Things that can Damage Silver and Cause Tarnish Rubber products, such as foam rubber, carpet padding and rubber bands. Wood (untreated), paper and cardboard. Foods such as olive oil, vinegar, olives, pickled products, eggs and egg products. Oils and salts from your hands.
Olive oil won't stop silver from tarnishing but it will keep it shiny longer. Just a dab of oil on a soft cloth rubbed over polished silver will slow the oxidation that brings on tarnish.
When silver is exposed to sulfur-containing gases in the air, it discolours and then darkens as it reacts with the gas to form a surface layer of tarnish.
Additional protection against tarnishing can be achieved by placing small containers of desiccated silica gel and activated charcoal inside the bag. Alternatively, the silver may be wrapped in a tarnish-inhibiting cloth before being placed in the polyethylene bag.
If your silver jewellery has stubborn, built-up tarnish, make a thick paste from bicarbonate of soda and lukewarm water. Apply the paste to any tarnished spots and leave it for 3 minutes. Then gently rub the paste to remove it.
Simply mix up a bit of dish soap with warm water and dip in a microfiber cloth. Then, rub the piece of silver – whether it's jewelry or silverware – with the soapy cloth. Rinse it with cold water. Dry with a soft, clean towel.
ProtectaClear® is an easy to apply, tough, clear protective coating that will keep silver looking freshly polished. ProtectaClear is practically invisible once applied and will never yellow, crack or peel like lacquer finishes.
From fine silver plates, platters, and trays to everyday silverware, WD-40 Multi-Use Product works quickly to polish and protect thanks to its oil compounds that help to break up grime, leaving a thin layer of protection against tarnish.
In museums, important collections of silver are cleaned of tarnish using a slurry made of specific abrasives such as precipitated calcium carbonate (chalk) and water, applied with cotton or soft cloths.
6 Toothpaste
This is a classic, easy DIY silver cleaning recipe. Use non-gel and non-abrasive toothpaste. Squeeze a small amount of it on a soft cloth or paper handkerchief. Rub onto the jewellery or silverware with circular motions to polish it and clean off the tarnish.
Anti-tarnish bags and polishing cloths can help minimalize the tarnish to your sterling silver jewelry. But, when the inevitable occurs and you notice your jewelry has darkened or become dull, there is GOOD NEWS! Tarnish is not permanent… AND it is easily removed!
Silver is a very reactive metal. It loses its original shine because it chemically reacts to your physical composition and environment. Sweat, sickness or a boozy weekend can all change your body chemistry causing your silver to turn black. A light polish with your cloth usually takes it away.
WD-40 works quickly to polish and protect fine silver plates, platters and even silverware. The oil compounds in WD-40 break up grime, leaving a thin layer of protection against tarnish.
Many people swear that olive oil is great for removing grime from jewelry while making it shine. This is best when used on solid pieces and not intricate pieces. You can apply a little oil to a soft cloth and massage it into the piece.
Another great way to clean your sterling silver jewelry is with Windex. Yes… Windex. You can either spray the Windex directly on the item to be cleaned or on a soft-bristled toothbrush or soft cloth.
~Clear nail polish is your friend.
You can use clear nail polish to prevent discoloration and chipping on costume/fashion jewelry you can apply a thin coat of clear nail polish as protection. This will keep your less expensive jewelry in tip-top shape!
Silver should be stored wrapped in dry, acid-free tissue paper and placed inside cotton or Tarnprufe bags. It should not be kept near to or touching smoke, household paints, rubber, newspaper, wool, felt or velvet. It is also advised that it should not be kept inside oak furniture due to the wood's acidic nature.
Simply pour the coke into a bowl and submerge your silver into it. The acid in the coke will quickly remove the tarnish. Keep an eye on it – just a few minutes should be enough. Rinse with warm water and dry carefully with a soft cloth.
Toothpaste contains abrasive particles that can polish off tarnish.
Brasso is not suitable for cleaning silver – it is far too abrasive and will damage the metal. There is a less abrasive silver polish called Silvo that would be more suitable for cleaning tarnish, but cleaning and polishing collectible pieces are not recommended.
A paste of baking soda and water is all you need to clean larger silver items and remove the dull tarnish. You'll need to rub the paste over the items, but the baking soda does most of the work for you without heavy scrubbing – and no toxic ingredients.