How to Get Rid of Small Tarnished Spots on Sterling Silver

Sterling silver tarnishes when you stop wearing it. If you leave your sterling silver bracelet in your jewelry box for two months, you won't be able throw it on just as you walk out the door. Small spots of tarnish or an entire patina will have developed on the metal. If you keep a silver polishing cloth handy, you won't need smelly or messy silver polish to brighten your jewelry. Even if there is only a small area of tarnish visible, polish the entire piece. Removing the tarnished area will leave a noticeably shinier spot of silver than the surrounding metal.

Instructions

Sterling Silver Pendants or Beads

1

Fold the polishing cloth over the sterling silver piece.

2

Rub the tarnished area vigorously for at least 10 seconds.

3

Lift the cloth and inspect the tarnished area. Repeat the process, as necessary, until all tarnish is removed.

Sterling Silver Chains and Bracelets

4

Hold the chain by one end.

5

Wrap the chain in the polishing cloth, pinching the chain firmly between your thumb and forefinger near the end you're holding.

6

Pull the polishing cloth along the length of the chain, pinching firmly.

7

Repeat the process as necessary until all tarnish is removed.