Trivia Junction

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Polish up on how to care for silver

If you're planning on bringing out your sterling silver for the upcoming holidays, use the following hints when washing to keep it in beautiful condition for years to come:

1. Clean silverware in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth. If your sterling silver is old or valuable, don't put it in the dishwasher, because dishwasher detergent could discolor it after long-term use. The heat from the drying cycle also can loosen knife handles. And never place hollow-handled pieces in the dishwasher.

2. If you have silver-plated or less-valuable silver, you can put it in the dishwasher, but remove before the drying cycle begins. Instead, dry with a soft towel to prevent spotting.

3. If the silverware needs polishing, use a polish created for silver, and read all directions before beginning to use the product. There are also silver polishing cloths or mitts.

FYI: Did you know that if you place sterling-silverware pieces next to stainless-steel flatware in the same basket in the dishwasher, it can cause electrolysis, which over time will remove the silver?

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