How to Care for Sterling Silver Flatwares
Beautiful, elegant and timeless, sterling silver flatware has the ability to make any meal seem like a special occasion. However, like most fine tableware, sterling silver flatware requires special care to retain its attractive appearance. The key to having sterling silver flatware that lasts a lifetime is to use it regularly. Sterling silver flatware that is used on a daily basis requires very little polishing as it develops an attractive warm tone known as "patina". Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Mild dish-washing soap
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Soft cloth
- Airtight storage container
- Tarnish-resistant silver cloth
- Silver polish
Instructions
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Rinse sterling silver flatware thoroughly after use to prevent the sulfates in foods such as vinegar, lemon juice, eggs and mayonnaise from causing the silver to tarnish. Avoid soaking your sterling silver flatware, as prolonged immersion in water can damage your silver.
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Wash sterling silver flatware in hot, soapy water. Make sure to use a mild, non-citrus-scented dish-washing soap as the citrus juice in citrus-scented dish-washing soap may harm your sterling silver flatware. Remove food particles from your sterling silver flatware using a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse sterling silver flatware in clean, hot water.
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Dry each individual piece of sterling silver flatware thoroughly with a soft cloth. Avoid allowing sterling silver flatware to air dry as it can cause water spots to form.
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Store sterling silver flatware in an airtight silverware chest, or similar airtight container, when not in use. Line airtight storage containers with a tarnish resistant silver cloth for best results.
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Polish tarnished sterling silver flatware with a commercial silver polishing product. Use a soft cloth to apply the silver polish to each individual piece of flatware. Polish your sterling silver flatware according to the instructions on the silver polish label.
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Tips & Warnings
Some sterling silver flatware can be washed in the dishwasher. Remove the sterling silver flatware before the start of the dishwasher's drying cycle and dry each piece by hand to prevent damage.
Avoid storing sterling silver flatware loose in a drawer as this may cause the pieces of flatware to rub against each other resulting in scratches.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit silver dinner fork image by Stepanov from Fotolia.com
