Silver Jewellery Care: How to Clean & Stop Tarnish
Silver tarnishes when it reacts with sulphur and moisture in the air, sweat and cosmetics — it is surface discolouration, not damage, and it wipes off. To keep 925 silver bright: store it dry and airtight, keep it away from perfume and water, and clean it gently with a soft cloth.
Why silver tarnishes
Tarnish is a thin dark layer that forms when silver reacts with sulphur compounds and moisture in the air, in sweat, and in products like perfume, lotion and hair spray. It is normal, it is only on the surface, and it does not mean your silver is fake — in fact, only real silver tarnishes. An anti-tarnish rhodium finish slows it dramatically.
How to clean silver jewellery at home
- 1Dry buff first
Rub gently with a soft lint-free or silver-polishing cloth. For light tarnish this alone restores shine.
- 2Mild soap wash
For dirt, use lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, clean softly with fingers or a soft brush, then rinse.
- 3Dry completely
Pat dry with a soft cloth and let it air-dry fully before storing — trapped moisture speeds up tarnish.
- 4Avoid harsh stuff
Skip toothpaste, baking soda and abrasive scrubs on plated or oxidised pieces — they scratch the finish.
How to prevent silver from tarnishing
| Store airtight | Keep pieces in a zip pouch or anti-tarnish box, away from air and humidity. |
| Last on, first off | Wear silver after perfume, lotion and hairspray; take it off before washing or swimming. |
| Keep it dry | Remove before bath, pool and gym; wipe off sweat after wear. |
| Wear it often | Regular wear and the natural oils on skin actually help slow tarnish versus long storage. |
anokhi silver ships with an anti-tarnish pouch and a rhodium finish on most pieces, so day-to-day care is minimal.
Frequently asked
Last reviewed: 17 May 2026 · Verified by the anokhi expert panel
How do I stop my silver from turning black?
Store it airtight and dry, keep it away from perfume, lotion and water, put it on last and take it off first, and wipe it with a soft cloth after wear. An anti-tarnish rhodium finish also slows blackening a lot.
Does real silver tarnish?
Yes — tarnishing is actually a sign of real silver. It is a harmless surface reaction with sulphur and moisture that wipes off; imitations that never tarnish usually are not sterling silver.
Can I clean silver with toothpaste?
It is best avoided. Toothpaste and baking soda are mildly abrasive and can scratch plated, rhodium or oxidised finishes. A soft polishing cloth or mild soapy water is safer.
How often should I clean silver jewellery?
A quick cloth buff after each wear and a gentle soapy clean every few weeks is enough for everyday 925 silver. Anti-tarnish pieces need even less.
Reviewed by the anokhi silver desk
Written and reviewed by anokhi's in-house silversmiths. Every piece we make is 925 sterling silver, BIS hallmarked and handcrafted in Jaipur. Last updated 25 June 2026.