FAQ: How do I clean my sterling silverware and keep it from tarnishing?

The best way to avoid tarnish is to use your silver! Frequent use of your silverware will keep it bright and shiny, and will certainly enhance your dining table.

Tarnish is caused by certain foods that contain sulfides, such as: Eggs, fruit juices, tomatoes, vinegar, ketchup, salt, salty foods (such as butter), mustard, salad dressings, and tomato sauces. If these foods remain on your silverware for a length of time, they will cause your silver to tarnish. Salt should be rinsed off immediately to avoid spotting.

If you use your silverware regularly, store it in a clean drawer free from moisture. If you store your silver for a length of time, place it in either flannel flatware rolls, or in a wooden storage chest with protective lining.

Never wrap your silverware in any type of plastic, rubber bands, or newspaper. These items contain high amounts of sulfur which will accelerate tarnishing.

Hand-washing sterling
Use a mild dishwashing liquid, and dry your silverware completely with a soft cloth-like flannel. Always wash your sterling and stainless separately, and only store silverware after it has cooled.

Dishwasher tips
Rinse all excess food off of the silverware, and do not let sterling and stainless pieces touch (put your knives in the same basket, pointed down). Avoid lemon-scented detergents, those containing chlorides, and use slightly less than recommended. Remove the silverware before before the dry cycle, and hand-dry with the soft cloth.

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