Silver tarnishes because of sulphur compounds in the air, moisture, sweat and cosmetics. Pieces kept in a jewellery box in a damp flat blacken especially fast, as do chains and rings worn every day. The tarnish settles in the recesses of the pattern and leaves the piece grey and dull.
You can bring back the shine at home. Soapy water removes dirt, and WD-40 Multi-Use dissolves the dark tarnish and leaves a thin film that displaces moisture and slows new tarnish. The method works for jewellery as well as silver plates, trays and cutlery.
What you will need
- WD-40 Smart Straw or WD-40 Multi-Use
- Bowl of warm soapy water
- Old soft toothbrush
- Two or three microfibre cloths
- Towel
- Disposable gloves
- Plastic tablecloth or bin liner to protect the table
Important: Do not use lubricant on jewellery set with pearls, amber, turquoise or other porous stones, or on silver-plated costume jewellery. Wash cutlery and tableware with washing-up liquid after cleaning, and rinse jewellery thoroughly before wearing.
Step 1
Prepare your work area
Clear the table and cover it with a plastic cloth or bin liner. Put on disposable gloves and gather all your silver items and tools.
Step 2
Wash the silver
In a bowl of warm soapy water, gently scrub each item with an old soft toothbrush to remove dirt and cosmetic residue.
Lay the pieces on a towel and let them air dry for 5-10 minutes. Do not rub them with rough fabric, which causes fine scratches.
Step 3
Apply the lubricant
Apply a small amount of WD-40 Smart Straw to the tarnished silver. With the straw up you can direct it into small recesses, chain links and settings.
For large trays and plates, fold the straw down and use the wide spray from about 15 cm, dusting with light side-to-side strokes.
Step 4
Rub in with circular motions
With a clean microfibre cloth, work the lubricant in using small circular motions until the whole surface is covered. The cloth will blacken as the tarnish comes away, so move to a clean part of it.
If tarnish remains in the recesses, apply a little more.
Step 5
Rinse and buff
Rinse the item in clean water to remove remaining product and dry it well. Then buff to a sparkle with a fresh soft cloth.
Wash cutlery and serving trays with washing-up liquid as well.
Tip: Keep silver somewhere dry, each piece in its own pouch or a closed box. The less air and moisture reach it, the more slowly it tarnishes.
What next
Treat jewellery you wear daily once a month and your best silverware every few months or before a special meal. Gold jewellery is cleaned differently, see our separate guide. And a squeaky jewellery box catch is easily fixed with a drop of WD-40 Multi-Use.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».