by Staff Writer
Silver flatware is beautiful when you first buy it, but over time, it can start getting dull and tarnished if you do not take care of it. With regular use and proper care, your sterling flatware will last a lifetime. It may seem counterintuitive, but the more you use your silver flatware, the less often you will have to polish it. This article will explain how to care for your silver flatware so that you can preserve its beauty and enjoy it longer. Polishing silver does not take a lot of time if you have the right materials and the right information.
Wash your silver flatware after each use with warm water and mild dish soap to remove acidic food residues. Leaving your silverware covered in tomato sauce overnight can tarnish and corrode your silverware. Avoid contact with corrosive liquids such as citrus-based dish soaps. Do not wash your silver flatware in the dishwasher.
Dry your silver flatware completely before putting it away.
Store your silver in a flatware storage case or inside special flatware storage bags. Avoid storing your silverware loose in a drawer where the pieces can rub together and become scratched and dull.
Polish your silver flatware as needed. Frequently used silverware will require polishing only once every few years. Infrequently used silverware will require polishing more often.
To polish and remove tarnish from your silverware, use silver polishing cream. Make sure to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions on the polish before you use it.
Start with a clean surface. Rinse each piece of flatware with warm water to get rid of any dirt or dust that could scuff the surface of the flatware during the polishing process.
Use a damp sponge or cloth to apply the polishing cream over the entire surface of each piece of flatware.
Spend more time rubbing and polishing any tarnished areas.
Rinse each piece of silverware with warm water, using a clean soft cloth or sponge to rub the silverware until the polishing cream is rinsed completely clean.
Make sure that you have dried the silverware thoroughly with a clean and dry towel before putting it away in a flatware storage case or inside individual flannel storage bags.
