Sterling silver is a beautiful metal that can add elegance and shine to any accessory or decorative item. However, it does require some special care to keep it looking its best. Tarnish, which is a dark oxide layer that develops on the surface of silver, can make sterling silver look dull and dirty. Fortunately, cleaning sterling silver is usually a very easy process. With the right techniques and products, you can remove tarnish and restore the natural shine and luster of your silver items.
Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Sterling silver tarnishes when it is exposed to sulfur compounds in the air. These sulfur compounds react with the silver to form a layer of silver sulfide, which is the dark tarnish you see. Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% copper. The copper makes the silver more durable but also accelerates the tarnishing process.
Some common sources of sulfur that can cause tarnish include:
- Air pollution
- Rubber bands
- Foods like eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard
- Skin oils and lotions
- Hair products
- Household cleaners
- Wood, paper, and fabric
The more your sterling silver is exposed to these sulfur sources, the faster it will tarnish. Storing silver in an airtight container and avoiding contact with sulfur products can help slow tarnish buildup. However, some tarnish will inevitably form over time.
How Often Should You Clean Sterling Silver?
How often you need to clean your sterling silver depends on how frequently you use and handle the items. Items you wear daily or use for dining may need cleaning every few weeks. Less used decorative items may only need cleaning every few months.
It’s a good idea to check pieces regularly for any tarnish buildup. Clean silver as soon as you notice dark oxidization. Removing tarnish when it first appears helps prevent a thicker layer from forming. Thick tarnish can etch itself into the silver over time and be harder to remove.
What is the Best Way to Clean Sterling Silver?
For regular tarnish removal, the easiest and most effective method is to use a store-bought silver polish or dip. Look for a polish made specifically for sterling silver. Silvo and Wright’s Silver Cream are popular name brand options. Some silver cleaning products are in liquid form and others are more like toothpaste that you apply with a soft cloth.
For seriously tarnished antique or heirloom silver, an anti-tarnish silver dip may work better than polishes. These solutions use chemicals like sodium thiosulfate or potassium cyanide to dissolve tarnish off silver surfaces. Common brands are Wright’s Silver Dip It and Hagerty Silver Foam.
Baking soda, aluminum foil, and toothpaste can also be used in a pinch to clean silver at home. However, store-bought silver cleaners tend to give quicker, more thorough results.
Step-By-Step Guide to Polishing Tarnished Sterling Silver
Follow these steps to easily clean and shine tarnished sterling silver using a silver polish product:
1. Check the Item for Damage
Examine the silver and look for any scratches, cracks, missing stones, or loose parts. Avoid cleaning pieces that are damaged to prevent causing further harm.
2. Remove Grime and Debris
Rinse the silver under warm water and use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away any dirt or grime buildup. This prep ensures the polish works on the tarnish rather than surface gunk.
3. Apply the Silver Polish
Put a small dollop of silver polish onto a soft, lint-free cloth. Alternatively, you can apply the polish directly to the silver itself, but this can waste product.
4. Rub the Polish in Circular Motions
Gently rub the silver polish over the surface of the item. Apply light pressure and work in small circular motions. The polish may begin to turn gray/black as the tarnish is removed.
5. Rinse and Dry Completely
Once the item looks shiny and clean, rinse it under warm water to remove all traces of polish. Dry thoroughly with a soft microfiber cloth or air dry. Residual moisture can ruin the polish job.
6. Inspect and Repeat if Needed
Closely inspect the item in good lighting. Apply more polish to any remaining dark spots and repeat rubbing, rinsing, and drying until all tarnish is gone.
Tips for Successful Sterling Silver Polishing
- Avoid immersing silver in water or cleaning solutions to prevent damage to any glued joints or inlaid stones. Use a damp cloth instead.
- Don’t rub too vigorously or you may scratch the silver surface. Go slowly with light, circular motions.
- Apply polish sparingly so it doesn’t get into any crevices or decorative details.
- Use narrow strips of aluminum foil to polish hard-to-reach areas like under prong settings.
- For protection right after polishing, apply a thin coat of clear nail polish on less visible spots like the back of earrings.
- Clean silver regularly rather than letting tarnish build up. Frequent light polishing is better than harsh scrubbing at thick tarnish.
Does Baking Soda Really Clean Silver?
Yes, baking soda can be used to clean tarnished silver. It works like a very gentle abrasive to lift off the top tarnish layer. Baking soda is best for maintaining silver rather than cleaning heavy tarnish.
To use baking soda:
- Make a thick paste with water and baking soda.
- Rub it onto tarnished areas with a soft cloth.
- Rinse and dry the silver completely when done polishing.
You can also use baking soda with aluminum foil. Place a piece of aluminum foil shiny-side up in a bowl. Sprinkle baking soda on top, then rest your silver item on the baking soda. Add hot water until covered. After a few minutes, remove and rinse the silver. The chemical reaction helps lift tarnish.
Compared to commercial silver polish, baking soda may require more scrubbing and repeated applications to get rid of stubborn tarnish. It also won’t give quite as bright and lustrous a finish. However, it’s a handy natural method using ingredients you probably already have at home.
Does Toothpaste Really Shine Silver?
Toothpaste contains mild abrasives and polishing agents to clean teeth and can work on tarnish too. The gritty texture of regular toothpaste allows it to buff away dull oxidation when rubbed on silver.
To use toothpaste to clean silver:
- Squeeze a small amount of regular (not gel or whitening) toothpaste onto a soft cloth.
- Gently rub the toothpaste onto the tarnished item in circles.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry the silver with a towel once it looks shinier.
- Repeat if needed for stubborn spots.
Like baking soda, toothpaste works best for minor tarnish and maintenance. The polishing results may not be quite as deep and bright as store-bought silver polish. However, toothpaste can be handy for travel or quick touch-ups.
How Does Aluminum Foil Shine Silver?
Aluminum foil can be used with baking soda or on its own to clean silver through an oxidization process. Here is how it works:
- Lay sheets of aluminum foil shiny-side up in the bottom of a bowl or pan.
- Fill the pan with very hot or boiling water and add the tarnished silver pieces.
- Allow the silver to soak for 5-10 minutes. You may see dark tarnish transfer from the silver onto the foil.
- Remove and rinse the silver pieces well. Wipe dry and buff gently with a soft cloth.
The aluminum transfers oxygen to the silver, lifting the tarnish away. The hot water accelerates the chemical reaction. This works best for lightly tarnished items rather than thick, stubborn tarnish. Be very careful handling boiling water to avoid burns.
Does Storing Silver in Aluminum Foil Prevent Tarnishing?
Wrapping or storing sterling silver in aluminum foil can help slow the tarnishing process but doesn’t prevent it fully. The foil creates a protective barrier so sulfur compounds in the air can’t reach the silver as easily.
To store silver in foil:
- Carefully wrap each silver piece individually in non-stained aluminum foil, shiny side facing the item.
- Layer wrapped pieces in an airtight rigid container to prevent damage. Avoid plastic bags.
- If possible, add anti-tarnish strips to the storage container.
- Check annually and re-wrap any pieces showing tarnish spots.
The foil wrap protects from light and air exposure but doesn’t create a 100% oxygen-free environment like vacuum sealed or professional argon gas storage. So tarnish can still gradually form over time. Replace the foil every few years for maximum effectiveness.
Does Hand Lotion Cause Silver to Tarnish?
Yes, the sulfur compounds found in many hand lotions, moisturizers, and other skin products can react with silver and cause tarnish. The oils in these products also attract and retain airborne particles that accelerate tarnish.
To prevent lotion-induced tarnishing:
- Apply lotion first, allow to fully dry, then put on silver jewelry. This creates a protective barrier.
- Keep jewelry storage away from areas where you apply lotions and perfumes, like dressers.
- Clean silver regularly to prevent lotion residues from forming thick tarnish.
- Consider lotions and creams labeled “non-tarnishing” which omit ingredients like lanolin.
- After applying lotion or sunscreen, wait awhile before handling sterling silver items.
How Does Keeping Silver Dry Prevent Tarnishing?
Moisture creates the ideal conditions for tarnish to form and accelerates the chemical reaction. That’s why preventing your silver from exposure to water is an important anti-tarnish step.
- Always thoroughly dry silver immediately after washing, polishing, or getting it wet. Even microscopic water droplets left behind can lead to tarnishing.
- Store silver pieces individually in anti-tarnish bags or tissue paper to absorb any humidity. Never use plastic bags.
- Place moisture-absorbing silica gel packs in your silverware chest or jewelry box to keep the interior dry.
- Avoid storing silver in bathrooms or other humid environments prone to dampness.
- Use a dehumidifier during hot, humid summer weather to keep all your interior storage spaces dry.
- Don’t wear silver jewelry when washing hands, showering, swimming, or doing other wet tasks. Chlorine is especially problematic.
Does Storing Silver in the Fridge Prevent Tarnishing?
The cool, dry environment of a refrigerator can help slow tarnish formation on sterling silver. Refrigerator storage works best for items you don’t use regularly, like fancy serving pieces or special occasion jewelry.
To store silver in the fridge:
- Wrap each item tightly in a non-rusting protective wrap like plastic or foil. This prevents condensation from forming.
- Place pieces in sealable food storage bags or airtight rigid containers.
- Use the main refrigerator compartment rather than the door shelves. The door is opened more often so silver is exposed to more humidity.
- Check periodically for any signs of tarnish and re-wrap or polish as needed.
The low temperature and enclosed space helps limit sulfur exposure and moisture. Just be sure to let silver fully reach room temperature before unwrapping to prevent harmful condensation. Do not store silver touching rubber seals or food ingredients that produce sulfur gases.
Does Storing Silver in Anti-Tarnish Cloth Work?
Anti-tarnish cloth provides an extra level of protective storage between uses. The cloth is embedded with materials that actively absorb sulfur gases. Wrapping silver in anti-tarnish cloth helps create a temporary barrier to these tarnish-causing compounds when pieces aren’t being used or displayed.
To get the most protection:
- Only use fabric specially designed for silver storage, not regular cloth which can cause scratching.
- Make sure the cloth fully envelops all surfaces of the item without gaps. Don’t just lay a piece on top.
- Seal wrapped items in a bag or box for added insulation and humidity control.
- Re-wrap and replace the cloth every 6-12 months as the effectiveness decreases over time.
Anti-tarnish cloths are an easy option while traveling or for short-term storage between seasonal use. For long-term non-use, vacuum sealed bags or professional storage may be a better choice. Always inspect and clean silver before final storage, don’t just wrap dirty tarnished pieces.
Does Storing Silver with Anti-Tarnish Strips Work?
Anti-tarnish strips are small sheets of material impregnated with vapor corrosion inhibitors that actively absorb sulfur compounds. Placing strips in your silverware chest, jewelry box, or storage container helps create a cleaner micro-environment that resists tarnish.
Follow these tips for using anti-tarnish strips:
- Look for products designed specifically for silver rather than general use. Hagerty and 3M make popular brands.
- Use them in enclosed storage spaces only, not for open display.
- Make sure strips don’t directly touch any silver items. Keep about 1 inch separation.
- Use sufficient strips for the size of your storage space, replacing them once a year.
- Combine with other precautions like moisture absorbers and wrapping pieces individually.
The strips work continuously to neutralize sulfur gases. They provide an added level of protection between regular polishings. Just don’t expect them to clean or reverse existing tarnish after it has formed. Maintain your silver properly in addition to using the strips.
Does Storing Silver in Professional Vaults Work Best?
For extremely valuable silver heirlooms or collections, professional offsite vault storage may be the most secure option. These vaults store silver in a climate controlled, argon gas purged environment for maximum protection from tarnish.
Professional silver vault benefits:
- 24/7 security and fire protection.
- Constant temperature/humidity regulation.
- Oxygen and sulfur gas-free with argon purging.
- Regular inspection and maintenance included.
- Insurance options available.
- Convenient bonded pickup/delivery service.
The downside is the high annual cost, which starts around $100-$300 per year depending on vault location and service level. Individual homeowners rarely need this level of security. But it offers ultimate peace of mind for very expensive silver collections worth over $100,000.
How To Clean Sterling Silver Summary
Regular polishing is essential to keeping sterling silver looking beautiful and preventing permanent tarnish buildup. Store silver carefully between uses and clean at the first signs of dark oxidation. With the right polish products and proper care, you can enjoy stunning shine and luster for generations. Take pride in preserving your silver heirlooms or showing off your new silver pieces always looking their absolute best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Sterling Silver
Can I use silver polish on plated silver?
No, do not use silver polish or dip on silver-plated items. The abrasives can damage the thin plated layer, permanently scratching the base metal underneath. Use a mild soap and water instead.
What household products should not touch silver?
Avoid letting your silver contact rubber, sulfur-based cleaners, hair products, chlorine bleach, ammonia, or adhesives. Wrap silver stored in dressers away from perfumes and lotions which can accelerate tarnish.
Can I soak silver in jewelry cleaner or ammonia?
Do not soak sterling silver in liquid jewelry cleaner, ammonia, or bleach solutions. Prolonged chemical exposure can damage silver. Use a polish-based cleaner applied with a soft cloth instead.
Why does my silver still look dark after cleaning?
If silver remains discolored or blotchy after polishing, the item may have a deep layer of permanent tarnish staining. Try soaking for 2-3 minutes in hot water with a little baking soda or salt. This can help lift out stubborn tarnish that regular polish can’t remove.
How do I clean silver with patina?
Naturally occurring patina is a desirable dark oxidation layer on antique silver. To clean patinated silver, use a mild silver soap and soft cloth. Avoid abrasive polishes or dips which will strip the antique patina. Preserve its unique coloration by gently surface cleaning only.
What’s the easiest way to make silver jewelry shine?
For quick cleaning of silver jewelry, use pre-moistened silver polishing cloths. These convenient wipes already contain the polish so you just rub over jewelry and wipe away tarnish instantly. They’re easy to carry for on-the-go shine touch-ups.
Can I clean silver with vodka?
Pure vodka or gin can be used like a mild silver dip. Soak silver for 1-2 minutes in a bowl of undiluted clear liquor. Remove, rinse with water, and dry well. The alcohol lifts some tarnish but doesn’t work as deeply as commercial silver dips.
How do you clean silver naturally?
For natural silver cleaning, try rubbing a paste of baking soda and water on tarnish spots using a soft toothbrush or cloth. Rinse well and dry. Lemon or lime juice diluted with water can also help remove silver tarnish without chemicals when rubbed on gently.
What’s the best way to clean silver jewelry?
Avoid soaking jewelry. Instead, apply silver polish sparingly to a soft cloth and rub carefully onto jewelry pieces to remove tarnish. Rinse under running water and dry thoroughly. Repeat if needed for stubborn spots. Take care not to abrade delicate areas.
How do you clean antique silver?
Clean antique or vintage silver gently to avoid damaging the patina layer. Use mild soap and water rather than abrasive polish. Soak in diluted baking soda if heavy tarnish buildup needs lifting. Avoid rubbing harshly on delicate decorative details and carved areas.
How do you clean silver jewelry with baking soda?
Make a thin paste of baking soda and water. Dip a soft cloth or toothbrush in the paste and gently rub onto tarnished areas of silver jewelry. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry well. The baking soda will gently lift tarnish without harming delicate jewelry pieces.