Sterling silver — as we learned in our recent Sterling Silver 101 post — is cool, luminous and endlessly versatile. Like most good things however, it requires a little attention. Tarnish is simply what silver does when it meets sulfur in oxygen molecules in the air; it's natural and just chemistry. Ingredients in your body products and your own body chemistry can also cause it to tarnish. The good news is that keeping your silver pieces bright and beautiful is easy, and you likely already have most of what you need at home (if not, we've included non-affiliate, non sponsored links to products we like). Here are our top tips for keeping your sterling, well, sterling!
1. The Soft Cloth: Your Everyday Essential
For routine maintenance, a soft, lint-free cloth is all you need. (Think a wash cloth or any scrap of soft cloth.) A quick buff after wearing your piece — before you set it down for the night — removes skin oils, moisture and the beginnings of tarnish before they have a chance to settle in. Make it a habit and soon it'll be as routine as brushing your teeth.
2. The Selvyt Cloth: A Step Up
A treated Selvyt polishing cloth is the soft cloth's more sophisticated cousin. Infused with a mild polishing compound, it lifts light tarnish and restores shine without any liquid or effort to speak of. Keep one in your jewelry dish — you'll reach for it more than you expect.
3. Silver Polish: For Heavier Tarnish
When tarnish has had time to build up, a dedicated silver polish is your best tool. Apply a small amount with a soft cloth, work it gently in the direction of any grain or texture in the metal, then buff clean with a fresh cloth. Follow the product instructions carefully, and avoid getting polish into any engraved areas or around gemstones unless the product specifically says it's safe to do so. (Note: Silver polish is generally safe for hard precious gemstones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires. Avoid using it on soft, porous, or organic stones such as opals, amber, malachite, tourquoise and pearls.)
4. The Aluminum Foil Method: A Bit of Kitchen Witchery
This is on of Melanie's favorite jewelry cleaning hacks and seriously satisfying to watch. Line a bowl or baking dish with aluminum foil, shiny side up, and fill it with hot water and a tablespoon of salt. Place your silver pieces in the solution so they're touching the foil, and let them sit for a few minutes. A chemical reaction called ion exchange draws the tarnish off the silver and onto the foil. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a soft cloth. It works remarkably well for pieces with intricate detailing where a cloth can't reach.
5. Dish Soap and Warm Water: The Gentle All-Purpose Clean
A few drops of mild dish soap — plain Dawn works beautifully — in a bowl of warm water is excellent for removing everyday buildup such as skin products, oils and general wear. Soak your piece for a few minutes, gently brush with a soft toothbrush, rinse well and dry thoroughly. As we mentioned in our summer jewelry tips, skip this method for any porous stones like pearls, opals, emeralds, turquoise or amber — a barely damp cloth is all those stones ever need.
Bonus Tip: Storage Matters
Tarnish prevention is just as important as tarnish removal. Store sterling silver in an airtight bag or a lined jewelry box, away from humidity and direct light. Anti-tarnish strips can be tucked into your storage area to slow the process further.
Cheers to silver that shines as brightly as you do. 🥂
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