Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Holiday Silverware Can Be Nice Looking Year Around

Most of the year we bring out the everyday dishes for family meals, or use paper and plastic for company. During the holidays, however, families want to set a beautiful table to celebrate the occasion and the fellowship of friends and family.

In most households the silver is tucked away and saved for special occasions. But frequent use can keep silver beautiful, according to the Soap and Detergent Association. That's because regular washing will reduce tarnishing, especially in the case of silver plate. Too frequent or too vigorous polishing may wear away some of the silver layer, making re-plating necessary.

Tarnish occurs naturally as the result of chemicals, such as sulfur compounds in the air. In addition certain foods, such as eggs, mustard and mayonnaise, can cause tarnish. Salt can both corrode and tarnish silver. To prevent the damaging effects of these and other tarnish-inducing foods, wash both sterling silver and silver plate soon after finishing the meal. It is best to wash them by hand, using hot water and dishwashing detergent. Rinse with hot water and towel dry, with a soft, clean dishtowel. Do not leave silver to drain-dry on a rubber mat. Contact with the rubber also can promote tarnish.

Washing by hand is the recommended method of cleaning, silver and silver plate, but they can be washed in the dishwasher if caution is used. Separate silver utensils from stainless steel, because contact between the two can cause the silver to pit. Serving dishes should be spaced apart to avoid scratches. Because steam drying can leave spots, it is best to remove the silver immediately after the rinse cycle and dry it with a soft, clean dishtowel.

Store silver in treated cloth bags available from retailers who carry fine silver and china. Because wax paper does not collect moisture, use it to wrap silver when storing it for extended periods. Store in a clean, dry area. Do not store or display silver where it will be exposed to heated air.

You can keep copper and brass pieces looking beautiful with periodic cleaning and polishing. For regular cleaning, use a dishwashing detergent in hot water, rinse with hot water and dry with a clean, soft cloth. For special cleaning, such as the removal of heat discoloration or tarnish, use a cleaner specially formulated for cleaning copper. After rinsing the cleaner off with hot water, wipe and polish dry with a soft cloth.

Often copper and brass decorative items have a lacquered finish. Do not use copper or brass cleaners on these. Simply wipe off the surfaces with a damp cloth and dry with a clean soft cloth. To avoid scratching a brass or copper surface never use steel wool or other abrasives.

The warm glow of silver, copper and brass can add a special touch to the holiday table. Take good care of your treasures.

For more information on home care and maintenance contact the Clark County Extension Service at 246-2281.