How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry at Home

Sterling silver darkens over time. That dark layer is tarnish, a surface reaction between the silver and sulphur compounds in the air, in some foods, and in things like wool and rubber bands. It is normal, it is not damage, and it can almost always be cleaned off at home. Start with the gentlest method and move up only if you need to.

First, check what you have

• Sterling silver is 92.5% silver, usually stamped 925. The methods below are meant for it.
• Silver plated items have only a very thin layer of silver over another metal. Polishing too hard can rub the plating off, so use only the mild soap method.
• Stones, pearls and delicate finishes. Pearls, opals, turquoise, coral and other soft or porous stones can be damaged by water, chemicals and polish. Antique or deliberately oxidised pieces have a dark finish that is part of the design and cleaning will remove it. For these, wipe with a dry cloth or ask a jeweller.

If you're not sure what a piece is made of, test the gentlest method on a small, hidden area first.

Method 1: warm water and mild soap (start here)

1. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bowl of warm (not hot) water.
2. Soak the piece for a few minutes, then rub gently with a soft cloth or a very soft toothbrush, getting into chains and engraving.
3. Rinse in clean water and dry completely with a soft cloth. Moisture left behind speeds up tarnish.

This removes skin oils, lotion and light dullness, and is the safest option for plated pieces.

Method 2: a silver polishing cloth

For light tarnish, a cloth made for silver is the simplest option. Rub gently along the surface and the tarnish transfers onto the cloth. Use a clean part of the cloth as it blackens. Avoid using it on intricate designs, where it can't reach the recesses, and on plated items.

Method 3: baking soda paste

For moderate tarnish on plain sterling silver:

1. Mix baking soda with a little water into a thick paste.
2. Rub it gently on with a soft cloth, following the grain of the piece.
3. Rinse well and dry completely.

Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it can leave fine scratches on a highly polished surface. Don't scrub hard.

Method 4: the foil and baking soda soak

For heavily tarnished, plain silver without stones:

1. Line a heatproof bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side up.
2. Put the silver on the foil so it touches it.
3. Add a tablespoon of baking soda and cover with very hot water. Be careful with the hot water.
4. Leave it for a few minutes, then lift out, rinse and dry.

This works by a chemical reaction that moves the tarnish onto the foil. It also removes the dark patina in engraved details, so don't use it on oxidised or antique pieces.

What to avoid

• Toothpaste. It is abrasive and can scratch silver.
• Bleach and harsh household cleaners. They can damage the metal and any stones.
• Rough cloths, paper towels and abrasive scrubbers. They scratch.
• Soaking pieces with pearls or soft stones in any cleaning solution.

If a piece is valuable, sentimental, antique or set with stones, a jeweller can clean it professionally, often at low cost.

Keep it from tarnishing again

• Put silver on last and take it off first. Perfume, hairspray and lotion contribute to tarnish.
• Take it off for swimming, showering, cleaning and exercise.
• Store it dry, ideally in a small airtight bag or a lined box, with an anti-tarnish strip if you have one.
• Store pieces separately so they don't scratch each other.
• Wear it. Regular wear wipes off light tarnish and keeps silver looking good.

If you are shopping for silver, our guide to buying jewellery online explains the difference between sterling, plated and vermeil, and what a hallmark or quality mark tells you. For rings, see how to find your ring size online.