Sterling Silver Care Guide
Sterling silver is meant to be worn. Tarnish is not decay, it’s a surface reaction. This guide tells you how to keep your relic bright (or intentionally dark) without damaging it.
The Quick Rules
Wear it
Frequent wear helps slow tarnish. Skin oils + gentle friction naturally polish silver.
Keep it dry
Water won’t ruin silver, but trapped moisture speeds tarnish and can dull finishes.
Avoid harsh chemicals
Chlorine, bleach, strong cleaners, and some pools/hot tubs can permanently damage silver.
Soft cloth only
Use a microfiber or silver polishing cloth. Paper towels can micro-scratch.
What Tarnish Is
Tarnish is a thin layer that forms when silver reacts with sulfur-containing compounds in air, skin products, humidity, or storage materials. It’s normal and removable.
If your piece is intentionally darkened (patina), treat polishing as “selective” so you don’t erase the contrast.
Cleaning Methods
Level 1 — Daily / Light Cleaning
- Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth after wearing.
- If needed: warm water + a tiny drop of mild dish soap.
- Rinse, then fully dry (especially crevices).
Level 2 — Tarnish Removal (Safest)
- Use a dedicated silver polishing cloth.
- Polish gently: small circles, light pressure.
Level 3 — Deeper Tarnish (Use With Care)
- Use a reputable silver polish (cream) sparingly.
- Apply with a soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Avoid polishing compounds on intentionally darkened recesses unless you want them bright.
What to Avoid
Do not use
- Bleach, chlorine, harsh cleaners, abrasive powders
- Toothpaste (too abrasive)
- Paper towels (micro-scratches)
- Steel wool / scouring pads
Be careful with
- Swimming pools / hot tubs (chemicals vary, damage can be permanent)
- Lotions, perfumes, hairspray (apply first, let dry, then wear silver)
- Saltwater (rinse and dry immediately after exposure)
Storage
- Store in a dry place, away from humidity (bathrooms are the enemy).
- Use a sealed bag or anti-tarnish pouch if you won’t wear it for a while.
- Keep pieces separated to prevent scratches (especially rings and chains together).
Patina + Darkened Details
Some relics are finished with intentional darkness to emphasize engravings and depth. This is a surface treatment, not dirt, and it can be polished away if overworked.
- Use a polishing cloth only on raised/highlighted areas to keep contrast.
- Avoid liquid dips unless you are okay losing darkened recesses.
- If you accidentally brighten everything, the piece can usually be re-darkened later.
Archivist Note
A relic kept sealed forever becomes a museum piece. A relic worn becomes a story. Maintain it but let it live.