5 Best Ways to Store Silver at Home

Want to keep your silver jewelry looking its best? We’ll explain the best ways to store silver and have some tips for restoring tarnishing silver jewelry.

5 Best Ways to Store Silver at Home

Silver jewelry needs proper care and storage to reduce tarnishing. Here are the five best ways to store silver at home:

1. Airtight Container

Store your silver jewelry in an airtight container, like a plastic bag or a jewelry box with a tight-fitting lid. This will prevent the silver from tarnishing and keep it looking shiny and new.

2. Anti-Tarnish Strips

You can also use anti-tarnish strips. These strips are treated with a tarnish-inhibiting chemical to keep your silver looking its best. Plus, they are fairly inexpensive and often come with plastic bags to help keep your silver jewelry organized. Simply place the strip in the airtight container with your jewelry.

3. Soft Cloth

Wrap your silver jewelry in a soft cloth, like a flannel or a microfiber cloth, before storing it. This will help to prevent scratches and keep the silver looking smooth and shiny. The beauty of using a cloth is you can cut the cloth into a perfect fit for your jewelry or silver regardless of shape and size. This is particularly helpful for silvery jewelry larger than your jewelry boxes or bags.

Love silver jewelry as much as we do? Shop our silver best sellers.

4. Dry Place

So this should go without saying. Store your silver in a dry place, away from moisture and humidity. Humidity can cause silver to tarnish quickly, so we recommend keeping your silver jewelry in a cool, dry place. Unfortunately, this can be tricky, depending on your climate. Here are some of our favorite tips for storing and caring for your silver jewelry in a more humid climate:

Avoid wearing your silver jewelry when swimming, showering, or doing any activity that will expose it to water.
Remove your silver jewelry before going to bed or exercising to minimize exposure to sweat.
Clean your silver jewelry regularly to remove any dirt that can attract moisture.
Use a dehumidifier in your home to reduce the humidity level.

5. Keep Your Jewelry Separate

And you’ll want to keep your silver jewelry separated. When tarnished jewelry comes into contact with other jewelry, the tarnish can transfer from one piece to another through physical contact. To ensure your pieces stay their best, you’ll want to keep them in separate airtight containers. This will help to keep your silver looking beautiful for years to come.

Love following jewelry trends? Shop our best-selling jewelry to add pop to your look.

jewelry in jewelry box

Does Putting Silver in Plastic Keep It from Tarnishing?

No, putting silver in plastic does not prevent it from tarnishing. Tarnishing of silver occurs due to a chemical reaction with sulfur-containing substances in the air, which forms a layer of silver sulfide on the surface of your jewelry.

Plastic is not an effective air barrier, so the tarnishing reaction can still occur even if the silver is inside a plastic container. You should store your silver in a dry, low-humidity environment to prevent tarnishing.

So while a plastic bag can help, you’re better off putting that plastic bag in an airtight container or jewelry box, including an anti-tarnish strip that absorbs the sulfur from the air and prevents tarnishing.

Is It Safe to Store Silver in Ziploc Bags?

It is safe to store silver in Ziploc bags for short-term storage. Ziploc bags provide a barrier against dust and other contaminants, which can help to keep your silver clean and protected. However, it’s important to remember that Ziploc bags are not airtight, so they will not prevent tarnishing if the silver is left in the bag for an extended period.

In general, it’s a good idea to handle your silver with care, avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, and clean it regularly to help keep it in good condition.

Can You Store Silver in Aluminum Foil?

We do not recommend storing silver in aluminum foil for an extended period, as aluminum can cause silver to tarnish. When silver comes into contact with aluminum, a chemical reaction can occur that causes the silver to darken and become discolored.

Stick to one of the silver storage methods mentioned above, and please don’t believe everything you see on TikTok!

What is the Best Way to Restore Silver Jewelry if it Tarnishes?

Has your silver jewelry already begun to tarnish? Don’t worry. We’ve got some tips to restore your tarnished jewelry and return its shine with a few simple methods:

Clean with baking soda and aluminum foil: Create a paste with baking soda and water, then scrub the jewelry gently. Wrap the jewelry in aluminum foil and place it in a bowl or cup. Pour boiling water over it. The tarnish should transfer from the jewelry to the foil.
Use a silver polishing cloth: This is a gentle and effective way to clean tarnished silver. Simply rub the cloth over the jewelry until it shines.
Clean with a silver cleaner solution: There are many commercially available silver cleaners on the market. Simply follow the instructions on the package to clean your jewelry.
Soak in vinegar: For heavily tarnished jewelry, you can try soaking it in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and baking soda for several hours or overnight. The tarnish should come off with a gentle scrub.

Be sure to handle the jewelry gently and avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.

How Long Does it Take for Silver to Tarnish?

Silver can tarnish within a few months to a few years if it is not properly stored or protected. Several factors can affect how fast the silver will tarnish.

High-humidity environments or areas with high levels of air pollution
Frequent handling
Exposure to sunlight
The presence of certain substances like rubber or wool

Different types of silver can also affect how fast it will tarnish. Sterling silver, an alloy of silver and other metals, is more susceptible to tarnishing than pure silver. Sterling silver can show signs of tarnish within a few months, while pure silver may take several years or even a decade to tarnish.

Properly Storing and Cleaning Your Silver Jewelry is Essential

To prevent your silver jewelry from tarnishing, you’ll want to utilize one or multiple methods we’ve mentioned for storing silver to keep it looking its best. But if your silver starts to turn, don’t worry. You can always clean it and restore its shine.

LaCkore Couture designs chic, artisan jewelry that appeals to your inner fashionista. Shop our newest styles for the latest trends and style alerts.

Currency