How to Remove Metal and Jewelry Tarnish Stains on Clothes

Many fashionable clothes now feature all types of metal embellishments, from buttons to studs to brads and beads. And, what about those unique pieces of jewelry that go so well with your outfits? Well, the metal from these items can leave stains on clothing if it tarnishes, is damaged by cleaning products, or rubs excessively on the surface of the fabric. Thankfully it takes only a few simple steps and products to remove the stains caused by metal trim and jewelry tarnish.

What Causes Metal and Jewelry Tarnish Stains?

"Gold" buttons, beading, and embellishments are usually made with plated metals or plated plastic and less expensive "gold" jewelry is made with plated metals or very low karat gold; these types of metals can react with the air, your skin, or cosmetics to change colors and corrode, leaving stains on the fabric. Even sterling silver will tarnish or oxidize as it reacts with the air and the oils of your skin. That tarnish can be transferred to your clothing. This is particularly problematic if you decide to remove or change the buttons or trim. If you have wooden buttons that have been dyed, that dye may transfer and stain fabrics.

What causes the problem? Make-up is the most common cause of the blackening or smudging. Cosmetics and lotions often contain chemical compounds that, when they come in contact with the metals, corrode or rub off very tiny particles of metal which appear as black dust and smudges. Perspiration on our skin produces mild chemicals that are enough to cause corrosion of 14 karat gold, much less cheap metals. Jewelry containing copper and silver alloys, including sterling silver, corrode readily on the skin if enough perspiration or salt is present. Sterling silver is a copper-silver alloy and is somewhat soft and more likely to be abraded to black dust by relative movement between the jewelry and the skin or clothing. These issues all create metal and jewelry tarnish stains.

Before You Begin

As with any stain, the sooner the fresh stain can be treated, the better the chances of success for removal. Do not rub immediately. That will only push the stain deeper into the fabric fibers and make the stain harder to remove. Check the care label on the garment and test any detergent or cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it does not discolor the fabric. While most cleaning methods are gentle enough for a diverse range of fabrics, knowing an item's specific care needs will help you choose the best stain removal option. Older or dried stains will be harder to remove, so know that you might need to repeat the cleaning process several times before the stain disappears.

If a garment is labeled as dry cleaning recommended and you decide to use a home dry cleaning kit, be sure to treat the stain with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.

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