Christofle Care Guide
Christofle silver-plated, sterling silver and stainless steel pieces are made to be used every day, and regular use is part of their care: it slows tarnish and builds the soft patina that silver develops over the years.
Silver-plated and sterling flatware
- Wash new pieces by hand before their first use. If used flatware has to wait, leave it in water with a little bleach-free dish soap.
- By hand, use a soft sponge and soapy water, then dry each piece thoroughly with a soft cloth. Avoid detergents with chlorine or citric acid, and anything abrasive.
- Don't clean silver with white vinegar, and don't leave lemon or tomato juice on it for long.
Dishwasher
- Christofle flatware can go in the dishwasher, except pieces from the Talisman collection.
- Use powder or chlorine-free tablets, never liquid, gel, scented or acidic detergents.
- Stand knives blades down so the steel doesn't touch silver, and keep washing and drying at or below 149°F (65°C).
- Open the door at the end of the cycle to let the steam out, then dry with a soft cloth. Don't wash flatware in the same load as crystal glasses.
Stainless steel flatware
- Wash by hand or in the dishwasher. Open the door slightly at the end of the cycle to prevent marks, and wipe with a soft cloth to bring back the shine. Don't use silver-care products on stainless steel.
Serveware, frames and decorative pieces
- Silver-plated trays, bowls and table accessories can go in the dishwasher. Wash large pieces, such as centerpieces and pitchers, and small ones, such as knife rests and coasters, by hand and dry them at once.
- For silver-plate-and-glass pieces such as caviar sets and butter dishes, wash the metal by hand; the glass insert can go in the dishwasher.
- Silver-plated frames: use care lotion and a polishing cloth on the metal, keeping it off the wood. Stainless steel and wood parts need only a soft, slightly damp cloth.
- Candleholders: loosen wax under hot water, then polish silver plate with the cloth; wipe glass and stainless steel with a damp cloth.
- Gilded or stainless steel ornaments: a soft, dry cloth only. Store ornaments in their original boxes.
Porcelain and crystal
- Only porcelain without gold or platinum goes in the dishwasher or microwave, on a low-temperature eco cycle with powder detergent. Wash Malmaison, Malmaison Impériale and Albi gently by hand.
- Crystal is best washed gently by hand and dried with a soft cloth; a delicate cycle no hotter than 104°F (40°C), without detergent, is also possible.
- Place a soft liner between stacked plates and serving dishes.
Polishing and storage
- A polishing cloth or silversmith's gloves revive shine with no rinsing. Care cream suits smooth or worn silver plate; rinse and dry after using it.
- Christofle chests and storage modules are lined with anti-tarnish fabric. Keep sterling jewelry in its anti-tarnish pouch and away from seawater and pool water.
Questions about caring for a piece? Email info@paristableware.com or call (201) 652-4233.