How to Care for Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver and a small proportion of other metal, usually copper. That mixture gives it strength, but it also means the surface reacts with sulphur compounds in the air and in certain foods, forming the dark film we call tarnish. Fortunately, looking after silver is simple once you understand a few habits.

Use it regularly

Counterintuitive as it sounds, silver that is used often tends to look better. Frequent washing and handling keep the surface from building up heavy tarnish, and the tiny scratches from daily use blend into a soft glow that many people prefer to a mirror shine.

Washing

• Wash by hand in warm water with a mild detergent.
• Rinse well and dry immediately with a soft cotton cloth.
• Avoid leaving eggs, mayonnaise, onions, salt or acidic dressings on silver, because they can cause staining or pitting.
• Think twice about the dishwasher. Strong detergents can dull the finish, and contact with other metals may cause marks. Pieces with hollow handles or cemented parts are particularly vulnerable.

Polishing

When tarnish appears, use a silver polish formulated for the purpose, or a polishing cloth. Apply with a soft cloth and rub gently along the grain rather than in circles. Rinse and dry afterwards. Heavily ornamented pieces can be cleaned with a soft brush, but avoid abrasive pads. Polishing removes a tiny amount of silver each time, so do it only when needed.

Storage

Keep silver dry and out of the air. Anti-tarnish cloth or bags help, as do chests lined with tarnish-resistant fabric. Wrap items separately so that they do not scratch each other, and avoid rubber bands, newspaper and wool, which contain sulphur or can trap moisture.

Caring for jewelry

Silver jewelry should be put on after perfume and lotion, and removed before swimming or cleaning. Wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing. Stones such as pearls, opals and turquoise are delicate and should not be soaked or cleaned with strong products.

Common mistakes to avoid

A few habits cause avoidable damage. Dipping silver in strong chemical baths can strip the soft dark shading that gives patterned silver its depth. Using toothpaste or baking powder as a polish may scratch the surface. Storing pieces in damp basements speeds up tarnish. Wrapping silver in plastic film can trap moisture against the metal. Finally, avoid using silver knives on hard surfaces such as stoneware plates, which can scratch the blade. Gentle habits and patience keep a collection looking its best for generations.

Cleaning silver jewelry

Chains and rings collect oils and cosmetics, which dull their shine long before true tarnish forms. A soak in warm soapy water, a gentle brush with a soft toothbrush and a thorough rinse usually restores them. Pat dry and let the piece air for a few minutes before storing it. Oxidised or antiqued finishes are meant to be dark in the recesses, so polish only the high points and leave the shading alone.

When to seek help

Deep dents, loose handles and weighted bases that rattle need a professional. So do antique pieces with fragile patina that you want to preserve. For further reading, see our notes on sterling hollowware and estate jewelry, or go back to the home page.