Over time, even the best spoons and forks lose their shine. Daily use leaves behind dull buildup, stains, and a tired look that no amount of quick rinsing seems to fix. The good news is that restoring their original sparkle doesn’t require expensive products or professional cleaning — just a few things most people already have at home.
For aluminum, nickel silver, and stainless steel cutlery, a basic soaking solution does the job surprisingly well. In about two liters of water, dissolve two tablespoons of baking soda and two tablespoons of salt. Add one tablespoon of citric acid, then fully submerge the cutlery. After about thirty minutes, take the pieces out and wipe them dry with a clean cloth. The difference is often visible immediately.
If the dirt is more stubborn and the cutlery hasn’t been cleaned properly in a long time, there’s an easy upgrade to the method. Add two tablespoons of mustard powder to the same mixture and extend the soaking time to roughly one hour. This extra step helps break down heavier buildup and restores shine more effectively.
Porcelain-handled or silver cutlery, however, needs a different approach. For these pieces, line the bottom of a pot with aluminum foil and place the cutlery on top. In a separate container, dissolve fifty grams of salt and fifty grams of baking soda in one liter of water, then pour the solution into the pot.
Heat the mixture gently over low heat for about twenty minutes. After turning off the heat, let everything cool naturally. Once cooled, rinse each piece thoroughly and finish by wiping with a sponge. This method helps lift tarnish without damaging delicate surfaces.
With just a little patience and the right combination of ingredients, even old, dull cutlery can look clean, bright, and ready for the table again.
