Silver, like gold, is chemically inactive which means it doesn't
oxidize when exposed to air, but its surface tarnishes from exposure
to certain gases in the air. Therefore, if air is kept away, the tarnish
is diminished.
 Other
enemies of silver are pollution, perspiration, table salt, eggs, olives,
salad dressings, peas, gas, sulfer, vinegar, fruit juices, perfumes
and toilet water. Don't let any of these come in contact with silver
for long. Sea air and leaking gas tarnish silver very quickly. Watch
your fruit and flower bowls, because the acids generated by decaying
flowers, leaves and fruits will etch into your silver, causing ugly
little pit marks.
Empty siver salt dishes after each use, or the salt will pit them, causing
permanent damage. Also, if you use silver candy, nut or serving dishes,
wash and dry them throroughly afterward to remove all possible damaging
food residue.
Store polished items in drawers or containers lined with Cape
Cod® Silver
Cloth or other flannel treated with anti-tarnish protection. Do
not wrap silver in felt or chamois leather. Both are sources of hydrogen
sulfide, a strong tarnish inducer. Never wrap plated silver in newspaper.
Printer's ink will act in time to remove the plating. Never secure any
wrapping with rubber bands. Rubber, a deadly enemy of silver, can corrode
it in a few weeks through several layers of paper or flannel. Best not
to have rubber in the same drawer or container. |
