Using Grandma’s sterling silver tableware during a dinner party is a surefire way to impress your guests. However, if you’re unfamiliar with sterling silver holloware care, you could accidentally serve a particular food on a platter that could harm the silver. Keep reading to understand the foods you shouldn’t serve on sterling silver holloware.

Foods With Sulfur

Eggs and onions are two foods that contain a high amount of sulfur. The sulfur will stain and tarnish your sterling silver quickly. It will appear black because of the thin coat of silver sulfide. Egg-based foods such as mayonnaise and custards will have the same effect.

Salt and Sterling Silver

If you have a salt shaker that is entirely sterling silver, or the cap is, you’ll want to remove the salt ASAP when the guests leave. Use a non-lemon-based soap and a soft cloth to wash away any salt residue in the shaker. The salt can corrode the silver if you leave it too long.

If needed, a ten-minute ammonia bath in a closed container will clear the shaker of the black splotches. You can leave it in the solution for up to 30 minutes, checking every ten. If you can’t seem to remove the corrosion, contact a professional.

Highly Acidic Foods

Highly acidic foods aren’t friends with sterling silver. The acid affects the finish of sterling silver serving spoons, serving bowls, and platters. Avoid serving tomato sauces, vinaigrettes, and sauces and dressings with lemon or vinegar bases. Rinse your holloware off quickly if you do use them with acidic foods.

Cleaning Up

At your earliest convenience, clean off all the food waste left behind before it tarnishes your sterling silver holloware. Don’t put your sterling silver pieces in the dishwasher. Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, and harsh detergents, and ensure the items are completely dry before putting them away for the next dinner party.

Now that you know how to avoid serving any of the above food on your sterling silver holloware. If you’d like to know where to buy silver holloware, start your search at Nelson & Nelson Antiques. Our wide selection means you’ll find just the antique you’ve been searching for. Nelson & Nelson Antiques is available online, or you can visit our store in New York City.