Looking after silver jewellery and pooja items at home
Why silver turns dark, how to clean it safely with things already in your kitchen, and how to store it so it stays bright through the humid months.
Jewellery · · 2 min read
Silver turning dark is not a sign that it is impure. Pure and sterling silver both react with sulphur in the air, and a thin dark layer called tarnish forms on the surface. Humid weather, sweat, perfume and some foods speed it up. The good news: tarnish sits only on the surface, and with a little care you can stop most of it from forming.
Everyday habits that help
- Put silver on last and take it off first. Wear anklets, chains and rings after applying perfume, hair oil or lotion, not before.
- Take it off before bathing or swimming. Soap, chlorine and sea water all dull silver.
- Wipe it after wearing. A quick wipe with a soft, dry cotton cloth removes sweat before it does any harm.
- Wear it often. Silver worn regularly tarnishes less than silver locked away for months.
Cleaning at home
For light dullness, this is enough:
- Mix a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid in a bowl of warm water.
- Soak the piece for a few minutes.
- Clean gently with a soft toothbrush, especially in the design work.
- Rinse in clean water and dry completely with a soft cloth. Don't leave it to air-dry.
Avoid toothpaste, ash, tamarind or scrubbing powders. They do remove tarnish, but they also scratch the surface and wear away fine design work over time.
Some silver jewellery is darkened on purpose to bring out the design. This is called oxidised finish. Don't try to clean it bright; just wipe it with a dry cloth.
Pooja items
Lamps, plates and kumkum boxes get oil, ghee and turmeric on them every day. Wash them in warm soapy water soon after use, before the oil hardens, then dry them fully. A soft cloth is better than a steel scrubber, which leaves fine scratches that tarnish faster.
Storing silver
- Keep each piece in its own small zip-lock bag or soft cloth pouch, with as much air pressed out as possible.
- Store it in a dry cupboard, away from the bathroom and kitchen.
- A piece of chalk or a silica gel packet in the box soaks up moisture.
- Don't store silver with rubber bands or in newspaper. Both contain sulphur and darken silver quickly.
When to bring it to us
Deep tarnish, broken clasps, loose stones or worn-out anklet bells are best left to a jeweller. Bring the piece and your bill to any Akshaya Velli showroom and our staff can tell you what can be done.