Thursday 157! The morning after!

[Karen]

Thanks! I guess that means I think young or post young or perhaps I'm just immature?

Anyone have any tips on polishing silver? I mean really badly tarnished stuff - it's antique, some of it is sterling (which polishes up easier) but this is a CHORE! My late husband was really into collecting the stuff. I'm thinking of selling it as my hands just can't take this polishing work.

There's a formula you can use to get rid of ALL the tarnish, but this is only if you don't want, for example, the dark tarnish to stay in the creases, which many people like.

It has something to do with a sheet of tinfoil, a specific detergent - I'll try to google it from what I remember, and I'll get back to you. Woops - I found a link that mentions it, and they say it'll tarnish faster afterwards, so maybe you shouldn't use that.

This page might be helpful.

[lbaker]

I use my sterling silver alot and know better than to use it on my eggs in the morning [never!!] or to wash any other way but by hand and always immediately dry by hand. If it's very old and not recently used you may have to ask a professional for help if it's really good stuff. Well worth it. Some of my "silver-plate" is nice but when it gets badly tarnished, well... either re-plate or forget. Shall I hold my pinkie up now mmmm, raspberries, vanilla and just about ANYTHING sounds wonderful!! Count me in MOFF!! I grilled some salmon and aspeer-a-gooses just now. Hollandaise sause on the quick and dirty (store bought) worked just fine, thank you very much That sly little orange/grey/mystery kitten likes salmon evidently... half my plate seems to have vanished Anyone else for anything else while the coals are hot?? Love you guys and HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR GINI

[Karen]

Oh, and I forgot to say, Once you have it polished, the best way to keep it from needing polishing again is to use it! Regularly!

Why, shall we have a Tea at Thursdays next week to do just that? Everyone has a week to start polishing ...

[lbaker]

Use it regularly is RIGHT, don't "save it for company" or "wait for a special occasion". We are our own company and we ARE a special occasion Just don't let it sit in water or dare put any into a dishwasher. A tea party sounds lovely Karen! I'll start planning a menu fit for the occasion ~ oh boy!!

[Oggyflute]

I probably should explain what pot distilled is, to settle Laurie down if nothing else. It's simply a copper vat.

[lbaker]

I'm glad THAT was cleared up

[gini]

Gosh, I am glad that I saw this post. I do know that you have to be careful with some of the cleaners such as Tarnishshield, because it will take the silver off the piece. This isn't too bad for sterling - but it causes grief when you use it on silver plated pieces.

And Karen is right - some of the mixtures take off the patina which gives the silver pieces character.

We should talk silver sometime - I have a bunch of very old pieces from the late 1800's and early 1900's.

Once you get it polished I HIGHLY recommend the 3M silver strips. They last for about three months (I find that they last a lot longer than that). They will keep your silver from tarnishing again. Just toss one in the drawer, or wherever you store it. I use those for silver jewelry too.

I think I need a drink now - it's almost closing time.......I have been good..........I am going to be older tomorrow yes, but how much you wanna bet I am not one not whit wiser!!