Tip of the week: How to care for silver

Use it often. Don’t save your silver only for special occasions: “Frequent use brings out that rich patina.” Just rinse right after using to keep food sulfides from causing tarnishing. Silver made after 1939 is dishwasher-safe. Remove silver before the drying cycle, though, and avoid citrusy detergents.

Wash away tarnish. Polishing doesn’t have to be hard work. “Remove tarnish from even the most intricate pieces” by placing them on foil, sprinkling them with baking soda, and pouring boiling water over them. “Tarnish will literally fall off”; just rinse the silver and pat it dry to prevent water spots.

Store it properly. A piece of chalk in a display cabinet will absorb the chemicals that cause tarnishing. If you’re tucking your silver away, line the drawer with acid-free Pacific Silvercloth, or just seal the silver in plastic bags.

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Source: Southern Living