Cleaning Silver Methods of cleaning silver should be determined by the valued placed on it--monetary or sentimental--and the design of the pattern. Silver with deeply "carved" patterns that are enhanced by an oxide or French gray finish should be hand polished with a high quality silver cream or polish. Hand rubbing develops patina on silver which adds to its beauty. Ornamental silver pieces that have been lacquered may be washed in lukewarm water; hot water could remove the lacquer. Cleaning Silver Flatware Wash in warm sudsy water. Rinse well and dry immediately. Do not let hollowhandled silverware or hollow ware stand in water as a combination of heat, water, and detergent may loosen soldering. Washing Silverware in a Dishwasher Silverware may be washed in the dishwasher but the patina on fine silver is enhanced by the rubbing that occurs when washing and drying by hand. Hollow handles may be loosened with exposure to heat and detergent in the dishwasher. If washing both silverware and stainless steel flatware in the dishwasher, do not put in the same basket section or let one metal touch the other, or the silver may be permanently damaged. If you want to use the dishwasher to wash Silverware, follow these precautions: 1. Use the automatic rinse dispenser feature of a dishwasher. The rinse agent lowers the surface tension of the rinse water so it sheets off the surfaces and droplets don't form. Or use a rinse agent in solid form that hangs on the dishwasher rack, if your dishwasher does not have an automatic rinse dispenser. 2. Remove new silverware from the dishwasher immediately after the last rinse cycle and towel dry for the first few times. Electrolytic methods of cleaning with aluminum-salt-soda are not recommended for cleaning silver with an oxidized or French gray finish. Do not spill dry dishwasher detergent on flatware; it may cause dark spots. New Sterling Silverware It sometimes gets brown spots after washing in the dishwasher. Sterling is 92 1/2% silver and 7 1/2% other alloys including copper for greater durability. In automatic dishwashing, a reaction can occur between water droplets and the small portion of copper at the surface to cause brown spots on some pieces. After the silverware has been washed several times, the copper on the surface is gone and the surface is pure silver. Avoid such spotting on new silverware by washing and drying new silverware by hand for the first few uses.

Use the following products to clean your silverware

Silverfountain	4x14 oz ($24.99)
Cleanse Dip	4x14 oz ($24.99)

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