How to Remove Tarnish From Sterling Silver Jewelry?

Sterling silver is a popular jewelry metal because of its sparkle and lustrous aesthetics and versatility. Composed of 92.5% sterling silver and 7.5% hard metals such as copper and nickel, this compound is much more durable than its sterling silver counterpart.

Jewelry has many advantages, but sterling silver tends to discolor. This gives it a dark, dirty look and turns black over time.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent Sterling from discoloring silver. If it discolors, you can remove it to regain the brilliance of your jewelry.

What Causes Sterling Silver to Tarnish?

Sterling silver tarnishes as a result of oxidation when it comes in contact with particles in the air. It’s primarily the other metals mixed with pure silver, such as copper, that cause it to tarnish.

When it’s exposed to moisture and sulfur, especially in areas with high humidity or air pollution, it starts to wear down.

The speed at which it tarnishes depends on the extent it’s exposed to the elements that cause it. In most cases, it’ll take at least two years to begin tarnishing. But if you wear the pieces frequently and don’t take steps to prevent it, your sterling silver could show signs of tarnish within a few months.

How to Prevent Sterling Silver From Tarnishing?

Tarnish is inevitable, so the goal is to slow down the process as much as possible. There are many steps to take in preventing sterling silver from tarnishing, which include taking proactive steps on how it’s stored, worn, and cleaned.

Keep it Out of Direct Sunlight

It might be tempting to showcase your sterling silver jewelry on a bright, sunny day, but this can accelerate tarnishing. Although the light will improve its shine in the moment, sterling silver better maintains its color when in cool, dark areas.

Put Sterling Silver Jewelry on Last

It might be your favorite part of the outfit, but put sterling silver jewelry on last when you’re getting dressed. The chemicals present in accessories such as hair spray, perfume, body lotion, and makeup can land on your jewelry and cause tarnish.

By saving your sterling silver jewelry for last, you can ensure the process of preparing to go out doesn’t cause those chemicals to rest on your jewelry for hours at a time.

Remove Before Household Cleaning

The same issue can result from household cleaning. Common cleaning products used around the house don’t mix well with sterling silver jewelry.

Whether you’re spraying countertops, cleaning mirrors and windows, or doing the dishes, these activities have the potential to damage your sterling silver and add tarnish. Remove the jewelry before any of these tasks in order to play it safe.

Add Chalk to the Container

Storing sterling silver jewelry with chalk can absorb the moisture and chemicals in the air that accelerates tarnishing.

No matter where it’s stored, some degree of humidity will be present, so the best solution is to use chalk to minimize the extent it causes discoloration.

Wrap the sticks of chalk in cheesecloth to keep it looking brand new for longer.

Avoid Placement on Stained Wood

Surfaces treated with chemicals can also cause the sterling silver to tarnish. If your countertops, furniture, or cabinets include stained wood, you should avoid placing your jewelry on top. It’ll speed up tarnishing and leave stains on your sterling silver.

Store it Properly

A necessary step to preventing sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing is to store it properly, in a dry, cool place. There are a variety of containers that will work, but plastic bags that zip closed are the most popular.

Place just one piece in each bag, and squeeze all the air out before locking it tight. If you place multiple pieces in the same bag, you might prevent tarnish, only to cause scratches.

One additional note is to ensure the bags don’t contain polyethylene because it’s an abrasive substance that may also cause damage.

If you opt for a material other than plastic bags, don’t choose boxes made of paper or cardboard. The sulfur that’s sometimes present can cause tarnishing.

Include Anti-Tarnish Strips

Anti-tarnish strips can also be added to the storage containers. These strips serve a similar function as chalk in that they’re designed to absorb the particles in the air that cause tarnishing.

They’re made of non-toxic chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about the material solving one problem but causing another.

Keep Sterling Silver Dry

It’s important to not bathe, shower, or get in the pool with your sterling silver. The humidity of the shower will speed up oxidation, and the chlorine in a pool will cause more damage to it than only tarnishing.

You should instead store them in a dry place where they won’t be at risk of exposure to humidity, and keep them far away from the types of chemicals that wear it down.

Consider Silica Packs

Silica packs are commonly included with new clothes and shoes. They keep the items free from moisture, which would also cause them to wear down over time.

Save your silica packs and toss them in your sterling silver storage container. It’s important the container you’re using is sealed tightly to keep air out.

The silica packs won’t work if new air is constantly being let into the container, so they’ll become saturated.

Use Jewelry Protectant Spray

Anti-tarnish treatments are also available as a protectant spray. The spray provides a layer of protection against tarnish, but after you coat it, make sure to clean it and then leave it to dry.

There’s some concerns these sprays can leave residual color on the sterling silver, so ensure you find a version that’s colorless. Once it’s cleaned and dried, it should look like it never had the spray on to begin with.

How to Remove Tarnish From Sterling Silver Jewelry?

No matter how much you work to prevent tarnish, it’s difficult to keep it away entirely. Once your sterling silver jewelry has earned some tarnish, you don’t have to get rid of the pieces.

There are effective ways of removing tarnish you can do at home.

Soap and Water

The first step to take in removing tarnish from sterling silver jewelry is to wash it with water and mild dishwashing soap. Run the pieces under warm water with the soap, and then lightly pay them dry with a soft cloth.

Anti-Tarnish Cloths

Another way of removing tarnish already present on your sterling silver jewelry is to wipe it with an anti-tarnish cloth. There are polishing cloths specifically designed for this metal that clean mild amounts of tarnish without damaging the underlying metal.

Water and Baking Soda

You can also substitute dishwashing soap for baking soda. Combine a couple teaspoons of baking soda with warm water, and gently wash your sterling silver.

Baking soda is more abrasive than soap, so it’s recommended you use a toothbrush to clean it carefully and avoid any scratches. Pat the pieces dry with a soft cloth.

Avoid Toothpaste

It’s common advice to clean your sterling silver jewelry using toothpaste. While this may be successful, there are certain types of toothpaste with chemicals in them that could cause damage.

It’s best to play it safe and use one of the other methods for removing tarnish. It’s better to have minor amounts of tarnish on them rather than damage the other piece trying to scrape every last bit off the jewelry.

Professional Jewelry Cleaner

If you aren’t confident with an at-home method, or your sterling silver is severely tarnished, you can always take it to a professional jewelry cleaning service.

They’ll have the best materials and technique to restore the shine of your jewelry, and you won’t have to worry about a do-it-yourself job gone awry.

Conclusion

It’s hard to stop Sterling from turning silver, even if you wear it only occasionally. It reacts with air particles and begins to darken, losing its former luster.

The best way to prevent stains from damaging your jewelry is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Be careful to use a discoloration inhibitor and store it in a cool, dry place.

If you experience wear and tear, start with a gentle wash with soap and water, and then proceed to additional methods. By using solid prevention techniques and the right way to remove dirt, you will have sterling silver jewelry that will shine for years to come.