How to Care for Your Silver Flatware

Good silver is meant to be used, and the more you use it, the better it looks. Tarnish – the gray-brown film that appears on silver over time – is simply silver reacting with sulfur in the air. With a few habits, you can keep sterling and silver-plated flatware bright for generations. Here is how to care for your silver.

Sterling Silver vs. Silver Plate

Sterling silver is solid silver alloy (92.5% silver) all the way through. Silver plate is a layer of pure silver over a base metal. Both tarnish the same way and are cared for the same way – the one difference is that silver plate should be polished gently, because heavy polishing can wear the silver layer over many years. Browse sterling silver flatware and silver-plated flatware.

1. Use It Often

Silver that is used and washed regularly tarnishes far less than silver that sits in a drawer. Many families keep a service in daily rotation for exactly this reason.

Christofle Aria 24-Piece Silver-Plated Flatware Set

Service for six – 6 tablespoons, 6 dinner forks, 6 dinner knives and 6 after-dinner teaspoons – with a storage box designed to hold 36 pieces in three modules.

2. Wash Soon After the Meal

Rinse silver soon after eating. Foods such as eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, salt and fish are especially quick to mark silver if they are left to sit.

Wash in warm water with a mild dish soap.
Avoid lemon- or citrus-scented detergents and anything abrasive.
If you use a dishwasher, never let silver touch stainless steel in the basket, and take it out as soon as the cycle ends.
Don't leave knives soaking.

3. Dry Immediately

Water spots are the most common blemish on silver. Dry each piece right away with a soft cotton or linen towel – it takes a minute and saves an afternoon of polishing.

4. Store It Away from Air

Air and humidity cause tarnish, so store silver in an anti-tarnish case or cloth. Avoid rubber bands, plastic wrap and newspaper. See our silverware care & storage collection.

Christofle Storage Box, 36-Piece, Small

Holds a 24- to 36-piece Christofle set (sold empty), with three Imperial Green modules and removable racks that keep the cutlery from scratching.

Christofle Storage Module, Size L, 2 Racks

An Imperial Green module with two racks of 12 slots for knives and an anti-tarnish fabric flap. For dessert or spreader knives, choose the size M2 module.

Christofle Jardin d'Eden 24-Piece Silver-Plated Flatware Set

Service for six in the Jardin d'Eden pattern, delivered with its own storage box.

5. Polish Gently, and Not Too Often

When tarnish does appear, use a silver polish or polishing cloth made for silver, working in straight strokes rather than circles. Rinse, wash and dry afterwards so no polish is left in the pattern. On silver plate, polish lightly and only when needed.

6. Serving Pieces Need Care, Too

Serving pieces often sit longest between uses, so give them the same wash-and-dry routine before you put them away.

Christofle Malmaison Cake Server, Sterling Silver

A sterling silver cake server in the Malmaison pattern – a must-have for those who love to entertain at home. See the whole Christofle Malmaison collection.

What About Pewter?

Pewter is not silver and is cared for differently. Match Pewter is food-safe pewter handmade in northern Italy, and it develops a soft, warm patina with use – many owners prefer that patina to a mirror shine.