Caring for Silver Flatware

Silver flatware can be damaged by improper care. Polishing removes a bit of silver each time, but if you use the silver every day, the shine will stay if you wash it and towel dry it soon after eating. Salt, lemon juice and tomato sauce will damage the surface, so at least rinse the silver immediately after using it. Don’t store it in newspapers or plastic or use rubber bands. Don’t store silver on rubber, wool carpets or oak shelves. Avoid fingerprints, they are corrosive. Museum personnel wear white cotton gloves when handling silver. There are anti-tarnish bags, and cloths to put in a box to store silver.