Caring for Your Precious Silver Antiques

Whether you're a collector of sterling silver, or have one or two items left behind from a relative, you'll want to properly care for your silver antique as it ages to keep it in excellent
condition.

Silver antiques come in all shapes and sizes such as serving trays, flatware, punch bowls, napkin rings, salt shakers, etc.  Caring for each piece is basically the same, however.

What about Tarnish?

It is commonly believed that silver tarnishes easily. 

However, the truth is that tarnishing only occurs rapidly (in most instances) when the silver is stored in an area near sulphur. Otherwise, tarnishing is a very long process. When storing your silver, wrap it in anti-tarnish cloths to protect it from scrapes or pollutants.

How to Clean Your Silver Antiques

Use a reliable silver polish and a soft cloth to clean your silver antiques.  To reach engraved, hard to clean areas, you might want to use a soft pointy Q-tip.  Polishing should be done quickly, and all traces of polish should be removed afterward.  Leaving traces of polish behind can dull the design by clogging engraved areas.  If you must wash your silver, wash with soapy, lukewarm water and quickly rinse and dry your silver completely.  Soaking is discouraged.

Hard brushes (even toothbrushes) should never be used for cleaning or polishing your silver because they can create a scratched surface. 

Candle Wax Can Be Tricky

If you own antique candlesticks that are still in use, you probably realize that candle wax buildup can be tricky to remove.  Before attempting to remove the wax, place the candlesticks in a room where the temperature is warm.  This will cause the wax to soften, making it easier to remove.

Lay the candlesticks across soft cloths for support and slowly remove the wax with a toothpick.  Using a knife can scratch the surface.  A toothpick is pointed and stern, but not likely to scratch the surface.

Use these tips to take care of your silver antiques, and extend the value and life of your antiques for many years to come.