How to Care for Your Silverware
Collecting and Cleaning Tips for Decorating with Silver
Sep 15, 2008
Silverware was very popular before the colonists came to America, but the tradition wasn't initially carried through to the new country. Some families were fortunate enough to bring pieces of treasured silverware, but fancy decor was not the top priority of the day. It wasn't until the 1700s that silver and home decorating started to regain importance with the early settlers.
Silversmiths set up shops but found that silver was hard to come by, especially as King George III had banned all silver exports to the colonies. Instead they turned to the only silver that was found in abundance, coins. Money was once minted with actual silver, and these coin silver products from the 1700s to 1850s contained approximately 90% pure silver.
Initially the silverware products were very simple and utilitarian, but as the new American citizens become more wealthy, the demand for more elaborate silver grew and more decorative pieces were created. As the pieces became more beautiful they gained greater importance in the home and became decorating focal points and treasured heirlooms passed from generation to generation.
If you're a collector of silver, you surely love the beauty of these storied silverware pieces but you probably also have a hate relationship with tarnish. Now, there is definitely something to be said for a great patina, but not on your silverware, especially if you're using it for meals. There are a few different methods for polishing silver, some require more effort and expense than others. Choose your favorite silver polishing trick and keep that history shining.
Tarnish Removing Bath
Wash your silver first and then line the bottom of a big pot with aluminum foil. Place about 1/4th cup baking soda and three teaspoons salt on the foil. Rest your silver on top and pour a quart of boiling water on top. Cover your silver soup for a few minutes and let the chemical reaction do its work and lift the tarnish off of your silver pieces.
Traditional Polish Cream
The instructions may vary slightly, so be sure to read them before you begin. Wash your silverware in hot water and while the piece is still warm, spread the cream thinly over the entire piece. After about 15 or 30 seconds you're ready to begin polishing. Use a clean cotton cloth to remove all of the cream and scrub off the tarnish.
Spray-on Polishers
Less effort than the cream and more than the bath, the spray works similar to a cream but you don't have to expend the elbow grease rubbing the cream on. Spray the product on your silver pieces and after a few seconds you're ready to rub all of that tarnish away.
Polishing your silverware gives it a new lease on life and you'll be inspired to put it on display, whether you have a dinner party or simply put the pieces out, their sparkling beauty is sure to be noticed.
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