EVERYDAY SILVER
Those who choose to use their silverware often, hopefully every day, will get a great deal of pleasure from it. Silver keeps better through regular use. It is fascinating that silverware that is used often needs much less polishing and care than silver that is seldom used. Remember, too, that silverware can’t be ‘used up’ and will bring pleasure to many generations.
Wash your silverware in the dishwasher.
Sun dishwashing detergent is ‘best in test’
Wash your silverware in the dishwasher. We recommend using Sun dishwashing detergent as it has been found to be ‘best in test’ for silver. The only thing you need to be careful of is that the silver does not come in contact with stainless steel in such a way that the stainless could make scratches in the sterling. After washing, it is a good idea to dry your silverware by hand to avoid water spots.
Knives made before 1966 should not be washed in a dishwasher. The knife blade can loosen from the shaft at temperatures that are too warm. If the unfortunate happens, we can easily repair the piece for you.
SILVER FOR VERY SPECIAL OCCASIONS
If you wish to take your silverware out for only very special occasions it will need slightly different storage and handling. For long-term storage, we recommend that silver be kept in a dry and airtight container. Silver keepers of cloth which are treated with an agent that hinders oxidation are good to use. Such bags can be purchased from a jeweller. The acid-free bags in which silver is delivered are also a good alternative. Or you can buy beautiful storage chests which are specially designed for silver. If you wash your silver by hand, we recommend that you rinse it under running water before drying it with a soft cloth. Be sure that the piece is completely dry before storing it.
POLISHING SILVER
Even if you haven’t used your silverware for a while, fortunately it is easy to make it shine again. Often simply putting your silver in some warm soapy water for several minutes before rinsing and drying is enough to get a nice shine.
If you find that your silverware is tarnished after a time in storage, you can rub it with a cloth soaked in polish, and you’ll bring that fine shine back again. If your silverware is highly tarnished, you can well use a somewhat stronger polish.
There are also sprays, cloths, gloves, and the like which do the job quickly and effectively. Such products can be purchased from your jeweller and from Arven. We also have machines and tools for polishing your silverware if you’d rather not do it yourself.