Tips for Cleaning Your Sterling Silver Flatware
Dull or dirty-looking sterling silver flatware can make even the most appetizing meal seem unappealing. While normal washing renders silverware mostly clean, however, stubborn dirt and grease may remain even after a cycle in the dishwasher which is not recommended. Over time water and detergent deposits may accumulate on your forks, knives, and spoons, and your silverware may lose its shine and appear dirty even when it is not. Here's how to bring back your silverware's luster to make it look brand new.
How You Should Clean Your Sterling Silver Flatware
Silver should be cleaned immediately after use, especially after contact with food that may cause corrosion or contain acids such as eggs, tomatoes, mayonnaise or salt. Wash in hot soapy water using a mild soap and rinse in clean hot water. Dry immediately to avoid spotting. Avoid lemon scented detergents and those containing chloride. They can be harmful to the silver.
Do not soak your silver overnight. Prolonged immersion in water may damage the metal. Washing in a dishwasher is not recommended, as the extreme temperatures may loosen hollow-handled pieces. If you do use a dishwasher, remove the pieces before the drying cycle.
How should I store my sterling silver flatware?
Your silver should be stored in an airtight silverware chest, in Tupperware, or in bags made of tarnish resistant cloth as exposure to air will accelerate tarnishing. Storing loose in drawers will cause scratching, and some woods contain acids that will stain the silver. Keep silver away from dampness and direct sunlight. Do not wrap in plastic, newspaper or foil or bind with rubber bands.
What is the best way to polish my sterling silver?
Polish with a soft cloth with any brand name silver polish, following directions. Dips are not recommended; they will remove the oxidation from intricate designs in the patterns. Never use toothpaste.
The universal fineness mark for sterling silver is ".925" which is stamped inside the item for identification as sterling silver. Sterling silver is a beautiful metal that will last for generations with proper care.
What causes sterling silver flatware to tarnish?
Tarnish is usually caused by the contact of the sterling silver to gasses in the air and food particles.
Many people are concerned about their sterling silver tarnishing, but if you use it every day, it will actually tarnish less. Frequent use removes the need for polishing. Over time, your sterling items will develop a warm, rich tone called a "patina". A slightly darker shading (oxidation) in the design will develop and enhance the definition of the pattern.
Caring for your flatware will take some work but it is well worth it since you have paid so much for it and its value will increase overtime should it remain in excellent condition.
The Sterling Silver Flatware is an online store with hundreds of different Sterling Silver Flatware at discounted price.
Find Flatware for Sale at Affordable Prices
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International 53 pc Simplicity Flatware Set List Price: $75.00 Sale Price: $34.97 Average Rating:   |
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Simplicity is a set with a polished finish, and is a service for 8. It includes 8 dinner knives, dinner forks, salad forks, teaspoons and dinner spoons. There is a bonus of 8 steak knives and a hostess set including a sugar spoon, butter knife, pierced spoon, tablespoon, and a cold meat fork. |
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Towle Wave 20-Piece Flatware Set List Price: $90.00 Sale Price: $49.99 Average Rating:  |
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Towle's Wave flatware is a modern design in polished stainless steel. A service for 4 includes 4 dinner knives, dinner forks, salad forks, teaspoons, and dinner spoons. |
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International Silver Satin Danforth 20-Piece Flatware Set, Service for 4 List Price: $37.50 Sale Price: $24.99 |
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International Silver Satin Danforth 20-piece Service for 4-Set Includes 4 of each of the following: dinner forks, salad forks, dinner spoons, teaspoon. Stainless steel is completely dishwasher-safe and easy to maintain... |
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Gourmet Settings Silver Tear 20-Piece Flatware Set, Service for 4 List Price: $69.99 Sale Price: $67.95 Used From: $63.99 Average Rating:  |
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With its distinctive styling, Silver Tear flatware from Gourmet Settings is both sophisticated and dynamic, great for entertaining on an intimate or large scale. Heat-forged for durability, the pattern features a cylindrical handle that twists smoothly in a tight, uniform spiral... |
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Set includes 6 teaspoon, place forks and place knives; 3 white ceramic flatware holders with picture of fork/spoon/knife on front and a wood tray. |
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Tags: dishwasher, flatware, fork, silver, silverware, sterling silver flatware