How to care for silver plated utensils?

[lorijds]

I have inherited two sets of silver plated eating utensils. A couple of the pieces are fairly tarnished, otherwise they are in great shape. I plan to use one set on a daily basis.

We don't have a dishwasher, so that isn't an issue.

How to I care for them? I know I need to polish them...how? Where would I get silver polish? If I use them daily, how often do they need polished? Is it okay to let them air dry, or should we wipe them dry? Is any dishwashing liquid okay, or are there certain brands that are better than others?

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks!

[Elowyn]

Polish them with silver polish (avail at any of the large groceries or WM/Target/etc in the dish cleaning area) with a soft rag. The kind I like comes in a jar like face cream, can't remember the name. Use an old diaper, tea towel, etc - this will be stained, so save it as your silver polish rag.

They'll only need polished every year or so (IME) if you don't mind a little minimal tarnish. If you want them to absolutely glow, you'll need to polish more often. There's no right or wrong answer there - just polish when you think they need it, however much you think they need. We did once a year or less, with daily use.

Air dry or wipe dry is fine. Things with big flat spots (serviceware, butter knives) may or may not spot, depending on your water's hardness. It's your call whether those spots are a problem if they occur. Wiping dry will prevent this.

I haven't had any problems with the major dishwashing liquid brands (Dawn, Palmolive, etc.) No clue about the more natural/earth-friendly brands.

Do be careful if any family members use them as tools. They're softer than regular stainless, and the silver plate can be damaged. I had a set of garage sale stainless that I used for tool silverware, when I used silverplate daily.

[reducereuserecycle]

is silver plated any more or less safe than stainless?

i have a little silver plated spoon for dd and when i put it in a hot bowl of oatmeal it tarnished.

i have always heard to wrap silver plated stuff in paper towels between uses for some reason...i think the pieces should not touch together

[34me]

My mom always stores several pieces of chalk in the drawer too. Seems to absorb moisture slowing down tarnish.