Silver is a beautiful metal that has been used for jewelry, tableware, and decorative items for centuries. However, it does have a tendency to tarnish over time when exposed to air and contaminants. Tarnish occurs when the silver reacts with sulfur-based compounds in the air, resulting in a darkened and dulled surface. While tarnish is unsightly and can diminish the look of silver items, it is relatively easy to prevent or remove with proper storage and care. Here are some tips on how to keep your silver items from tarnishing while in storage.
Store silver in air-tight containers
Exposing silver to open air is one of the main causes of tarnish, so keeping it in a sealed container is important. Look for rigid, airtight plastic containers or resealable plastic bags specifically designed for silver storage. You can also use non-acidic paper or cloth bags. Make sure to gently wrap pieces individually in acid-free tissue paper first. This protects the silver from rubbing and scratching. For extra protection, add anti-tarnish strips, which contain activated charcoal to absorb harmful gases. Change the strips every 6-12 months.
Use tarnish-preventive cloths and papers
Specialized cloths and papers are treated with sulfur-absorbing materials that prevent tarnish. Interleave silver items with anti-tarnish cloths or wrap them in sulfur-absorbing paper. This creates a barrier between the metal and contaminants in the air. Be sure to wrap each piece individually so they don’t scratch each other. You can buy pre-cut anti-tarnish squares or cut your own from a roll.
Store in cool, dry place
Humidity and heat speed up tarnishing, so store your silver items in a cool, dry place. Avoid attics, basements and garages, which tend to be damp and prone to temperature fluctuations. The optimal conditions are around 65-70°F with a relative humidity of 35-45%. You can use silica gel packets inside storage containers to control moisture. Keep them away from direct sunlight as well, which can cause discoloration over time.
Avoid contact with rubber, wood, and other metals
Chemicals from rubber, wood, and some metals can transfer onto the surface of silver and interact to cause tarnish. Line storage containers with acid-free plastic, glassine, or polyester to create a protective barrier. Avoid rubber bands, elastic, wood shelves, and contact with metals like copper and brass. If you do store various metals together, keep them in separated compartments or acid-free envelopes.
Clean silver before storage
Any contaminants left on silver can interact and accelerate tarnishing. Before storage, gently clean each piece with a mild dish soap and soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a lint-free cloth. Make sure no water lingers in crevices or design details. You can also use a silver polish to buff the metal and remove any existing tarnish. This prepares the surface and helps prevent future tarnishing.
Store frequently used items separately
Silver you use often, like everyday flatware, should be stored separately from pieces used infrequently or just for special occasions. This prevents disturbing long-term storage each time you need to access commonly used items. Use separate contained or wrap used silver in anti-tarnish cloths.
Check on silver 2-4 times per year
Periodically check your stored silver, around 2-4 times a year, to ensure conditions inside storage containers are optimal and no early tarnishing is taking place. Look for signs of corrosion, spotting, or discoloration. Check that anti-tarnish strips are fresh and moisture-absorbing packs are active. Replace as needed. This helps catch any issues early.
How Does Silver Tarnish?
Now that we’ve covered how to prevent tarnish on stored silver, let’s look at exactly how silver tarnishes in the first place. Understanding the process can help you avoid the conditions that cause it.
Silver naturally reacts with sulfur
Silver has a natural tendency to react with sulfur-based compounds in the air, resulting in silver sulfide, the compound responsible for tarnish. Sulfur gases are often present in the atmosphere, emitted from sources like industrial pollution, volcanoes, and natural gases. These airborne sulfur compounds bind to the surface of silver and oxidize it when moisture is present, creating the darkened appearance we recognize as tarnish.
Contaminants speed up the process
While a natural sulfur reaction causes tarnish, contaminants containing sulfur, like food, grease, skin oils, hair products, rubber, and wood accelerate it. Leaving these on silver provides extra sulfur for the reaction. Heat, humidity, and exposure to saltwater also speed up the formation of silver sulfide. That’s why proper cleaning before storage is so important.
Oxygen creates a galvanic couple
For the sulfur reaction to occur, oxygen must also be present. The silver and oxygen create a galvanic couple, which provides electrons needed for the silver sulfide compound to form. Lack of oxygen is why airtight containers work to prevent tarnish.
Tarnish initially forms in microscopic spots
Tarnish starts as microscopic gray or brown spots on the surface. These small sulfide formations gradually spread and connect to create an uneven overall darkening. This spotting helps identify early tarnish formation when checking stored silver. Catching it early keeps it from progressing.
A pale yellow film appears first
In the very initial phase, sulfur gases interact with the silver to create a pale yellow film on the surface. This film eventually converts to darker silver sulfide as it oxidizes further. The yellowish hue is a warning sign to get silver into proper storage before irregular dark tarnish spots appear.
How Does Tarnish Damage Silver?
While primarily an aesthetic issue pitting, cracking, and deterioration can occur if tarnish is allowed to build up heavily over many years without removal. Here are some ways tarnish damages silver:
Pitting from sulfide buildup
As the sulfide layer thickens over years, small pits can form in the silver below the surface. These small cavities are caused by parts of the silver metal being converted to silver sulfide. Pitting damage becomes visible once tarnish is polished away.
Oxidation can crack delicate silver
On highly ornate antique and handcrafted silver pieces with delicate details, thick tarnish buildup over decades can cause cracking or breakage. The sulfide formation essentially continues eating away at the silver, which loses structural integrity.
Tarnish may permanently stain some silver alloys
Silver with a high copper content can experience staining as sulfur molecules bond into the metal lattice. This creates a permanent darkened area even if the tarnish layer is removed. When possible, opt for fine silver over sterling silver for pureness and softness.
Abrasion from polish removing tough tarnish
If tarnish progresses for too long before being removed, the silver may require aggressive polishing to get down to the clean surface. This can wear away a thin layer of the silver, permanently losing a small amount of metal.
Loss of value as condition deteriorates
Heavily tarnished antique or collectible silver loses aesthetic appeal and monetary value. Irreversible damage from long-term tarnish accumulation lowers the piece’s worth significantly. Proper storage prevents this.
How to Remove Tarnish from Silver
If your silver does end up developing some tarnish, don’t panic. Tarnish can be removed to restore the beautiful shine of your silver items. Here are some effective methods.
Use a silver polishing cloth
Polishing cloths infused with a chemical tarnish remover provide an easy and gentle option. Simply rub the cloth over tarnished areas to dissolve and lift away tarnish. No rinsing needed. These are inexpensive, reusable, and great for maintaining silver used regularly. Not suitable for very heavy tarnish.
Try a silver dip or paste
Special silver dips or pastes quickly dissolve tarnish on heavily darkened silver. Soak or gently rub the item with paste, rinse thoroughly, then buff dry. Use care, as these are harsh chemicals and can damage silver if left on too long. Best for heavy tarnish.
Make a baking soda and aluminum foil bath
For a homemade method, line a container with aluminum foil shiny-side up. Fill with hot water and add baking soda, salt, and dish soap. Submerge tarnished silver for 2-10 minutes depending on severity. Rinse and dry. The aluminum helps attract the tarnish away.
Boil silver in a pot of water
This simple technique uses heat to lift tarnish off silver. Line a pot with aluminum foil. Fill with water and bring to a boil. Carefully add your tarnished silver and boil for 3-5 minutes. Use tongs to remove and rinse under cold water. Buff dry.
Use silver polish and a soft cloth
Gently rub a good quality silver polish onto affected areas using a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid coarse polishing sponges. Rinse thoroughly and hand dry to prevent spotting. Repeat if needed for stubborn tarnish. Follow with a silver polish cream and buffing cloth to add shine.
Protecting Silver Jewelry from Tarnish
Silver jewelry requires some specialized storage and care to prevent unattractive tarnish while not being used. Here are some tips:
Store silver jewelry in resealable plastic bags
Plastic bags create an airtight environment to protect against sulfur gases in the air. Place each piece in an individual small bag. Squeeze out excess air and seal tightly. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Wrap in anti-tarnish cloths or tissue
Interleave jewelry in layers of specialized anti-tarnish cloths, fabric, or tissue paper. These provide an extra barrier against humidity and air pollutants. A cloth-lined jewelry box also does the trick.
Use storage containers designed for silver jewelry
Plastic jewelry cases and chests designed specifically for silver storage will have anti tarnish liners. Some also have active charcoal filters for extra protection. Keeping pieces from touching prevents scratching.
Hang jewelry in resealable plastic bags
For long-term storage, hang individual necklaces, chains, or bracelets inside resealable plastic bags. Hanging prevents tangling and lets gravity keep the pieces straight. Add silica gel packs to control moisture.
Clean silver jewelry before storage
Use a gentle silver cleaner or rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth to remove any skin oils, hair products or dirt. Rinse and dry thoroughly. This removes contaminants that accelerate tarnish. Inspect periodically.
Storing Silver-Plated Items
Silver-plated objects like serving utensils and decorative pieces require a little different approach to prevent the base metal underneath from causing tarnish or corrosion:
Use anti-tarnish bags and strips
The sulfur-absorbing materials in anti-tarnish bags and strips help protect silver-plated items. The base metal is more prone to damage if tarnish sets in.
Avoid excessive humidity
Moisture allows tarnish to form more easily on silver plate. Store in an area that stays consistently cool and dry, with the air conditioning or dehumidifier running as needed.
Keep pieces from touching to prevent abrasion
Wrap silver-plated items individually in acid-free tissue or place in compartmentalized storage containers. This prevents the soft silver layer from being rubbed off through contact with other objects.
Store flatware handles up or horizontally
Store flatware placed handles up in a canister or drawer liner. If stacked, lay flatware horizontally in acid-free linen rolls. Gravity can cause the silver plate on handles to thin and wear unevenly over time.
Polish gently and avoid abrasive cleaners
Use a mild cleaner and soft cloth when polishing silver plate. Rub very lightly to avoid wearing through the thin layer of silver. Avoid abrasive scrubbing that can damage the surface.
How to Store Antique and Collectible Silver
More delicate and valuable antique or collectible silver requires specialized care and storage:
Use archival quality materials
Wrap antique silver in acid-free, lignin-free tissue or cloth before putting into storage containers. Line boxes with museum-grade, archival foam or fabric. Ensure all materials are of conservation quality.
Pad corners and edges
Place small strips of acid-free felt, cloth or foam around delicate scrolls, filigrees, and detailed edges that are vulnerable to damage. Careful padding prevents breakage.
Store pieces individually
Never stack or crowd antique silver items. The soft precious metal is prone to dents and dings. Each piece should be compartmentalized with padding or wrapping.
Control temperature and humidity
Maintain strict climate control with HVAC systems or dehumidifiers. Keep storage areas consistently around 70°F and 35-45% humidity to prevent fluctuations that damage fragile silver.
Keep pieces in dark, secure location
Store in an interior, windowless room with no direct light. Keep behind lock and key for security, monitored with an alarm system. Log details like date, condition, maintenance, and handling.
Inspect condition twice yearly
Carefully inspect antique silver every 6 months for any early signs of tarnish, corrosion, structural issues, or new small dents. Document condition and photograph pieces for records.
Conclusion
Tarnish can be frustrating, but with proper care in storage, you can protect your silver items and prevent a lot of headache and maintenance. Focus on keeping pieces in an airtight environment away from moisture, heat, sunlight, and contaminants. Handle gently, clean before storage, and separate based on usage frequency. For beloved antiques and precious objects, use archival museum-quality materials forwrapping and climate-controlled conditions. Periodically inspecting and refreshing anti-tarnish measures allows you to catch any issues promptly. With the right storage and handling practices, your silver will stay tarnish-free and beautiful for years to come.
