Mckenzie Small – Tips for Maintenance and Caring Antique Silverware
Silverware is one of the great products of the antique world. There is something unique about it. Unlike various antique collectibles, silverware is not just for show and safekeeping. Mckenzie small – Silverware is a valuable antique you can use in your home.
The simple practicality of silverware gives the beauty of its elegant materials. There is a life to meant for daily use that attaches the collector with the past.
Tips for Cleaning and caring for antique Silverware
- Proper handling and polishing
One of the very best features of silver is that handling and polishing can improve its appearance. Over time, pieces of silver will develop patinas that make each set distinctive and uniquely beautiful.
- Avoid keeping in an environment that contains a lot of salt content
Unfortunately, silver is corrosive quickly and can take on very unappealing shades of brown or even purple. If a silverware set is storing in an environment with salt in the air, this process can happen with alarming speed. Careful care of silverware is vital to keeping your silverware’s value and long-term beauty.
- Special care for Mckenzie Small
Washing your silver after every use may seem self-evident, but simply tossing them into a soapy sink full of water won’t do. Each piece should be cleaning one at a time with great care. Acidic foods such as fruit juices and salad dressing can cause stains to appear on silver, and special care should be taken when cleaning antique silverware of these types of foods.
- Clean with hot soapy water
You should clean each piece thoroughly with hot soapy water. Rinse with hot water and dry thoroughly before moving on to the next piece. Letting silverware dry on its own will leave water stains and do your polishing chores that much more complicated.
- Use gloves
Everyone has seen a movie where the butler puts on white cotton gloves before polishing the silver. Those gloves aren’t a term of prissiness or to protect the polisher’s delicate hands. The gloves protect the silver from the polisher. Bare hands can lead to fingernail scratches, and the oils in human skin can tarnish newly polished silverware.
- Use long term polish
While many types of polish are available, and nearly all work reasonably well, a novice collector should probably experiment until they find a polish they like best. There are creams, pastes, and liquids. Look for a polish described as a long-term polish as these are usually the best bet for antique silverware. Ensure to have a plentiful supply of clean polishing clothes, as you will want a clean spot on the cloth for each new piece.
- Use soft brushes for removing traces
Once the polish has been applied, use a clean polishing cloth to remove excess polish and bring the shine to its zenith. Prefer a toothbrush or small soft brush to clean any textured or raised surfaces on the silver. Now you must repeat the soapy water cleaning to remove any last traces of excess polish.
The key to keeping your silverware beautiful while in long-term storage is keeping it dry and as far from salt and other environmental impurities as possible. Mckenzie small – Silverware is a valuable antique you can use. With proper care and cleaning, investment and personal treasure will last a lifetime and far longer.
