Martha Reveals Her Go-To Product for Polishing Silver—and It Costs Just $10

Whether it's intricate flatware or a gleaming serving platter, silver pieces can add an extra special touch to any table setting. But over time, they're susceptible to tarnish.

"The joy of owning beautiful silver pieces does require some work to keep everything looking beautiful, but it is all well worth the effort," Martha wrote in a recent blog post, where she shares her method for cleaning and polishing silver to restore its shine.

In preparation for a small dinner party our founder was hosting, Martha's housekeeper, Enma Sandoval, recently took on the task of cleaning and polishing some silver pieces, which she demonstrated in the blog post.

Martha prefers using a good-quality, non-abrasive silver polish over other methods, saying that she's used Wright’s Silver Cream for years. It's a gentle, all-purpose polish that works on all types of silver, as well as stainless steel and chrome. She recommends always using polishes that are non-abrasive and to opt for formulas such as creams and gels instead of sprays. Silver cleaning cloths that are made especially for removing tarnish are also an option.

After washing a silver serving tray with dish soap and warm water to remove any dust, Enma applies a small amount of the silver cream, rubbing both sides of the tray. In addition to using soft sponges and rags, Martha recommends using cotton swabs to apply the cream to tight spots and crevices when cleaning. After polishing the piece, rinse it well and wash it with dish soap and water again to ensure all the cream is removed.

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A terry cloth towel lines the bottom of the sink to prevent the silver from banging against any surfaces. "The towel is also a good idea to use when washing special china … just in case anything slips through the fingers," Martha notes. It’s also a good idea to wear gloves when taking on this task, so the cleaning cream does not come into contact with your skin.

After rinsing, Enma dries the silver immediately with a soft absorbent cloth to avoid any water marks.

Another method for cleaning silver involves filling an aluminum pan with hot water, salt, and baking soda, stirring until dissolved, and then soaking the pieces until a chemical reaction occurs that removes the tarnish. This technique is faster than hand cleaning but may cause pitting and remove the more desirable tarnish called patina, Martha says.

Also, never clean silver in the dishwasher. The detergents’ aggressive chemicals, combined with the washer’s high cleaning temperature, will eventually turn it grey or white, with a dull, non-reflective surface.

"Polishing silver three or four times a year is generally sufficient to keep it in good condition," Martha says, "but if you’re entertaining and planning to use some pieces give them a little extra attention before the event."