What Causes Silver Jewelry to Tarnish?

Silver jewelry tarnishes when it comes into contact with oxygen, sulfur, and moisture in the air. This reaction creates a dark layer of silver sulfide on the surface of the jewelry.

How to Clean Silver Jewelry at Home

There are a variety of methods you can use to clean silver jewelry at home, depending on the severity of the tarnish and the type of jewelry you have.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Microfiber cloths
• Small glass bowl
• Tongs with plastic tips
• Commercial silver cleaner (optional)
• Baking soda
• Dishwashing liquid
• Distilled white vinegar
• Lemon juice or fresh lemons
• Non-gel, non-whitening toothpaste
• Ketchup
• Aluminum foil

Methods:

1. Using a Commercial Silver Cleaner

• Follow the instructions for the commercial silver polish you’ve selected.
• Liquid cleaners or wipes are better than paste for ornate jewelry, as a paste can get trapped in crevices.

2. Using Baking Soda

• Make a paste by mixing one-part water and three parts baking soda in a small bowl.
• Wet the jewelry and use a soft microfiber cloth to apply the paste.
• Work on a small area at a time and gently rub in circles to remove the tarnish.
• Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the tarnish is transferred.
• Rinse away the baking soda paste with cool water, and immediately use a microfiber cloth to dry and buff the silver jewelry to shine.

3. Using Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

• Wash the jewelry in warm, soapy water, and then make a paste by mixing one-part lemon juice and three parts baking soda in a small bowl.
• Dip a damp microfiber cloth in the paste and work in a small area at a time.
• Gently rub in circles to remove the tarnish and move to a clean area of the cloth as the tarnish is transferred.
• Rinse away the paste with cool water, and use a microfiber cloth to dry and buff the silver to shine.

4. Using Ketchup

• Wash the pieces in warm, soapy water, apply a thin layer of ketchup, and set aside for 15 minutes.
• Use a sponge or soft cloth. Work in small circles and wipe away the tarnish.
• Rinse the jewelry in warm water and buff dry with a soft cloth.

5. Using Toothpaste

• Wash the jewelry to remove body soil.
• Place a dab of toothpaste on a cloth, work in a small area of the jewelry at a time, and gently rub in circles to remove the tarnish.
• Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the tarnish is transferred.
• Rinse away the toothpaste with warm water, and dry the silver jewelry with a lint-free microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

6. Vinegar and Baking Soda Soak

• Add 2 cups of warm water, 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar, and a tablespoon of baking soda to a large bowl.
• Add the jewelry and allow it to soak for two to three hours.
• Rinse with cold water and dry with a microfiber cloth.

7. Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda Soak

• Line a bowl large enough to hold the pieces of silver jewelry with aluminum foil.
• Fill the lined bowl with boiling water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda per cup of water. 
• Add the jewelry to the water-baking soda solution and make sure it touches the aluminum foil.
• Let the silver soak until no more tarnish is visible.
• Remove the silver from the solution with plastic-tipped tongs, and buff with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.

How Often to Clean Silver Jewelry

When you notice your jewelry looks dull or dark, it’s time for a clean. Regular cleaning is ideal because it’s easier than waiting until the surface of your jewelry is completely black. For silver jewelry you wear daily, cleaning every other month is usually sufficient.

Additional Tips to Help Prevent Silver Jewelry From Tarnishing

• Apply a metal sealant to the jewelry (including plated pieces) once the tarnish is removed.
• Store silver jewelry in anti-tarnish cloths or bags.
• Use chalk or silica bags in your jewelry box to absorb moisture.
• Put on silver jewelry last after applying perfumes or using hair spray.
• Remove silver jewelry before entering a hot tub or swimming pool.

How to Clean Silver-Plated Items With Household Ingredients

Silver-plated items can be cleaned using the same methods as sterling silver, but it’s important to be gentle to avoid damaging the plating.