Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 53, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 March 1909 — Care of Silverware. [ARTICLE]

Care of Silverware.

Shining silver upon snowy linen is beautiful, but it takes trouble to keep it in good condition. The tarnishing of silver does not by any means indicate that it is of poor quality; on the contrary the finer the silver the more quickly it becomes discolored. Silver kept in a room with open gas burners or coal stoves keeps its brilliancy for a short time only. Tarnishlng can be prevented by having the pieces lacquered, but the’ lacquer, though serviceable •> for ornamental pieces, toilet articles, etc, cannot be used on the table service. The lacquered ware can be kept in excellent condition simply by dusting it lightly and carefully, and about once a month wiping it with a slightly dampened soft cloth. Never allow these pieces to become wet. Hollow ware which has no been lacquered and is not in constant use should be carefully wrapped in flannel and then in’ soft wrapping paper and placed in a dark closet or drawee secure from acids and gases. The flat ware that is to be put away should be placed in rolls made of straight pieces of heavy canton flannel with individual pockets sewed la for each knife, fork, etc. The whole should be rolled up together and soft wrapping paper placed around the outside. Silver kept in this way will after washing be ready for immediate use.

The silver that is used daily can be kept In excellent condition bj washing thoroughly in soft warm water and soap every day. All such silver should be washed well every second week. In doing this be careful not to put several pieces in the pan together, for this causes dents and scratches.

Rain water or water that has. been boiled is the best to use. Make a heavy suds with a pure soap and add a few tablespoonfuls of ammonia. A soft sponge is most suitable for washing silver, and a fine brush may be employed on the chased pieces or around the handles. After washing the silver well in the ammonia suds rlflse in clear cold Water and let it stand for A few minutes. If any polishing is necessary it can be done at this time. Common whiting, wet with alcohol and rubbed on with a soft flannel, makes an excellent polish. After polishing wash well again. Finally dip all the pieces In a bath of boiling -hot water and dry with a very soft cloth. This last |Hp in the clear boiling water does much to prevent future oxidation. When bookcases are to be closed for some time, sprinkle a tew drops of oil of lavender on the shelves to prevent the books from molding. < Tinware may be brightened and cleaned by rubbing with • hot solution of common baking soda and water. '■< . -r i •/! , ifiTjzjV