The Valuable Kitchen Essential You Might Find At The Thrift Store For Way Less

There's a certain item that often sits untouched on thrift store shelves. It's usually tucked between mismatched mugs and dusty glasses, waiting for the right person to recognize its true potential. You've probably walked past it countless times, perhaps even picking up a tarnished soup ladle or a sugar spoon before putting it back down, but you really should reconsider buying that piece next time you see one. The secret to finding an affordable, yet stylish upgrade for your kitchen supplies is thrifting silver-plated serving utensils. This type of flatware is a bargain for anyone who loves the look of vintage silver but doesn't want to fork over the cash for silverware made with solid silver.

Silver plating became popular after the introduction of electroplating in the mid-19th century. This chemical process revolutionized the metalworking field by applying a thin layer of pure silver over a less expensive base metal, such as copper or nickel. This innovation made the look of high-end silver available to more people. Auction gallery experts confirm you can often find them at affordable prices in thrift stores. These scores can include unique items like specialized spoons made just for olives or asparagus, and even detailed tongs for serving fried chicken. By adding a few silver-plated utensils to your home, you can get a high-end look for pennies on the dollar.

The first step in spotting a quality find is understanding the difference between silver plating and solid sterling silver. When you look at an item, remember that genuine sterling pieces are made with 92.5% pure silver and will always have official markings. Look for stamps that read "Sterling," ".925, or "925." Silver-plated items have different markers because they use a thin layer over a base metal. Flip the utensil over and check the back of the handle. You might see abbreviations like "EPNS," which means Electroplated Nickel Silver, or just "EP."

Sometimes you'll find a piece with no marking at all. That absence can also suggest the piece is plated although some older items simply lack any stamps. Next, you should check the item for wear. Since the silver layer is so thin, it tends to wear off over time, especially in spots where it's been touched a lot, such as the edges or the tips of fork tines. If the piece is very worn, you might see the base metal showing through, which usually has a copper or brass color. The magnet test for silver identification can also help. Pure silver isn't magnetic, but the metal underneath the plating often is. If a magnet sticks to the utensil, you will know it's either plated or made from a different metal. These checks can help you determine if a piece is solid silver or silver plate.

If you find affordable silverware that's in rough shape, try bringing it back to life. The safest method for cleaning these pieces is hand washing in warm water using a mild dish soap. Food, especially anything salty or acidic, needs to be washed off immediately after the piece is used. Leaving food on the surface speeds up tarnishing, turning the silver plating a grey or black color. Once the piece is washed, you should promptly dry each piece with a soft, clean cotton towel. Never let them air dry because this can cause water spots and corrosion.Never put silver-plated items in a dishwasher  since harsh chemicals (especially those with chlorine or citrus) can react badly with silver and leave the finish looking dull. 

When you polish your silver to prevent tarnish, remember that less is always better. Experts suggest polishing plated pieces only once or twice a year to preserve the thin silver layer. Use a non-abrasive cream or foam that's made specifically for silver. Apply the polish using straight, even strokes instead of rubbing in circles to avoid scratching the surface. For long-term storage, always make sure clean, dry pieces are wrapped in an anti-tarnish cloth or acid-free tissue paper. Another useful trick is to add a piece of white school chalk to the storage container. The chalk helps absorb excess moisture in the air that causes tarnish.