Caring For Silver
Your silver treasures are meant to be used and enjoyed throughout the year and not locked away due to fear of tarnishing. Tarnish is caused from hydrogen sulfide and sulphur dioxide (sulphur containing compounds in the air), along with high humidity levels. Other culprits are found in fabrics containing wool or felt. Here are some simple, helpful tips to care for your heirlooms.
How do I clean my Mint Julep and Baby Cups after use?
Immediately after each use you should gently wash and dry your cups. Be cautious of contact with other items and metal sinks, as scratching can occur. If you wear gloves, use plastic and not latex. We recommend filling a plastic sink pan with warm water and using a non-lemon scented, phosphate free detergent and soft cotton cloth. Dry immediately with a soft cotton or Selvyt cloth.
Can I put my silver in the Dishwasher?
The answer is simply-No! To the contrary of many silver care sites saying it is safe, we do not recommend cleaning your silver in the dishwasher. The combination of high temps and harsh detergents is too abrasive for silver. It will eventually turn your silver grey/white tone with a dull, non shine surface.
Can I use polishing creams to remove tarnish from my silver?
It is not recommended to use polishing creams, pastes or gels for cleaning of any of your silver items, as these all contain some sort of abrasives that will pit and slowly remove your metal.
If tarnishing occurs it is best to remove as soon as the tarnish is noticed. We recommend first trying (citrus-free), diluted Dawn dishwashing liquid. Gently rub the tarnished area with a soft cotton cloth, rinse and dry immediately with a soft cotton or Selvyt cloth. If you find the tarnish is still there you can wipe with a Sunshine® polishing cloth.
How can I keep my jewelry from tarnishing?
For your jewelry we recommend, after removing, to wipe gently with a soft cotton cloth and store in the Pacific Silvercloth® pouch provided with your purchase.
Can I use silver polishes to clean my jewelry?
It is important to NOT use any polishing creams, pastes or gels when caring for your jewelry. Our Wishing You Good Luck collection ® has a patina finish included in its detail, using these types of polishing creams will remove the patina.
If tarnishing occurs it is best to remove as soon as the tarnish is noticed. Since many silver polishes do contain some sort of abrasives we recommend first trying (citrus-free), diluted Dawn dishwashing liquid. Gently rub the tarnished area with a soft cotton cloth, rinse and dry immediately with a soft cotton or Selvyt cloth. If you find the tarnish is still there you can wipe with a Sunshine® polishing cloth.
How can I prevent tarnishing when storing my silver?
When not in use, store your item in the Pacific Silvercloth® bag provided with your purchase for optimal tarnish prevention.
How can I display my silver without the risk of tarnishing?
It is nice to display your silver pieces in a glass cabinet or shelving display, in this case we recommend using place 3M™ Anti-Tarnish paper (strips) in these areas to absorb the moisture and sulfurs that cause tarnish. These work wonderful but do need to be replaced every 6 months or 1 year for tightly enclosed areas.
Please note: Silver not stored in Pacific Silvercloth® will still eventually tarnish. It is recommended to regularly clean your silver if any signs of tarnish occur.
Can I wash the S. R. Blackinton storage pouches?
It is very important to not wash these pouches. This will wash out the embedded silver particles which are there to catch the hydrogen sulphides in the air that would otherwise deposit on your stored silver and cause tarnishing. S. R. BLACKINTON pouches are made from Pacific Silvercloth, a widely recognized brand name that has a long history of preventing tarnishing to sterling silver and silver plated articles.
To learn more about Pacific Silvercloth® please visit: www.silverguard.com