-Free / Safe - An anti-tarnish formula allows safe use on jewelry with diamonds or gemstones
- Protect - Non-scratch formula leaves behind a protective coating that prevents tarnish from reforming
- Use On - All silver, silver plater, jewelry, antique silver, gold, brass, copper and aluminum
Rank #4
- Long-Lasting Shine - The finest ingredients keep silver & other metals beautiful for many years to come.
- Restore - Rejuvenates dull & tarnished silver by removing tarnish, & polishing to a brilliant shine.
- Effective - A unique, non-scratch formula brilliantly cleans, shines & restores silver.
- Protect - Anti-tarnish formula leaves behind a protective coating that delays tarnish from reforming
- Use On - All silver, silver plater, jewelry, antique silver, flatware, pewter, chrome, porcelain & more!
Rank #3
- Key Ingredients: A blend of surfactants, abrasives, solvents, buffing agents, and corrosion inhibitors to effectively clean, polish, and protect various metal surfaces.
- Usage Instructions: Shake well before use. Apply the polish directly onto the metal surface using a soft cloth or towel, then buff with a clean cloth to achieve a brilliant shine.
- Compatible Surfaces: Suitable for use on silver, silver plate, jewelry, antique silver, gold, brass, copper, and aluminum items.
- Product Form: Liquid polish in an 8 fl oz bottle.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
