Demand for silver is growing day by day. Industrial uses, photography, jewelry and silverware are the main areas where more than 95 % of the silver is annually consumed. Sparkling tableware, shining jewelry and living spaces brightened by silver mirrors are the obvious contributions of silver to our daily lives. Any thing that is used in our everyday life has to be maintained. Thus the most frequently asked question is how to clean silver?

Silver enjoys a greater reflectivity than gold and can achieve the most brilliant polish. It is natural for silver to taint over a period of time. Silver utensils last forever! Frequent use of silverware reduces tarnish and develops a glow called patina which enhances its beauty. Caring for your silver is as important as how to clean silver. The following are the some tips on how to clean silverware the right way:

1. Silverware must be rinsed immediately after use especially after contact with acidic or corrosive foods such as salt, mayonnaise, eggs etc.
2. Silverware must not be soaked in water for longer hours as excess immersion can damage the metal.
3. Silverware should be washed in warm, sudsy water with a toothbrush or fine natural bristle brush and then washed in clear hot water. Immediately after washing the silver it must be wiped with a soft cotton cloth to avoid spotting.
4. Silverware should be washed separately to avoid scratches. Always remember to use very little detergent. Never put stainless steel utensils and silver utensils in the same basket as direct contact can permanently damage the silver.
5. Polish silverware with a soft cotton or flannel cloth with a brand name silver polish or paste. Silver dips are usually not suggested on intricately detailed pieces. It must always be polished lengthwise and should not be polished in a circular motion as it may create scratches. Regularly used silverware must be polished once or twice a year.
6. Silverware must be kept in a dark, dry place. It should be kept away from direct sunlight and dampness. Even a light bulb that shines directly will cause it to tarnish.

Apart from silver utensils, silver jewelry is also commonly used. So it is important to know not only how to clean silver utensils but also how to clean silver jewelry. Silver polishing cloth is available in the market. Gently rub the jewelry with this cloth and the silver jewelry will be polished!