Tarnish – the silver owners' enemy.
Proper care of your silver will preserve it for years. The most important factor is keeping your silver free of tarnish. Three key steps in caring for silver:

All three must be considered when polishing, using, or storing silver.

Tarnish, the darkening of metal, is the result of exposure to a source of sulfur in the air or hydrogen sulfide gas, known to chemists as Silver Sulfide. The most common source of hydrogen sulfide today is the result of combustion, especially from automobile emissions.

Step One - Removing tarnish or oxidation.
Tarnish can be removed by a variety of methods ranging from a simple rubbing with a cloth to dipping. In the early stages of tarnish, the best method is to either wipe the surface with a liquid or soft cream polish, or use a pair of polishing gloves. When the tarnish is advanced, additional rubbing and a stronger paste polish are needed.

Step Two - Polishing or making the surface shine.
When repeatedly used, washed, or cleaned without polishing, silver will eventually develop a whitish, non-reflective surface To achieve the reflective quality in silver that we all love, polishing or shining, with friction (elbow grease) is required. Dips, creams with abrasives, and other, so-called, miracle cleaners are not recommended!

Step Three - Preventing tarnish or corrosion.
Tarnish prevention, the most difficult step to address, does not conform to the laws of nature. Many polishes have tarnish preventatives, which leave a wax-like finish after cleaning and polishing. These are recommended! Polishes that require washing after the rubbing or polishing process will remove the tarnish barrier. Storing your silver in airtight cabinets or drawers with a tarnish absorbing aid such as 1) tarnish strips, 2) camphor, or 3) charcoal will usually help keep tarnish to a minimum. Wrapping your clean, dry silver in Pacific Silvercloth® is more effective and has better results.

The most important thing to remember is that silver is made to be used and enjoyed. When frequently used and properly polished and stored, it will develop a soft patina that makes the care and use easier.

The following substances have chemicals that will discolor silver with contact: lemon, mustard, salt, mayonnaise, egg, and rubber. If you develop an unsightly stain try to remove it with silver polish and a cloth. If that fails, call us at 800-645-4193 or e-mail us.