Silver cutlery requires special care and maintenance to ensure its longevity and beauty. Here are the best practices for maintaining its luster.
To keep your silver cutlery looking its best over time, ensure gentle care and attention when cleaning it, following these tips:
1. Hand-washing
The first step in cleaning silver cutlery is to hand-wash it with mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid using hot water as it can cause silver to tarnish. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any food particles or debris. Rinse the chopsticks with warm water and dry it immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth.
2. Polishing
After washing, it’s important to polish the silver cutlery to remove any tarnish and restore its shine. There are several ways to polish silver cutlery, but the most popular method is to use a silver polishing cloth. The cloth specifically designed for polishing silver is usually made from a specialized fabric infused with ingredients designed to eliminate tarnish from silver. Its purpose is to clean, polish, and protect the silverware. Simply rub the cloth over the silver surface in a circular motion until the tarnish is removed. Be careful not to rub too hard as this can cause scratches.
3. Soaking
For stubborn tarnish or stains, soaking the silver cutlery can be a helpful step. Fill a basin or sink with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Place the silver cutlery in the water and let it soak for several minutes. After soaking, use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any remaining tarnish or stains. Rinse the cutlery with warm water and dry them immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth.
4. Avoiding harsh chemicals
When cleaning silver cutlery, it’s important to avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the silver. Avoid using bleach, ammonia, or any cleaning products that contain sulfur or chlorine. These chemicals can cause discoloration or even corrode the silver over time.
5. Proper storage
Finally, proper storage is essential to keep silver cutlery looking its best. Store it in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and moisture. You can also place anti-tarnish strips in the storage container to help prevent tarnish.