Proper care and cleaning of silver cutlery

There is still a common misconception that silver cutlery and silverware tarnishes after only a short time or need to be cleaned daily. However, thanks to modern cleaning products, it's extremely easy to clean silver nowadays and can be done in no time at all. The Robbe & Berking silver experts share their tips on the right way to care for your silver.

All silver and silver plated products can react with oxygen over time. The reason for this is that the surface of the silver is particularly sensitive to gases containing sulphur, such as those found in the air around it. Even the smallest traces of hydrogen sulphide in the air are enough to discolour silver. Even at room temperature, a reaction takes place between hydrogen sulphide and silver, leading to the formation of silver sulphide. This results in a dark colour change that we call "tarnishing". As these gases are an elemental part of our atmosphere, silver tarnishing is almost inevitable. With just a few simple tips, silver can be kept in good condition and tarnishing can be delayed and reduced.

When caring for our silver cutlery, we always recommend a mild, gentle method without much physical action, such as vigorous rubbing. All physical processes have the disadvantage that some material is always removed. We do not recommend the use of silver or dip baths, as these are very aggressive and can damage the silver. The use of "home remedies" like cleaning silver with aluminium foil and salt is not recommended at all, as this actually reverses the silvering process: the soiling is removed, but so is the silver!

Remember though, you don't have to handle silver with kid gloves. Quite the opposite. Frequent or even daily use is highly recommended and the best protection against tarnishing. The fat in human skin actually inhibits the formation of sulphide, which is what triggers silver tarnishing.

We always recommend cleaning and caring for your silverware with products from the Robbe & Berking silver care range. These gently remove dirt and discolouration and create a protective film on your silver to slow down future tarnishing. Silver care products from other brands may contain aggressive ingredients that are not suitable for the care of our silverware.

Apply a pea-sized amount of Robbe & Berking silver polish to a soft cotton cloth and gently wipe it over the silverware. After just a few seconds, the cotton cloth will turn grey-black and the full shine of the silver will be revealed. After all tarnish has been removed, the silver or silver plated item should be rinsed with clean water and dried with a soft towel. You do not need to leave the silver polish to soak in.

• Apply a pea-sized amount to a soft cotton cloth.
• Repeatedly wipe over the discolouration until it disappears.
• Rinse with clean water.
• Dry with a soft towel.

Cleaning silver with silver foam

Robbe & Berking silver foam is particularly well suited for cleaning with water over the sink, as its special composition combines careful cleaning with a polishing effect. Rub the silver foam in circular movements over the item with a damp sponge or cloth and then rinse off the foam residue with clean water. Dry your silver with a soft towel.

• Apply the silver foam to a damp sponge or cloth.
• Spread over the silver and gently rub it in.
• Rinse with clean water.
• Dry with a soft towel.

Cleaning silver with a silver polishing cloth

We always recommend our silver polishing cloth to all our customers for polishing away minor tarnishing or for a final polish after cleaning with silver polish or silver foam. The silver polishing cloth quickly and easily removes unwanted dark shadows and gives the silver a renewed shine. A chemical reaction causes a black deposit to form on the silver cleaning cloth, which is a sign that it is doing its job properly.

Follow these tips to enjoy your unsurpassed, beautiful and enduring silverware from Robbe & Berking now and for many years to come.