Does your favorite silverware have  dull look?  Did you just inherit silverware that really needs a good make over?  The following are a few steps to follow, in order to make sure that your silverware will sparkle and shine like brand new.

A Few Steps To Follow:

If you use your silverware regularly, it should be polished once to twice a year, depending on the appearance.

1. If you choose to use a commercial silver polish, follow directions carefully.  Sometimes you may use a cotton cloth, flannel cloth, or a sponge.

2. Rinse sponge often in order to remove particles, polishing the utensil until the polish disappears.  

3. Rinse silverware in hot water, in order to remove all remains of polish.  

4. Carefully dry silverware thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Aspects To Consider When Caring For Your Silverware

According to the Silver Institute, silverware should be rinsed and cleaned immediately after it is used, especially if it has come into contact with acidic foods, such as mayonnaise, eggs, fruit juices, and salt (and also salty foods).   The silverware should be rinsed in hot, sudsy water, followed by hot, clean water, in order to ensure that the piece has been properly cleaned.  Using an old toothbrush is a suggestion, in order to ensure the crevices in the silverware have been reached.

Do Not: Soak silverware in water, especially for extended periods of time, or  put your  silverware in the washer if it has an oxidized pattern, is plated with another metal, or has some other decorative pattern you feel will be damaged by the machine. 

NOTE: Stainless steel and silverware should never be washed in the same basket at the same time.  The contact of these metals can permanently damage silver.

Polish clockwise or with a circular motion.  Lengthwise is appropriate, in order to prevent scratching.  Avoid access rubbing. 

Do not polish gold or other accented areas of the utensil.