Stains

• 1). Wet the silverware with warm water and hand dry. If silverware is allowed to air dry it will often build up water stains, so a simple hand drying will remove many stains.
  
  
• 2). Mix equal parts cream of tartar and lemon juice into a bowl. Wipe onto the stained silverware with a soft cloth. Scrub off with a sponge to remove the stain. This is the best mixture to use on rust stains.
  
  
• 3). Dampen the corner of a rag in rubbing alcohol and rub onto the stain. Allow the alcohol to sit for about a minute, then rub clean.
  
  
• 4). Dampen the corner of a cloth in warm water, then apply a small amount of plain white toothpaste. Rub onto the stain. Rinse with warm water and wipe with a clean rag.
  
  

Tarnish

• 1). Line a medium or large bowl with aluminum foil. The bowl must be large enough to hold a layer of the silverware that needs to be cleaned.
  
  
• 2). Lay the silverware into the bowl so that each piece has contact with the aluminum foil. Sprinkle a tablespoon of salt over the silverware.
  
  
• 3). Fill the bowl with hot water so that it completely covers the silverware. Consider boiling the water and then pouring it into the bowl; the hotter the water, the better the tarnish removal. Soak the silverware for at least an hour.
  
  
• 4). Remove the silverware and rinse under warm water. Rub with a cloth or sponge while under the running water to remove the loosened tarnish. Hand dry to remove any water marks.