How to Remove Tarnish from Sterling Silver: Easy At-Home Method

Sterling silver is one of the most loved metals in the world, but even the highest-quality silver—yes, including 925 sterling—will naturally tarnish over time. This is completely normal. Tarnish isn’t a sign of poor quality. It’s simply a reaction between silver and the tiny sulfur particles present in air, water, lotions, and even our own skin.

For many of us, it shows up as a soft yellow tint or a deeper grey. Some people barely get any tarnish at all, while others will notice it quickly depending on body chemistry, humidity, and how often the jewelry is worn. The good news: tarnish is temporary and very easy to remove.

If you love wearing your silver daily, you’ll be happy to know that skin contact actually slows down tarnish. The more your jewelry lives on you, the less it oxidizes. But if your pieces spend time in drawers, bathrooms, or jewelry boxes exposed to moisture, they may darken faster. Again—totally normal.

Below is one of the most trusted at-home methods for removing tarnish from sterling silver. It uses simple kitchen ingredients, is gentle, and doesn’t require scrubbing.

**THE SIMPLE SCIENCE-BACKED CLEANING METHOD**

For this technique, all you need is aluminum foil, baking soda, salt, boiling water, and a heat-safe bowl. It works by creating an ion exchange between the silver and the aluminum, lifting the tarnish off your jewelry and attaching it to the foil. The result: a natural, non-abrasive reset that restores your silver’s original brightness.

**YOU WILL NEED**
• Aluminum foil
• A heat-proof glass or ceramic bowl
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 cups boiling water (or enough to fully submerge your pieces)
• Tongs or a spoon

**HOW TO DO IT**

1. Line your bowl with aluminum foil (shiny side up).
2. Place your silver jewelry directly on the foil.
3. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the pieces.
4. Carefully pour boiling water into the bowl, fully covering the silver.
5. Let everything sit for 2–5 minutes while the reaction works.
6. Remove, rinse with clean water, and gently pat dry with a soft cloth.

You’ll often see the foil darken as the tarnish transfers—it’s oddly satisfying. This method is safe for 925 sterling silver, though you should avoid using it on jewelry that has gemstones, pearls, or delicate inlays.

**A FEW EXTRA TIPS TO KEEP YOUR SILVER GLOWING**
• Wear it often—your skin’s natural oils help maintain shine.
• Store silver in air-tight pouches or anti-tarnish bags.
• Keep pieces away from humidity, perfumes, and lotions when possible.
• Give your jewelry quick wipedowns after wear to minimize buildup.

Tarnish is a natural part of a silver jewel’s journey, but with a little care, your favourite pieces will stay bright, radiant, and ready for everyday magic.