How to Get Rust Out of Silver

Published: Nov 14, 2009
Updated: Feb 5, 2019
1 minute read

Silver is a precious white metal that is used to make things like coins and jewelry. Over time, silver can tarnish. Humidity and oils from your fingers can cause silver to "turn." Eventually silver can show signs it's oxidizing and appear to rust. You can clean the tarnish using chemicals designed to clean silver. You can also use items found in your kitchen pantry to get rid of rust.

Pour one cup of white vinegar into a small glass bowl.

Submerge silver in vinegar. Let it soak in the vinegar for two hours and remove.

Put a small amount of toothpaste on your fingertip. Massage toothpaste on the silver article until completely covered.

Scrub silver with a toothbrush for two minutes. Rinse with distilled water–tap water contains chemicals that may tarnish silver even more.

Dry silver with a clean, dry towel. If rust remains, repeat the same process.

Shelby Winchell

Shelby Winchell has worked as a journalist for more than seven years, covering the economy, political figures and celebrities for various websites. She has a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism.

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