Whether your cutlery is made of sterling silver or is silver-plated, it is meant to be used. In fact, it benefits more from being used at dinner than sitting in a drawer gathering dust.
Genuine silver is a chemical element; a silver item should consist of 99.9 per cent silver unless otherwise specified. Sterling silver, conversely, is a so-called alloy that consists of 92.5 per cent silver and 7.5 per cent other metals, usually copper.
From a practical perspective, the difference between the two materials is their durability. Genuine silver is soft and less durable, making it prone to damage and scratches. Sterling silver is more durable due to the addition of another metal, making it an excellent material choice for items such as cutlery.
Cleaning Sterling Silver Cutlery
Always hand wash your sterling silver cutlery after use with mild, phosphate-free dish soap and warm water. Rinse the cutlery soon after meals to avoid tarnishing the silver from food acids, salts, or sulphur-based foods, like eggs and mustard. While some sterling silver can technically be dishwasher-safe, the harsh detergents and heat can cause tarnishing and damage over time.
Always hand wash your sterling silver cutlery after use with mild, phosphate-free dish soap and warm water.
Polishing and Tarnish Removal
Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth to buff the cutlery gently. If the cutlery shows signs of tarnish, apply a high-quality silver polish. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the surface. Alternatively, you can use a gentle baking soda and water paste to clean silver. Rub gently with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Storing Sterling Silver Cutlery
Store your sterling silver in tarnish-resistant bags or cloth wraps to prevent exposure to air, which can accelerate tarnishing. Never wrap sterling silver cutlery in plastic or newspaper, which can cause corrosion or scratches over time.
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Keep in a Dry Environment
Store cutlery in a dry place with silica gel packs or activated charcoal, which help absorb moisture and reduce tarnishing. Use a felt-lined drawer or chest to protect the cutlery from scratches and oxidation.
General Care Tips
Use your sterling silver cutlery regularly. Frequent use helps prevent tarnishing, as the oils from your hands and food use naturally polish the silver. Avoid contact with rubber and stainless steel. Rubber bands, latex, and stainless steel can cause reactions that tarnish or pit the silver, so avoid storing or washing silver with these materials. Sterling silver is soft. It can bend or scratch easily, so handle it gently, especially when stacking or storing it.
By following these steps, your sterling silver cutlery will stay beautiful, functional, and free from tarnish for years.
Plated silver
Plated silver refers to an item made of a base metal, often copper, nickel, or brass, coated with a thin layer of pure silver. This process gives the appearance and characteristics of solid silver at a much lower cost. The primary method used for silver plating is electroplating, in which an electrical current is applied to bond a layer of silver to the surface of the base metal.
Plated silver refers to an item made of a base metal, often copper, nickel, or brass, coated with a thin layer of pure silver. This process gives the appearance and characteristics of solid silver at a much lower cost.
Taking care of silver-plated cutlery requires gentle cleaning and proper storage to maintain its appearance and prolong its lifespan. Silver plating can wear off over time, so avoiding harsh conditions and regular maintenance is essential. Otherwise, it is pretty similar to how to care for Sterling Silver.
Daily Use and Handling
After using your silver-plated cutlery, immediately rinse it under warm water to prevent food particles, especially acidic or salty residues, from tarnishing the silver. Foods like citrus, vinegar, and tomatoes can tarnish silver. If exposed, rinse off as soon as possible.
Cleaning Silver-Plated Cutlery
Wash silver-plated cutlery by hand using warm water and mild, non-lemon-scented dish soap. Harsh chemicals, including those in dishwashing detergents, can strip away the silver coating over time. Use a soft sponge or cloth to clean each piece gently. Avoid abrasive scrubbers like steel wool or rough sponges, as they can scratch the silver. Immediately dry the cutlery with a soft, lint-free cloth after washing to prevent water spots and tarnish. Do not air-dry, as moisture can lead to tarnishing.
Use your sterling silver cutlery regularly. Frequent use helps prevent tarnishing, as the oils from your hands and food use naturally polish the silver.
Can I Use the Dishwasher?
While putting silver-plated cutlery in the dishwasher is generally not recommended, some people do. If you choose, use a gentle detergent without citrus or phosphates. Keep silver-plated items away from stainless steel in the dishwasher, as the metals can chemically react and cause discolouration or pitting.
Polishing Silver-Plated Cutlery
To maintain the shine, polish silver-plated cutlery when you notice tarnish or dullness. Use a silver polishing cloth or a liquid silver polish specifically designed for silver-plated items. When polishing, rub gently in a straight line, not in circles, as circular rubbing can lead to scratches over time. If possible, focus only on tarnished areas to avoid over-polishing. Silver plating is a thin layer, so excessive polishing can wear it away, exposing the base metal underneath. Polish sparingly, as needed.
Storing Silver-Plated Cutlery
Always store cutlery dry, as moisture can lead to tarnishing. Store silver-plated cutlery in an anti-tarnish cloth or a cloth-lined drawer or box. These cloths are specially treated to prevent tarnish buildup. Do not store silver-plated items in contact with stainless steel or other metals, as this can lead to corrosion and tarnishing due to chemical reactions. Store in a cool, dry place. High humidity accelerates tarnishing, so use silica gel packs or activated charcoal in the storage area to absorb moisture.
By following these steps, you can ensure your silver-plated cutlery remains beautiful for years while minimising the risk of damaging the silver coating.
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