Do anti-tarnish strips and cloths work, and how long do they last?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

Yes, with limits. Anti-tarnish strips slow tarnish by absorbing the gases that cause it, but only inside a closed container, and only for months, not forever. Treated cloths clean tarnish that has already formed, and they should not be confused with strips. The two do different jobs.

What strips do

Fact Intercept, a maker of anti-tarnish strips, says its strips neutralise the sulfur and other gases that cause tarnish and should protect for up to 12 months or more in a moderately sealed container. A 2" x 7" strip is rated for a space of up to 424 cubic inches. The same company says strips turn dark grey or black when they are losing effectiveness, and that unused strips keep for up to 5 years in their sealed pack.

Fact A silver specialist writing in a butlers' trade journal gives guideline lives of about 6 months in a loosely sealed container such as a cardboard box, 12 months in a lightweight polyethylene bag and up to 24 months in a tightly sealed low-permeability bag.

Fact The manufacturer also says its strips prevent tarnish but will not remove tarnish that has already formed.

Uncertain The figures above are from a manufacturer and a trade writer, not independent testing. Real life depends on how often you open the container, the air quality at home and how clean the jewelry is when you put it away.

What cloths do

Fact GIA advises keeping sterling silver in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth.

Our advice A treated polishing cloth rubs tarnish off the surface, which also removes a tiny amount of metal and any thin plating. Use it gently and only on plain silver. It is not a storage method and it cannot protect a piece over months.

How to get the most from them

1. Clean and dry each piece first, since strips do not clean.
2. Put the piece in a small bag or box that closes tightly, with a strip inside and not touching delicate finishes.
3. Date the strip. Replace it at about the end of its stated life, or sooner if it darkens.
4. Keep the container away from heat, damp and rubber, which can speed up tarnish.
5. Wear the piece regularly. Wearing is often the best tarnish prevention, because skin oils and rubbing slow the build-up.

Our advice For rhodium-plated or other coated silver, do not use polishing cloths unless the seller says it is safe. They are covered in our separate answer on plated jewelry.

It depends Whether they are "worth it" depends on how long you store pieces and on your climate. For pieces you wear every week, a simple dry pouch is usually enough.

Related reading: Does 925 Sterling Silver Tarnish? Causes and Fixes · Caring for 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry with Lab Grown Diamond Settings

Sources

• Intercept Technology, anti-tarnish products FAQ (manufacturer)
• The Modern Butlers' Journal, Consulting the silver expert (storage and anti-tarnish strips)
• GIA, Tips on caring for jewelry

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.