The short answer
Silver darkens because it reacts with sulphur compounds in the air, sweat, cosmetics and some foods. This is tarnish, and on solid sterling silver it can be removed. Start with the gentlest method: mild soapy water and a soft cloth, then a silver polishing cloth. Avoid toothpaste and harsh powders, which scratch. Take care with oxidised, plated and stone-set pieces, and store silver dry, separated and in closed bags.
Why silver tarnishes
Tarnish is a thin layer of silver sulphide that forms on the surface. It starts as a yellowish tint and darkens to brown and black. It happens faster when silver is exposed to:
- humidity and heat, especially in monsoon months;
- sweat, perfume, hair spray, lotions and sunscreen;
- rubber, wool and some papers or cardboard, which can contain sulphur;
- eggs, onions and some foods;
- swimming-pool water and hot springs.
Tarnish does not mean the silver is fake. Sterling silver (925) tarnishes because it is real silver. Pieces worn often tend to tarnish less, because gentle rubbing against skin and clothing polishes them.
Choose the right method for the piece
| Type of piece | Safe approach | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Plain sterling silver | Soapy water, soft brush, then a silver polishing cloth | Toothpaste, baking-soda scrubbing, scouring pads |
| Oxidised or antique finish (dark recesses on purpose) | Polishing cloth on raised areas only | Dips and baths, which remove the dark finish |
| Silver-plated | Very gentle soapy wash and soft cloth | Polishes and dips, which wear through the thin plating |
| Rhodium- or gold-plated silver | Soft cloth and mild soap only | Any abrasive or polish |
| Set with stones | Soft brush around the setting; check stone sensitivity | Soaking porous stones; dips; ultrasonic cleaners |
| Strung pieces (beads on thread) | Wipe beads and metal parts with a barely damp cloth | Soaking the thread |
Step by step: cleaning plain sterling silver
- Rinse and wash. Use lukewarm water with a few drops of mild, unscented dish soap.
- Brush gently. Use a soft, clean toothbrush to clean around links, clasps and patterns.
- Rinse in clean water.
- Dry completely with a soft, lint-free cloth. Water left in links can leave spots.
- Polish with a dedicated silver polishing cloth. Rub in straight lines rather than circles, and change to a clean part of the cloth as it darkens.
For most light tarnish, this is enough.
Heavier tarnish
For dark, heavily tarnished plain sterling pieces with no stones or special finishes:
- A commercial silver polish (cream or foam) used gently and rinsed off thoroughly works well. Follow the instructions and wear gloves.
- The aluminium foil method. Line a heat-proof bowl with aluminium foil, add hot (not boiling) water and a spoon of baking soda, and place the piece on the foil so that it touches it. The tarnish is converted back without rubbing. Remove after a few minutes, rinse and dry. Do not use this method on oxidised finishes, plated pieces, pearls, porous stones or glued pieces.
If a piece is valuable, old or has sentimental value, ask a jeweller to clean it professionally.
Methods to avoid
- Toothpaste. It is abrasive and leaves fine scratches, especially on high-polish surfaces.
- Scrubbing with baking-soda paste. It also scratches.
- Bleach, chlorine and strong cleaners. These can pit and discolour silver.
- Dips on stone-set or oxidised pieces. They can damage stones and strip deliberate dark finishes.
- Ultrasonic cleaners for stone-set, glued or porous items, unless a jeweller confirms they are safe.
Stones in silver settings
Many stones need gentler care than the silver around them.
- Porous or soft stones such as turquoise, pearl, coral, opal, malachite and lapis lazuli should not be soaked, dipped or exposed to chemicals.
- Treated stones, for example dyed, oiled or filled ones, can be damaged by heat, solvents or ultrasonic cleaning.
- Glued stones and beads can loosen in hot water.
Clean around the stone with a soft brush and barely damp cloth, and dry immediately.
Storage that slows tarnish
- Keep pieces dry. Do not store silver in a bathroom.
- Use closed bags. Small zip-lock bags or anti-tarnish pouches limit air contact.
- Add anti-tarnish strips or silica gel sachets, and replace them as directed.
- Store pieces separately so they do not scratch or tangle. Fasten chains before storing.
- Avoid rubber bands and wool around silver.
Everyday habits
- Put silver on last, after perfume, lotion and hair spray.
- Take it off before swimming, bathing, cleaning with chemicals, exercising and sleeping.
- Wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing to remove sweat and oils.
- Wear your silver often; regular gentle wear helps it stay bright.
When to see a jeweller
- A clasp, jump ring or prong is loose or bent.
- A stone moves in its setting.
- Plating has worn through and you want it replated.
- A piece is very old, valuable or has a special finish.
- You want a deep clean and polish without risk.
FAQ
Does tarnish mean my silver is fake? No. Real silver tarnishes. Some imitations do not tarnish, and some silver-plated items tarnish too, so tarnish alone proves nothing either way.
Why does silver sometimes turn my skin green or black? Usually a reaction between the copper in sterling silver, or other metals, and sweat or skin products. Keep pieces clean and dry.
Can I wear silver in the shower? It is better not to. Soap residue, chlorine and humidity speed up tarnish and dull the finish.
How often should I clean silver? Wipe after wearing. A gentle wash and polish every few weeks, or when you see tarnish, is usually enough.
Can I re-oxidise a cleaned antique piece? Yes, a jeweller can restore an oxidised finish.
Next steps
Read our silver jewellery guide on sterling, hallmarks and plating, browse more Silver Jewellery articles, or email us.