Silver Linings

Whether it’s exquisite flatware or gracious accessories, silver adds polish to any setting. Unfortunately, beauty fades and silver is easily tarnished. To make your silver last for generations, try these tips for organizing, polishing, cleaning and storing silver to preserve its patina.
 

If you’re lucky enough to have sterling silver, use it! Frequent use reduces tarnish and gives silver a lovely patina. Rotate pieces so the patina develops evenly.

Flatware should be rinsed immediately after use, especially after contact with foods that contain sulfur or acids, such as mayonnaise, eggs, olives, vinegar, ketchup or fruit juices.

Wash pieces individually to avoid scratching, keeping sterling silver separate from stainless steel to avoid the staining that occurs when the metals touch. Wash each piece in hot, soapy water, cleaning crevices with a soft toothbrush. Avoid lemon or chloride detergents, which contain harmful acids. Rinse in clear, hot water, drying immediately with a soft cotton cloth to avoid spotting.

Silverplate and stainless steel can be washed in the dishwasher, but be sure to separate them in the dishwasher basket. Better still, run them through different cycles.

Store silver in a dark, dry place, such as an airtight silver chest or tarnish proof felt bags. Wrap each piece in tissue paper, so the metals don’t touch.

Use plastic liners when displaying fresh flowers and fruit in silver containers. Flowers and fruit produce acid as they decay, causing serious damage to silver.

Polish silver periodically to prevent tarnish buildup. The quickest — and least expensive — way to remove tarnish is to make your own non-toxic silver dip. Line your sink or a glass pan with aluminum foil. Add two tablespoons of baking soda and two tablespoons of salt to two quarts of steaming water and pour the solution into the sink. Using tongs, carefully place your silver in the sink, making sure each piece touches the foil. The aluminum will cause a chemical reaction that attracts the tarnish away from the silver to the aluminum foil, leaving the silver sparkling. Heavily tarnished pieces may need a second dip in fresh solution. Rinse well, dry thoroughly, then store.