How to Fix Tarnished Sterling Silver

Silver tarnish is caused by air-borne sulfurs and chlorides, which dull the shine on sterling silver items such as jewelry or flatware. This oxidation, or tarnishing, develops quickly and can be hard to reverse, but fortunately, you can keep your cherished pieces pristine with just a few basic steps.

How to Remove Tarnish

To begin, it’s important to keep sterling silver away from the following substances: mayonnaise, eggs, mustard, onions, latex and wool. These chemicals accelerate tarnishing, so keep them out of reach of your precious pieces during household chores or when you’re wearing them.

Clean your silver regularly and gently. If you’re not confident that you can do this yourself, take it to a professional jewelry repair shop. They’ll have the tools and expertise to restore your sterling silver to its former glory, and you’ll be sure that it will stay in perfect condition.

Quick reversal of tarnish

One of the easiest ways to remove tarnish is with baking soda and vinegar. Simply line a shallow bowl with aluminum foil, then fill it with boiling water. Add about 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the water, and let your silver soak.

Baking soda works because it contains silica, which absorbs tarnish. The resulting mixture also softens the metal, which makes it easier to polish.

A more abrasive alternative is to use a solution of white vinegar and salt, which can be found in the kitchen pantry. Simply add equal parts of each to the boiling water, and let your silver soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel.

Cornstarch: Another natural, non-abrasive cleaning solution is a combination of cornstarch and water. Pour a small amount of the solution onto your silver, and rub it in to bring back its original shine.

Toothpaste: If you’re in a pinch, toothpaste can remove light tarnish from sterling silver. Just make sure to select a basic, whitening toothpaste that’s free from micro crystals. Toothpaste can be very abrasive, so it’s best to test the toothpaste on an inconspicuous area before applying it to a larger part of your silver item.

Brush with soap and warm water: A mild dish soap and hot, soapy water can be used to clean tarnished silver. Dip a toothbrush in the soapy water, then scrub the silver gently with the bristles. When done, rinse in a separate bowl of warm water and dry with a clean cloth.

Polish with a special silver cloth: If you’re not satisfied with the results, try buffing your silver jewelry or silverware with a specially designed cloth made for silver. The cloth should have a lint-free flannel or microfiber surface to avoid scratching the metal, and should be used with back-and-forth motions that mirror the pattern of the silver.

It’s important to remember that a few light cleanings and a polishing will keep your silver looking like new for years. However, if you have an intricate piece with lots of intricate details or a very old piece that is displaying tarnish that is affecting the patina, it’s best to call in the pros for a professional cleaning.