If you are an avid antique collector, you likely have some silver holloware pieces in your collection. Perhaps an older relative passed some of these pieces down to you. However these pieces came to be in your possession, it is important to clean them properly to ensure they stay in the best possible condition. Here are some cleaning tips for your antique holloware.

What Is Silver Holloware?

Silver holloware is any silver item that is not flatware. These items could be teapots, candlesticks, platters, pitchers, and more. Holloware is also sometimes called hollowware or hollow ware.

Most silver holloware items consist of 925 sterling silver. This kind of silver is common because it is durable and has a high purity rating. You will see “925,” “sterling,” “ster,” or a similar marking etched into your holloware if it includes this material.

Cleaning Silver Holloware

Clean your antique holloware with silver polishing cloths if it has a light tarnish. Doing this regularly will keep your silver shiny—this cleaning method is best for any silver pieces you have on display.

When you need to pull out the silver polish, choose an option containing a tarnish-preventative ingredient. Using this product will slow down the tarnishing process.

If your silver has a heavier tarnish, you’ll need to take additional steps to get it clean. Wash your silver pieces with warm water, dish detergent, and a cellulose sponge to remove any lingering grease. Silver polishes cannot cut through grease, so this is an essential step. Scrub the holloware until clean, and dry thoroughly with a cotton towel. Cleaning your holloware this way keeps corrosion at bay.

Preventing Silver from Tarnishing

A few common culprits cause silver to tarnish at an accelerated rate. Most collectors are aware of oxygen and sulfur in the air; however, tap water can also cause your silver to tarnish. This is why you should never leave your silver to soak overnight or store it before it dries. Salt is also corrosive to silver; avoid extensive contact with salty foods.

Ensure your silver is clean and completely dry before preparing it for long-term storage to keep it looking beautiful. Pack it into a clean, tarnish-proof cloth and place it inside a sealable plastic bag or a silver box. Storing your silver this way will slow the tarnishing process considerably.

If you want to add more antique silver holloware to your collection, check out our extensive collection of gorgeous silver here at Nelson and Nelson Antiques.