8 Clever Tips & Hacks That Prevent Vintage Silver From Tarnishing

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If your silverware, silver jewelry, or other silver-based items have started to turn dull or change color, you may want to reconsider how you clean, store, and generally care for these items. This discoloration is caused by tarnishing, and while the finish may look permanent, it can easily be remedied using basic household items you probably already own — for example, toothpaste, aluminum foil, baking soda, and chalk. Some products can help prevent tarnishing, too, such as anti-tarnishing strips, tightly sealed containers, and silica gel packets.

Tarnishing occurs when metals come into contact with chemicals in the air such as sulfur and oxygen. The former compound is particularly problematic for silver. This chemical reaction instigates surface-level oxidation, which discolors your silver items, turning them yellow to red-brown to blue, depending on how long it's been allowed to develop. If your silverware or jewelry has changed color, don't worry. The change is usually reversible and even preventable, as long as you use the right products. Removing tarnish and stopping it coming back usually takes some trial and error until you find the method that works best.

One of the best ways overall to keep your silver pieces from tarnishing, whether it be jewelry or silverware, is to ensure they are stored in an airtight container, like a sealed plastic bag. Since tarnishing can be caused by exposure to moisture, this will keep those pesky stains from your silver. You can also purchase Rosenthal Collection Anti Tarnish Prevention Bags specifically for this purpose. If you want to save your money, just use plastic Ziploc bags from your kitchen, though they may not be quite as effective.

Have a few silver pieces that are starting to appear tarnished? Here's an unexpected item you can use to keep silver from tarnishing: a piece of chalk. Believe it or not, this simple, natural product will help bring your silver back to life and keep it shinier than ever. Since chalk helps to absorb moisture, one or two pieces stored with your silver can minimize the water your precious possessions are exposed to. Note that you should wrap your silver up prior to storing it with chalk as you don't want the chalk to actually touch the silver itself.

You can prevent silverware from tarnishing with this aluminum foil hack. All you need is a few strips of foil, a heat-proof container, boiling water, and baking soda. Line the container with foil — shiny side facing up — and pour in the boiling water. You need to add two tablespoons of baking soda per about 34 fluid ounces of water, so adjust the ratios as needed. Add your silver pieces and allow them to sit in the container for a few minutes while you watch the tarnish disappear. Finally, dry off your items with a soft cloth.

Surprisingly, a staple from your shower can help to prevent your silver from tarnishing: hair conditioner. The chemicals in hair conditioner add a protective layer to silverware and jewelry, keeping it from tarnishing. Take your regular bottle from the bathroom and bring it to the kitchen to conduct a silver treatment session. Simply rub the product onto each item and wipe off any excess. You can apply conditioner after you've washed and dried your silver items and before storing them in a tightly sealed container or anti-tarnish bag.

If you have silver jewelry or silverware that tends to tarnish quickly, pick up some silica gel packets. These handy little products prevent the reactions that cause tarnishing thanks to their ability to absorb moisture from the air. When storing your silver belongings, whether it is a jewelry box or a sealed bag, add a packet or two of silica gel to the container to keep the humidity levels low. Make sure the receptacle is as airtight as possible.

If you want to invest in an affordable product to protect your silver, purchase some Black Anti-Tarnish Strips. This non-abrasive material is specially designed to protect silver from sulfur, moisture, and other contaminants that can tarnish your pieces. All you have to do is store a few in with your silver, ideally in an airtight container or bag. Note, however, that anti-tarnish strips prevent tarnish and aren't effective for removing tarnish that's already present. It's recommended to switch out the strips every six months or so.

You can use powdered activated charcoal to clean up, polish, and de-tarnish your silver items. It is made by burning a carbon source (like wood and similar organic matter), and is commonly used in many daily products, from face wash to toothpaste. To use activated charcoal to prevent tarnish, put it in a porous but sealed bag and store it with your silver. The bag keeps it from touching (and therefore marring) the silver itself. Like chalk and silica gel, activated charcoal reduces moisture. You can even use this product to polish your silver until it shines.

Grab a tube of toothpaste from your bathroom sink and use it to remove the tarnish from your silver. Thanks to its mild abrasive properties, toothpaste can remove the layer of tarnish. Make sure to use only organic or natural toothpaste and not the gel kind. Wipe the toothpaste onto the affected silver item with a soft cloth or even a soft-bristled toothbrush; watch as the tarnish melts away. You can then wipe clean and dry off the item with a fresh dry cloth to finish. Note that this method may scratch silver, so use it with caution.