# How to clean silver jewelry and remove tarnish

> How to clean 925 silver at home: cloth, mild soap and baking soda with aluminum foil, and when not to (pearls, porous stones and intentional patina).

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/how-to-clean-silver-jewelry/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-08
- Updated: 2026-08-08
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/como-limpiar-joyas-de-plata/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Silver turns black through a reaction with sulfur compounds in the air and on skin. It is normal and it can be removed. Here are the methods that work and the ones to avoid.

## Quick everyday cleaning

Wipe with a cotton cloth or a silver polishing cloth, always soft and dry. If there is dirt, wash the piece in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, rinse and dry well. Doing it regularly stops the darkening from building up.

## When it is already black: baking soda and aluminum foil

1. Line a container with aluminum foil, shiny side up.
2. Add very hot water and one tablespoon of baking soda per liter.
3. Place the silver so it touches the foil for 2-5 minutes.
4. Rinse, dry with a soft cloth and buff.

The reaction moves the sulfur to the aluminum and leaves clean silver without rubbing.

## What not to do

- Do not use toothpaste: it is abrasive and leaves micro-scratches.
- Avoid vinegar or lemon on pieces with stones, pearls or glue.
- Do not use the foil method on pearls, opals, turquoise, amber, coral or pieces with glued stones.
- If a piece has an intentional dark patina (oxidized silver), clean it only with a soft cloth: the methods above will remove it.

## When to see a jeweler

If the piece is antique, has many stones or is badly deteriorated, a jeweler can clean it ultrasonically and polish it without risk.

> [!NOTE]
> 925 silver tarnishes faster in humid climates and in contact with wool, rubber, egg and some cosmetics. Storing it well reduces the cleaning you need to do.

## See also

- [Why silver turns black and how to prevent it](https://www.711grados.com/en/why-does-silver-turn-black/)
- [Home remedies for cleaning jewelry: what works and what does not](https://www.711grados.com/en/home-remedies-to-clean-jewelry/)
- [How to store jewelry so it does not get damaged](https://www.711grados.com/en/how-to-store-jewelry/)
- [Care and cleaning of silver jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/care-and-cleaning-of-silver-jewelry/)