How to look after silver-plated pieces

After use

Rinse the piece in lukewarm water soon after use rather than leaving it to stand. If needed, use a little mild washing-up liquid and a soft sponge. Then dry it straight away with a lint-free cotton cloth. Water drops left to dry on their own can mark the surface.

Sulphurous or salty foods such as egg, mayonnaise, mustard and salt tarnish silver faster. If you have served them, clean the piece the same day. Do not leave acidic foods such as lemon or vinegar on the surface for long either.

What to avoid

• Dishwasher. High heat and machine detergent can dull the plating.
• Abrasive sponges, steel wool and cream cleaners. They scratch the surface and thin the plating.
• Bleach and chlorine cleaners. They can leave dark stains on silver.
• Soaking. Dry the piece right after washing instead of leaving it wet.

Removing tarnish

Light tarnish usually comes off with a cloth made for polishing silver. For heavier tarnish, use a small amount of a silver polish whose packaging says it is suitable for silver plate, and apply it gently. Every polish removes a very thin layer, so polish only when needed and do not press on embossed areas. Rinse the polish off well in lukewarm water and dry.

The darker tone inside embossing and engraving is often part of the pattern and brings out the detail. Do not try to polish these areas completely.

Storage

Store the piece completely dry in a cupboard free of damp. Wrapping it in acid-free paper or a cotton bag reduces contact with air; anti-tarnish bags and cloths help too. Do not wrap silver in rubber bands, newspaper or cling film, as they can stain the surface. If you stack pieces, put a soft cloth between them.

The best protection

A piece that is used regularly and wiped after use tarnishes less than one left in a cupboard for a long time. Rather than saving your silver-plated piece for special occasions, use it on your table.