Whether it be a family heirloom, or a purchase for a new home, we love our silverware set, but over time food, sunlight, smoke and bands can tarnish even the best. Follow these three simple steps to keep any set beautiful and last longer.

Wash the silverware with warm water and mild dish soap to rid it of any dirt or dust, which can scuff the surface as you polish.

Wear white cloth gloves to protect both your hands and the pieces you’re polishing.
Using a soft cloth, apply a small amount of silver polish following the shape of the piece (use a vertical motion for flatware, for example). Continuously rotate the cloth so that no tarnish is redeposited on the surface. Rinse the polished pieces in warm water. Using another soft dry cloth, buff them to a shine.

To prevent future tarnishing, always wash silverware right after using it. Acidic foods will significantly stain it if left overnight. Rarely used silverware is more prone to tarnishing, so proper storage is key. The best option is flannel pre-treated with a tarnish inhibitor; sulfur containing rubber bands and moisture-trapping plastic bags should be avoided.

Stop silver flatware from getting scratched in a drawer by using a specialty storage tray that keeps each piece firmly in place.