1. Regular maintenance after use

The very best thing for silver cutlery is to use it often. Wash it by hand with lukewarm water and mild dish soap after use, and dry it immediately with a soft cloth. Food items such as eggs, mustard, mayonnaise, and citrus fruit should be washed off quickly, as they can cause stains.

2. Silver polish

When the cutlery has developed a visible dark tarnish, a polish intended for silver is the easiest and safest choice:

1. Use a soft, damp cloth or sponge and apply a small amount of polish
2. Rub gently in a lengthwise direction, not in circles
3. Rinse well with lukewarm water so all residue disappears
4. Dry thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth
5. Feel free to buff with a clean polishing cloth for extra shine

Always read the instructions on the product, and test on a small area first if you are unsure.

3. Polishing cloth or impregnated cloth

For lightly tarnished silver, an impregnated silver cloth may be enough. It removes the thin layer of tarnish without the need for water or liquid, and is easy to use between major cleanings.

Silver-plated items have only a thin layer of silver over another metal. Therefore, do not rub hard or often, and avoid strong abrasives, as you may polish away the silver layer itself. Once the plated layer is worn away, polishing will not help. In that case, resilvering can restore the object to its original appearance.

• Toothpaste. It may seem like a home remedy that works, but toothpaste contains abrasives that create small scratches on the surface.
• Hard scrubbing. Use soft cloths, not coarse sponges or steel wool.
• Letting water air dry. Water spots and limescale easily settle on silver. Always wipe it dry.
• Rubber and fabric with sulfur. Rubber bands and certain types of wool and felt can cause dark stains.

Proper storage means you need to polish less often.

• Store silver in a dry and dark place, preferably in a cutlery box or a bag made of anti-tarnish fabric
• Do not leave silver cutlery out in humid rooms
• Keep silver separated from other metals
• Use it, preferably often. Silver that is in use tarnishes more slowly

With a little regular care, silver cutlery will stay beautiful for generations. Use it often, wash it by hand, dry it well, and use a polishing agent designed for silver when needed. If you are unsure whether the cutlery can withstand polishing, it is always safe to ask a jeweler first.

Our store at Sandbrogaten 11 is open until May 16th – so you can find your favorites for Norway's Constitution Day. Come visit us, and we'll help you.