With a little effort you can
enjoy silverware or silver plated products for a life time, even generations. It’s
form, its sheen and its feel even as it ages, makes it an object of beauty. Rainy
season is a time when there is excessive moisture in air. And this can affect
many things in our home. And one such thing is out silverware.
Sparkling silverware is what we
like but during rainy season you will have worry about how the moisture can
affect it. Maintaining your silverware shine may seem a mammoth task during the
rainy season due to high levels of humidity. But with the right care they will
remain polished and twinkling. Here are damage control methods to keep safe
your silverware this rainy season.
Tarnish
Silver tarnishes when in
contact with sulphur in atmosphere. Therefore use your silver regularly as
usage breaks the surface sulphide film that causes tarnish.
- For food products, be sure to wipe dry after washing and use a soft cloth.
- For decorative products, wipe daily during the daily house dusting process. This delays tarnishing.
Storage
While storing, wrap silverware
in a soft white felt cloth and then in airtight poly bags. Do not wrap in news
print nor seal the poly bags with rubber bands. Dampness encourages tarnish and
can also harm wooden handles, mother of pearl handles, etc. So store silverware
in clean, dry, airtight cupboards.
Food
Salt is harmful to silver,
burning its surface and leaving permanent black spots. Similarly, certain foods
contain mild acids and silver should be well rinsed after contact with peas,
eggs, Brussels sprouts, etc.
Cleaning silver
Heavily Tarnished silver pieces
can be cleaned with:
- Foam or liquid paste.
- Both Indian and imported polishes are easily available in the market.
- A soft chamois cloth or silver dips are also very effective.
- Use a weak solution of washing soda and water to clean heavily stained tea or coffeepots.
- Pierced work should not be cleaned with a cloth as it may get stuck on the edges. Use a soft brush.
- Silver can be washed in dishwashers but avoid contact with stainless steel as a reaction can occur.
Handling
Improper handling can damage
valuable silver. Do not lift hinged items like teapots or boxes by their cover
as hinges are likely to break. Do not place pieces near heaters as intense heat
can damage hinges and wooden handles.
