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Your 925 sterling silver jewellery will naturally tarnish over time — it's chemistry, not poor quality. Silver reacts with sulphur compounds in the air and on your skin to form a dark layer called silver sulphide. The good news? Cleaning it is quick, inexpensive, and can be done at home with things you already have in your kitchen.

Method 1: Baking Soda and Aluminium Foil (Best for Heavy Tarnish)

This is the most effective home method for heavily tarnished silver. The chemical reaction between the aluminium foil and baking soda pulls the sulphide off the silver without any scrubbing.

1. Line a bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side up
2. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of salt
3. Pour in enough boiling water to cover your jewellery
4. Submerge your silver pieces — you'll see the tarnish literally transfer to the foil
5. Leave for 5–10 minutes
6. Remove with tongs, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and dry completely with a soft cloth

Important: Do not use this method on silver jewellery with glued-in stones, pearls, or porous gemstones like turquoise — the boiling water can damage them.

Method 2: Dish Soap and Warm Water (For Light Tarnish)

For pieces that aren't heavily tarnished, a simple soap wash is the gentlest and safest cleaning method.

1. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bowl of warm water
2. Soak your silver jewellery for 5 minutes
3. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush — pay attention to crevices and chain links
4. Rinse under clean running water
5. Dry immediately and thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth

This method is safe for all 925 silver jewellery including pieces with CZ stones, as long as the stones are properly set (not glued).

Method 3: Silver Polishing Cloth

A silver polishing cloth is the easiest everyday maintenance tool. These cloths are treated with anti-tarnish chemicals and can be used dry — simply rub the jewellery gently. They're ideal for quick touch-ups before wearing and for maintaining pieces that aren't heavily tarnished. A good polishing cloth costs Rs. 100–200 and lasts months. Keep one in your jewellery box.

Method 4: Toothpaste (Use Sparingly)

A small amount of plain white toothpaste (not gel) can be used to clean 925 silver. Apply a tiny amount with your finger or a soft toothbrush, gently rub, then rinse thoroughly. However, because toothpaste is mildly abrasive, it can cause micro-scratches on polished silver if used frequently. Reserve this method for stubborn spots only.

What to Avoid

• Bleach and ammonia — these will permanently damage silver
• Ultrasonic cleaners — can loosen stone settings
• Scrubbing pads or steel wool — will scratch the surface
• Leaving pieces wet — always dry completely to prevent water spots and further tarnish

How to Prevent Tarnishing

• Put jewellery on last — after perfume, lotion, and hairspray
• Take it off first — before washing hands, bathing, or swimming
• Store separately — keep each piece in a small ziplock bag or anti-tarnish pouch to limit air exposure
• Wear it regularly — the natural oils from your skin actually slow tarnish on frequently worn pieces

With regular care, your 925 sterling silver jewellery from Silzze will stay bright and beautiful for years. All our pieces are finished with a light anti-tarnish coating to give you extra protection right out of the box. Explore our full collection →