FREE SHIPPING FOR ORDERS OVER $199

60 DAYS RETURN POLICY

5% OFF FOR NEWSLETTER-SIGN UP

Log in

Discover this week’s best offers*

Inspiration & Tips/Care advice & Guides/How to clean cutlery
Table setting with a speckled white plate and bowl on a wooden tray, alongside a fork, knife, and spoon on a beige linen napkin.

How to clean cutlery: A complete care guide

Cutlery is part of every meal but it’s often the last thing we think about caring for. With the right approach, your cutlery will stay looking like new and ready for both everyday dinners and special occasions. In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean cutlery properly, how to care for different materials and how to avoid common mistakes that can cause stains, dullness or rust.
Monday, July 1, 2024
Share this article

Cleaning cutlery – the essentials at a glance

Beautiful cutlery deserves proper care. Whether you’re setting the table for everyday meals or special occasions, knowing how to clean and maintain your cutlery will keep it looking its best for years to come.
 
  • Rinse cutlery as soon as possible after use
  • Avoid soaking for long periods
  • Wash with warm water and mild detergent
  • Dry immediately to prevent water spots
  • Polish with a soft cloth for extra shine

How to clean different types of cutlery

Not all cutlery is created equal. Different materials require different care here’s how to treat each one correctly.
 
  1. Silver cutlery

To clean your cutlery

    1. Silver cutlery

    A timeless classic that develops character over time but also tarnishes if neglected.

    How to clean silver cutlery:

    • Wash by hand with mild detergent
    • Dry immediately after washing
    • Polish regularly with a soft cotton cloth
    • Use frequently to maintain natural shine

    Avoid:

    • Contact with eggs and fish (can cause discoloration)
    • Washing together with stainless steel

    How to remove tarnish from silver cutlery:

    Line a bowl with aluminum foil, add hot water and salt, and let the cutlery soak briefly before rinsing and drying.

    Silver cutlery

      2. Stainless steel cutlery

      The everyday essential: durable, low-maintenance, and dishwasher-safe.

      How to clean stainless steel cutlery:

      • Wash by hand or in the dishwasher
      • Avoid overcrowding to prevent scratches
      • Dry immediately after washing
      • Polish with a microfiber cloth to restore shine

      Good to know: Water spots often come from air-drying—always towel dry for best results.

      Stainless steel cutlery

        3. Gold-plated cutlery

        Elegant and eye-catching, but requires gentle handling.

        How to clean gold cutlery:

        • Hand wash only
        • Use mild detergent
        • Dry immediately to avoid marks

        Avoid:

        • Dishwashers
        • Abrasive sponges

        Pro tip: To restore shine, gently polish with a soft cloth after washing.

        Gold cutlery

          4. Cutlery with wooden handles

          Warm, tactile and full of character but a little more high-maintenance.

          How to clean wooden handle cutlery:

          • Always wash by hand
          • Use warm water and mild detergent
          • Dry immediately and thoroughly
          • Store in a dry place

          Avoid:

          • Dishwashers
          • Soaking in water

          Pro tip: If the wood starts to feel dry, apply a small amount of food-safe oil (like linseed or neutral cooking oil), let it absorb, then wipe off any excess.

          Cutlery with wooden handles

            5. Brass Cutlery

            Bold and distinctive, with a warm golden tone.

            How to clean brass cutlery:

            • Hand wash with mild soap
            • Dry immediately
            • Polish occasionally to maintain shine

            Note: Brass naturally develops a patina over time, this is part of its charm but can be polished away if preferred.

            Cutlery in brass

              Common cutlery problems (and how to fix them)

              1. Why does cutlery rust in the dishwasher?

              Rust spots can appear when:

              • Cutlery is left wet for too long
              • Different metals touch each other
              • The dishwasher is overloaded

              Fix: Dry immediately and avoid mixing materials.

              2. Why does cutlery get water spots?

              Minerals in water leave marks when cutlery air-dries.

              Fix: Always towel dry with a soft cloth.

              3. How do you remove stains from cutlery?

              • Use baking soda or a gentle cleaning paste
              • Rub carefully with a soft cloth
              • Rinse and dry thoroughly

              4. Can you put cutlery in the dishwasher?

              It depends on the material:

              Dishwasher safe:

              • Stainless steel

              Hand wash recommended:

              • Gold-plated cutlery
              • Silver cutlery
              • Wooden handle cutlery
              • Brass cutlery

              When in doubt, hand washing is always the safest option.

              With the right care, your cutlery becomes more than just tableware—it becomes part of your everyday rituals and special moments alike.

              Rebecca Sparling
              Author

              Cutlery

                YOUR HOME FOR SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN
                Nordic Nest AB (EU-VAT-Number: SE556628159701), Stämpelvägen 3, 394 70 Kalmar, Sweden, Customer service: info@nordicnest.com, Tel. nr: +44 29 22 711 801
                © 2002 - 2026 Copyright Nordic Nest AB