Get Your Good Silver Ready for
Springtime Entertaining
(ARA)
- Do you think twice before bringing out the good
silver, trying to decide if you have time to clean
it before your party, in light of all your other
errands and commitments? Polishing silver is
actually a simple process, and with the proper care
and the right cleaning supplies, there�s no reason
to keep your good silver under wraps. In fact, by
following these simple tips, you may find that
you�re more inclined to use your silver -- even if
there is no special occasion.
Silver Basics
Silver is a relatively soft metal and can be dented
or damaged by rough handling. In addition, it is
subject to corrosion, known as tarnish, when it is
exposed to sulphur-containing compounds in the air.
Corrosion causes silver to turn dark and lose its
lustrous surface sheen. Heat and humidity also
promote tarnish, so take this into consideration
when deciding where to store your silver. While it
is important to keep silver clean and free from dust
and surface grime, it�s better to polish only when
necessary, just before using it.
Cleaning Your Silver Safely
There are many types of silver polishing products on
the market. The key to making the job of caring for
your silver easier is to choose a product best
suited to the job.
For cleaning items such as serving trays, pitchers
and bowls that do not have engraving or fine
details, silver polish liquid is fast and easy.
Choose one that cleans, polishes and protects in one
step, like Goddard�s Silver Polish, to save time and
effort. Apply the polish with a clean, soft cloth,
rubbing gently until all of the tarnish is gone,
turning the cloth frequently. Allow the polish to
dry, then wipe it with another clean, soft cloth to
buff it to a brilliant shine.
Silver polish foam is perfect for larger objects and
those with engraving and fine details or filigree.
These items would normally take longer and require
using a toothbrush or other brushes to get the
tarnish out,but a product like Goddard�s Silver Foam
does all of the work for you -- simply moisten a
soft sponge with warm water, dip it in the paste and
softly rub the sponge over the surface, creating a
rich, cleansing lather. That�s the secret to getting
all of the tarnish out of the nooks, crannies and
engraving. Rinse the item under warm running water
and then dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth.
For silverware and serving utensils, silver dip is
the way to go. Simply open the jar and carefully dip
the item into the jar until the tarnish disappears.
If the item doesn�t fit into the jar, use a cotton
ball soaked in silver dip and rub until all the
tarnish is removed. Wash the cleaned items in warm,
soapy water, rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.
If you prefer a multi-use product, choose an
all-metal polish like Mr. Metal that works on
silver, brass, copper and more. Use it on copper
cookware, brass candle sticks, silver, and other
decorative items in your home.
After the Party
To ensure your silver will look good the next time
you use it, start by hand-washing the pieces, as
harsh detergents will cause pitting. Store silver in
special flannel bags infused with particles of
silver that will help retard tarnish. You can find
these bags in jewelry and department stores sold as
�Pacific Silvercloth.�
Goddard�s silver polishes and Mr. Metal, as well as
fine furniture polishes, are available in grocery
stores, drug stores and kitchen stores nationwide
and all of these products are certified kosher. The
company has been protecting valuable objects since
1893 and is preferred by silversmiths, jewelers and
housekeeping staffs worldwide.
For more information, visit www.goddards.com or call
(877) 661-1853.
Courtesy of ARA Content |