6 Steps Of Handling And Polishing Silverware

Handling And Polishing Silverware

As every hotelier or someone who works in the Restaurant Industry knows, a table setup is not complete without silverware. Silverware or flatware is the most important component of the table setup and putting it shortly is the cutlery that you will be using to set up the table in your restaurant or any event. Guests have the most direct contact with the silverware so we need to ensure it’s always hygienically clean. In this post, we will have a look at the 6 steps to handling and polishing silverware.

When you handle silverware, proper hygiene should be always your priority. To make sure your silverware is constantly hygienic follow the six steps below to properly polishing silverware.

How To Polish Silverware?

1. Prepare your work surface: Select a clean and well-lit area to work on. Natural light is ideal for spotting any missed spots during polishing. Sort the silverware into groups based on type (e.g., forks, spoons, knives) or condition (e.g., tarnished, lightly tarnished). This will make it easier to work through the polishing process efficiently.
2. Prepare a pitcher or bowl of hot water to clean the silverware: Choose a clean pitcher that is large enough to hold an adequate amount of hot water to immerse the silverware.
3. Place the silverware into the hot water: Place the silverware into the hot water in the pitcher, ensuring that all pieces are fully submerged. You can add as well vinegar, or lemon juice to the hot water in the pitcher to make it shine.
4. Dry the silverware using a polishing cloth: Make sure you use a fibrous material that’s thicker than a paper towel, but not as heavy or abrasive as a cloth towel.
5. Shine and polish each item of silverware: Work with one piece of silverware at a time, gently pat it dry with the polishing cloth. Use a delicate touch to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.
6. Place the cleaned and polished silverware into the bus tub as shown in the above picture.

Keep In Mind

Guests should never have a reason to think your silverware is dirty, and this could happen if they see smudges and marks on it. To avoid this, take special care when handling and polishing silverware. Whether you are setting a table, or clearing it, touch the smallest area possible towards the end of the handle if you are not wearing cloth gloves. Because guests will have the most contact with the uppermost parts of the silverware, avoid touching these areas to prevent contamination. After you have cleaned all your silverware, you have to get it to the event area or the table for the setup.

Handling And Transporting Silverware

After polishing silverware is time for the transport and setup. Before transporting the silverware to the table, wrap the cloth napkin in each compartment of the bus tub carefully around the silverware to prevent scratches. You can use a tray, cart or trolley to transport the silverware. Silverware can be heavy so choose a method that suits your needs. Important to note is that while transporting sharp silverware, like knives, place them with the sharp edges pointing down, or away from others.

Silverware is a key component for any table setup. Practice these six easy steps for polishing silverware, and be mindful of how you handle it once it’s been cleaned. Transport your silverware carefully so each item arrives safely and shining at the table or event area. This way you can ensure your Guests always receive silverware that’s hygienically clean and ready for their event.

All the images in this post are not copyrighted and have been taken by the author of this post.