No more silver streak spoons: how to keep your spoons looking fresh and new



Silverware is one of those things that homeowners hold dear to their hearts. Everyone takes pride in a good set of silverware, and often it's only after many years that they're able to obtain a special set that comes out for special occasions. These sets are often inherited, or a bought for a special occasion such as a wedding or a wedding anniversary. However, even thought you may not use your silver on a regular basis, you should be aware that you still need to ensure that you properly maintain your silverware so that it doesn't streak or tarnish. Silver streak spoons are not something you want your guests looking at as they sit down for dinner.



The reason that silver tarnishes is that silver oxidises as it interacts with the air. This results in the darkening and discoloration that people know as tarnishing. It happens with pure silverware as well as silver plated silverware, but can be fought off with a combination of elbow grease and some chemical know-how. First, it's a good idea to put together a cleaning schedule for your silverware. This is a good idea, as it ensures that you keep up to date with your polishing and cleaning, rather than letting it get to a stage where it will take some time to recover from. A good time to polish your silverware may be before events when your family comes over, which may be an occasion where you tend to be most likely to use your silverware. For example, before Thanksgiving or Christmas, or before any large birthday celebrations might be a good time to schedule in polishing up your silverware.

One of the best ways to remove stains from silverware is of course polishing. This helps to break down the oxidation that results in tarnishing. There are many different approaches that you can take to putting together an appropriate means to combat tarnishing, but the most common one is using baking soda. One option is to mix up a solution of baking soda and boiling water, and to dip a cloth into this. Use the cloth to polish your silver streak spoons or any other tarnished silverware. When you're done, dip them in clean water, and then dry them. Another option is to put all of your silverware in a large baking dish and the pour the baking soda and water solution over them. However, you should be careful using these approaches for silverware that has raised designs or other decorative elements such as carved in initials. These approaches may result in these decorations wearing away, so it may be best to consult with a cleaning expert in these cases. This is particularly true if you're working with heirloom or antique silverware.