How do I remove tarnish from earring posts and backs?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

Tarnish on silver posts and backs is a surface layer and can be cleaned off gently. Wipe with a soft cloth, wash with warm water and mild soap, rinse well so that no polish or soap is left, and dry fully. If your ear is sore, red or itchy, take the earrings out and ask a piercer or doctor, because tarnish is not the only possible cause.

Why posts tarnish

Fact GIA says that exposure to chemicals can damage or discolour precious metals, including silver, and that sterling silver should be kept in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth. IGI says that sweat, skin oils, soap and dust build up on jewelry.

Our advice Posts spend time in contact with skin oils and moisture, so they can darken. The backs can also collect dirt and skin cells.

How to clean

1. Take the earrings apart. Remove the backs.
2. Wipe. Use a soft, dry cloth first. Light tarnish often comes off.
3. Wash. Soak the posts and backs in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, then brush gently with a soft brush. Jewelers Mutual recommends a new, soft, baby-size toothbrush and says to avoid abrasives like baking soda.
4. Polish gently if needed. A silver polishing cloth can remove tarnish from solid sterling silver posts. Do not use one on plated pieces unless the seller says it is safe.
5. Rinse well. Use a bowl of clean water, so that no polish is left on the post.
6. Dry. Pat dry with a clean cloth and let the pieces dry fully.

Prevent it coming back

• Wipe the posts after wearing.
• Store earrings dry and in a sealed bag with an anti-tarnish strip. One maker says its strips work in a closed container and do not remove tarnish that has already formed.
• Keep earrings away from perfume, hairspray and chlorine.

When to be careful

Our advice If your ear is sore, red, itchy, swollen or has discharge, take the earrings out. Ask a piercer, or a doctor if it does not settle. Do not treat an infection yourself.

Our advice Do not put earrings with a rough or pitted post through your ear, and replace posts that are bent or worn.

What not to do

• Do not use toothpaste, baking soda or harsh chemicals.
• Do not scrub hard.
• Do not use an old toothbrush.

It depends Some people prefer to replace backs rather than clean them, because they are inexpensive and easy to lose.

Uncertain We cannot say whether tarnish affects your skin. Skin reactions can have other causes, such as an allergy, so check with a professional if the problem continues.

Related reading: Silver Earring Backs: Butterfly, Screw, Push and Locking · How to Stop Silver Earrings From Irritating Your Ears

Sources

• GIA, Tips on caring for jewelry
• IGI, Never do this with your jewelry
• Jewelers Mutual, Using a homemade jewelry cleaner? Avoid these 3
• Intercept Technology, anti-tarnish products FAQ (manufacturer)

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