If you own silver jewellery, sooner or later you'll notice it loses its shine and starts to darken. It's completely normal and doesn't mean the silver is poor quality. In this article we explain why it happens, how to clean silver at home step by step and what mistakes to avoid so you don't damage your jewellery.
Why does silver tarnish?
Silver reacts with sulphur in the air, in sweat and in some products like perfumes or creams. This reaction creates a thin, dark layer on the surface (silver sulphide). That's why a piece of jewellery that's worn rarely and stored in the open tends to tarnish faster than one worn daily.
The good news is that this layer can be removed and the silver will shine like new again.
Method 1: warm water and neutral soap (for everyday use)
It's the gentlest method and works for all types of jewellery, including gold-plated pieces.
- Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of neutral soap.
- Leave the jewellery in for a couple of minutes.
- Gently rub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush, without pressing hard.
- Rinse it with water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Method 2: special silver polishing cloth (to restore shine)
A silver polishing cloth contains a product that removes the dark layer without scratching. Simply rub your jewellery gently until it regains its shine. It's the most convenient way to keep your jewellery looking beautiful between deep cleans.
Method 3: silver cleaning liquid (for heavily tarnished jewellery)
When silver is very blackened, the quickest solution is a silver cleaning liquid:
- Dip the jewellery for a few seconds (always follow the instructions on the bottle).
- Remove it, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Dry it with a soft cloth.
- For best results, finish by polishing with the special silver cloth.
Important: don't use cleaning liquid on gold-plated jewellery, pieces with pearls, turquoise or other porous stones, or items with an intentionally aged finish, as it could damage them.
Method 4: bicarbonate of soda and aluminium foil (the home hack)
This well-known trick works well on plain silver without stones or plating:
- Line the bottom of a bowl with aluminium foil.
- Add very hot water and a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda.
- Place the jewellery so it touches the foil and leave for a few minutes.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
As with the cleaning liquid, avoid this method for gold-plated jewellery, pieces with stones or with an intentionally aged finish.
Mistakes to avoid
- Toothpaste: it's abrasive and can scratch silver.
- Bleach or chlorine-based products: they damage silver and make it even more tarnished.
- Rubbing with scourers or kitchen paper: they leave marks.
- Storing it wet: always dry it thoroughly before putting it away.
How to prevent it from tarnishing so quickly
- Remove your jewellery before showering, swimming or going to the beach.
- Apply perfume and creams before putting on your jewellery, not after.
- Store pieces separately, in small pouches or a closed jewellery box, so they don't scratch each other and are exposed to less air.
- Wear them: silver that's worn regularly tarnishes less quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Does silver tarnishing mean it's not genuine?
No. All sterling silver 925 tarnishes over time; it's a natural process for the metal.
How often should you clean it?
It depends on how much you wear it. A quick polish with the cloth now and then is usually enough, and a deeper clean when you notice it's lost some shine.
What about gold-plated jewellery?
Clean it only with warm water and neutral soap, and dry it with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh products so you don't wear away the gold plating.
Find everything you need to care for your jewellery in our care section: the silver polishing cloth and the cleaning liquid.