Guide
Why silver turns black, and how to clean it
Real silver darkens over time. The black layer is tarnish, and it is easy to remove at home without harming the metal, if you pick the right method for the piece.
On this page
What makes silver turn black
Silver reacts with hydrogen sulphide and other sulphur compounds in the air, forming silver sulphide on the surface. It starts as a yellowish tint, then turns brown and finally black. The reaction is faster in humid air, near cooking gas and in contact with sulphur-rich things such as eggs, onions, rubber bands and some paper and wool.
Sterling silver (925) contains 7.5% copper, which can tarnish too. On skin, sweat and cosmetics speed things up, which is why rings, chains and anklets darken first.
How to clean silver at home
1. Soap and warm water (every piece)
Wash in warm water with a little mild dish soap, use a soft brush in the grooves, rinse and dry completely with a soft cotton cloth. This is safe for jewellery with stones, and removes light tarnish and dirt.
2. Baking soda and aluminium foil (heavy tarnish)
- Line a glass or plastic bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side up.
- Add hot water and a tablespoon or two of baking soda per litre, and stir.
- Put the silver in, touching the foil. Tarnish fades within minutes as the sulphur moves from the silver to the aluminium.
- Rinse in clean water and dry well.
This does not scratch, but it also removes intentional black "oxidised" finishes. Do not use it on pieces with pearls, glued stones or antique patina.
3. A silver polishing cloth
For quick shine between cleanings. Rub gently in straight lines, not circles.
4. Commercial silver dips
Fast but strong. Dip briefly, rinse thoroughly and keep away from stones and oxidised designs.
What to avoid
- Bleach and chlorine (including swimming pools): they can pit and discolour silver.
- Toothpaste and scouring powders: they scratch.
- Rubber gloves, rubber bands and newspaper for storage: they contain sulphur.
- Putting wet silver away: always dry it fully first.
How to keep silver from tarnishing
- Store each piece in an airtight zip bag, with a small packet of silica gel or an anti-tarnish strip.
- Wear silver jewellery often: gentle rubbing against clothes keeps it bright.
- Put jewellery on after perfume and lotions, and take it off before bathing or swimming.
- Wrap silverware and utensils in soft cotton cloth if you don't use them often.
Buying new silver? Check its purity and today's rate first: silver rate today.
Frequently asked questions
Does real silver turn black?
Yes. Pure and sterling silver both tarnish when sulphur compounds in the air react with the surface. Silver-plated items tarnish too, and once the plating wears through, the base metal shows. To check purity, use the purity tests, not the colour.
Why does my silver anklet turn black so quickly?
Sweat, humidity, soaps, perfume and contact with rubber or wool all speed up tarnish. Anklets and toe rings are exposed to all of these. Rinsing them in clean water and drying them fully helps.
Can I clean silver with toothpaste?
It works, but toothpaste is abrasive and leaves fine scratches, which make silver tarnish faster. A paste of baking soda and water used gently, or a silver polishing cloth, is kinder.
How do I clean silver puja utensils?
Wash in warm soapy water, then use the baking soda and foil method for dark areas. Many households also use tamarind pulp or lemon juice, which are mildly acidic; rinse well afterwards and dry thoroughly.
Does cleaning silver reduce its weight or value?
Gentle cleaning removes only the thin tarnish layer, so the weight barely changes. Repeated hard polishing with abrasives does wear away metal over the years, and can remove the dark "oxidised" finish that some designs use on purpose.