How to Get Rid of Water Stains on Flatware

Removing Hard Water Spots

• 1

  Fill your sink with hot water, and add about 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Agitate the water until your sink is filled with warm water and suds.

• 2

  Wash each spotted piece of flatware in the sudsy sink, rubbing gently at the spots with a wet rag. Work with one utensil at a time all the way through the washing and drying process; this will allow you to avoid leaving your silverware in extended contact with moisture.

• 3

  Attack stubborn spots with a vinegar dampened rag. If you need to use the vinegar, wash the piece again with soap to remove the vinegar smell and taste from your flatware.

• 4

  Rinse the cleaned utensil under warm running water, and dry the utensil by hand directly after you finish cleaning it. Use a soft, clean, lint-free towel to rub away any remaining spots.

Preventing Future Stains

• 5

  Load your dishwasher’s cutlery basket with your real silverware separated from other types of flatware, such as stainless steel. During the washing, a chemical reaction occurs that can cause pitting, a surface scarring that looks very similar to a stain.

• 6

  Add rinse agent to your dishwasher. The agent will prevent staining by keeping droplets from forming on your dishes and flatware during washing.

• 7

  Hand dry your flatware directly after the washer completes the rinse cycle, instead of relying on the heated drying function.