Silver tarnishes when sulfur compounds in the air react with the metal's surface. The black or grey discolouration is silver sulfide — not dirt — and needs a chemical or mild abrasive reaction to remove, not just soap and water.
Dish Soap and Warm Water (Light Tarnish)
- Add a few drops of dish soap to warm water
- Soak the jewellery for 5–10 minutes
- Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush — pay attention to chains, settings, and textured surfaces where tarnish collects
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft lint-free cloth
- Buff to a shine
Effective for light tarnish and general grime, particularly for pieces worn regularly.
Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil (Moderate to Heavy Tarnish)
This electrochemical method transfers tarnish from silver to aluminum without abrasion — the most effective method for heavily tarnished pieces.
- Line a bowl or sink with aluminum foil, shiny side up
- Place the silver jewellery on the foil so it touches the foil
- Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda over the jewellery
- Pour boiling water over until the jewellery is submerged
- The tarnish transfers to the foil within minutes — you'll see it yellowing
- Remove with tongs (the water is very hot), rinse thoroughly, and buff dry
Toothpaste (Spot Clean)
Non-gel, non-whitening toothpaste is a mild abrasive that removes tarnish. Apply a small amount with a soft toothbrush, scrub gently, rinse thoroughly, and buff dry. Good for spot cleaning but can leave residue in detailed settings — rinse very well.
Tips
- Store silver in an airtight bag or box — exposure to air causes tarnish
- Anti-tarnish strips placed in storage containers absorb sulfur compounds and dramatically slow tarnishing
- Remove silver before swimming, showering, or applying lotion — chlorine, minerals, and chemicals accelerate tarnishing and can damage softer stones in settings
- These methods are for sterling silver (925) — do not use on silver-plated pieces as abrasion can remove the plating