The characteristic white ‘patina’ of silver which is responsible for much of its aesthetic appeal becomes more pronounced with age due to the optical effect of the multitude of very fine scratches that develop in use. On recently acquired silver, however, the few fine isolated scratches that first appear tend to be somewhat conspicuous until the white patina has fully developed.

Silver being a noble metal, is highly resistant to corrosion, but it can be tarnished by sulphides that are always present to some extent in the atmosphere and in many foods - eggs being the most potent. Tarnish consists of a superficial film of silver sulphide. Initially it is a light gold colour, but, with prolonged exposure to sulphides, it can develop into a blue-black discoloration.

To avoid the need for frequent cleaning, it is best to store silver in a box or drawer in a room without a fire of any type and in a lesser used room where available. This avoids exposure to sulphides. To avoid tarnishing by food, rinse it off the cutlery as soon as convenient.

There are three methods of de-tarnishing silver: polishing powders or paste, chemical dip solutions and ball burnishing.

1. Polishing Powders and Paste
Only use those sold specifically for silver, other products can scratch the silver. Always apply the cleaner with a soft, freshly and thoroughly washed cloth or sponge. Some cleaners in a paste form can contain a tarnish inhibitor. These are particularly useful for holloware products as they are used less frequently then cutlery.

2. Chemical Dip Solutions
This is a quicker, easier method of de-tarnishing, especially on heavily embossed designs. The dip solution converts the film of tarnish back to silver by removing the sulphide without removing the silver. However the following precautions must be taken:

Never leave the silver plated cutlery in the dip solution for more than 10 seconds
Do not use dip solutions to remove very heavy tarnish as this causes a matt finish
Dip solutions can stain or etch the stainless steel knife blade. If contact occurs rinse off immediately

3. Electrolytic Methods
Tarnish can be removed from silver by immersing it in a hot solution of washing soda of about 30 grams per 5 litres whilst the cutlery or holloware is in contact with aluminium. Proper kits are available but the process can be carried out on a DIY basis in a plastic bowl with a sheet of aluminium foil laid in the bottom so that the cutlery is in contact with the foil. When the foil eventually darkens and becomes brittle, it becomes ineffective and needs replacing. As in the case of chemical dip solutions, the process is not suitable for use on very heavily tarnished silver upon which it can produce a dull white finish.