How Do I Care for Christofle Silver?

Purchasing fine silverware is an important investment you want to protect, perhaps for generations to come. Since its founding in Normandy, France in 1830, Christofle’s silver creations have been prized for well over a century by serious connoisseurs, gracing the tables of maharajas, presidents, luxurious resorts, and the finest restaurants in the world. With proper care, Christofle silver will stay looking as sublime on your table as it has in royal palaces throughout the ages.

We’ve compiled an easy guide on how to care for your Christofle silver and silverplated items, to keep them pristine and exquisite throughout years of enjoyment.

Cleaning Your Christofle Silver

Wash immediately after every use.

If you are unable to wash immediately, wipe off any remaining food, and rinse in hot water.  This will prevent prolonged contact with acidic substances, which can damage silver.

Hand Washing

Gently remove debris using a soft sponge and soapy water made with gentle liquid dish detergent. Never use a corrosive or abrasive product, and never let your silverware come into contact with bleach. Promptly dry with a soft cloth.

Dishwasher Safe

All Christofle flatware – including sterling silver – can be safely washed in a dishwasher, provided the following rules are observed:

  • Use chlorine-free powders or tablets only. Do not use liquid or gel products, which often contain chlorine.
  • If you use a water softening product in the dishwasher, avoid washing your silverware during the first cycle. Follow dishwasher instructions concerning the hardness of the water. Water with a high mineral content can be corrosive.
  • Knives manufactured before 1968 must be washed by hand only.

Care for Frames

All Christofle picture frames are specially varnished with a protective coating, and do not require any special care.  Do not use Christofle or household cleaning products, which could damage the finish. A soft, dry cloth is all that is needed to remove dust from varnished products.

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Tarnish Removal and Polishing

Christofle has created a variety of specially-formulated polishing and storage products to ensure the longevity of your silver. After using each of these products, rinse in clean water and wash as usual.

For daily care of all your silver items, use the Silversmith Anti-Tarnish Polishing Gloves. Infused with Christofle’s signature shine product, these gloves polish silver quickly and effortlessly, while keeping your hands clean. Never wash the Silversmith gloves.

Christofle Silversmith Gloves

For more detailed anti-tarnish jobs, Christofle recommends using their Cream Cleaner with Sponge, which not only removes tarnish but protects from future oxidation. Follow with the Chamoisine Polishing Cloth for a lustrous shine.

Christofle Cream Cleaner with Sponge

 

Storage

Proper storage is critical to preventing silver from tarnishing. Christofle’s Anti-Tarnish Cloth Bags are made with a highly effective anti-tarnishing fabric designed to prevent oxidation and maintain shine. These brilliant storage solutions come in a variety of sizes to protect all your precious silver, from a single serving spoon to a large tray.

Christofle Anti-Tarnish Cloth Bag T3
Christofle Anti-Tarnish Cloth Bag T9
Christofle Anti-Tarnish Cloth Bag T1

 

Have a favorite Christofle piece or collection? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

To see our complete collection of Christofle flatware, holloware, and gifts, please click here.

To view all Christofle silver care and storage solutions, please click here.

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Comments

2 responses to “How Do I Care for Christofle Silver?”

  1. Carlos Knapps Avatar
    Carlos Knapps

    Two years ago I bought a complete set of Christofle silver set for 8. The set came with its protective velvet-like bags for each individual piece. I am concerned about the proper storage and care of my beatiful and valuable investment (approx. 9,000 US$).
    I recently entertained guests and to my surprise, each piece was dull and covered by a white milky haze .
    I live in Paraguay with high levels of humidity.
    What would you recommend me to do to prevent any damage to my set?
    Thanks for responding.
    Carlos Knapps

  2. It sounds like it may be tarnished, or it may have just collected a deposit of mineral from the local water or from what you have been washing it with. How have you been washing it? Have you try polishing it to clear the film?