Many items can cause tarnishing – so many so, that it’s nearly impossible to keep the lustre. No one likes that ugly yellow-black colour, and with so many sources online arguing about the best methods of cleaning, it can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve made a list of what you need to know.
What is Tarnishing and What Causes it?
That yellow or black colour is a form of corrosion. Unlike rust, tarnishing doesn’t actually erode the item, so there’s still a chance to save it. Tarnishing isn’t limited to silver; brass, copper, and aluminium can all be subject to it as well.
This happens as a result of silver coming into contact with certain substances. Perfume, wool, and water are just a few common materials that can cause your silver to lose its lustre. Silver tarnishing is most often caused by a chemical reaction when it’s oxidized. You can always look up a full list of what will cause tarnishing online if you’re curious.
How to Prevent it
There are so many everyday substances that cause silver to tarnish that to prevent it from happening is impossible. However, with proper care and regular polishing, you may be able to slow down the process.
For one thing, try not to leave silver lying around. Make sure to store it properly away from air and humidity. Ziploc bags or felt boxes are popular suggestions, as well as a glass mason jar. Many also say keeping silver stored with chalk helps because the chalk will soak up any humidity. Whatever method you choose to prevent tarnishing, just make sure you store your valuables away from sunlight.
Make sure not to wear jewellery while cooking (especially with oils), while showering, when wearing wool or latex, and working with wood. All these activities include materials or substances that will cause silver to tarnish. Also, make sure you put on jewellery after you apply makeup and perfume, as these will make silver tarnish, too.
What to do if it Happens?
As mentioned before, since tarnish doesn’t actually erode silver, you don’t have to panic. You do have to polish it well – or contact a professional buffer. Using warm water and gently drying with a soft cloth seems like the best way to clean jewellery. However, that cloth is very important, otherwise, you’ll make the tarnish worse.
Whatever you do, make sure you don’t clean with baking powder or toothpaste, and avoid putting it into the dishwasher. Even though many sources on the internet claim them to be the best method of cleaning, they can be rather harsh, especially on silver plated items.
