How to Remove Metal and Jewelry Tarnish Stains on Clothes

Tips on getting silver, gold, or other metallics out of clothes, even whites

How to Remove Metal Trim and Jewelry Tarnish Stains

The Spruce / Joules Garcia

In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 - 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 - 8 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to 10

Jewelry and metal embellishments, such as buttons, studs, and beads, can tarnish and leave metallic stains on your clothes. Many plated metal embellishments react with the air, your skin's oils, or chemicals in cosmetics or cleaning products, all of which result in fabric stains. Metal can also damage fabrics by rubbing excessively on fibers.

The sooner the stain can be treated, the better the chances of removal. Do not rub the stain because it pushes it deeper into the fibers. Read on for simple steps and products that remove metallic stains caused by metal tarnish.

 Stain type  Tarnish
 Detergent type  Heavy-duty
 Water temperature  Cool
 Cycle type  Varies depending on the type of fabric

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Sink
  • Large basin

Materials

  • Heavy-duty laundry detergent
  • Oxygen bleach

Instructions

How to Remove Metal and Jewelry Tarnish Stains on Washable Clothes

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. Older or dried stains will be harder to remove, so you may need to repeat the cleaning process several times. This method only removes fabric stains and will not correct damaged metal.

  1. Flush the Stained Area

    • Turn the garment inside out.
    • Hold it under a cold water faucet to flush the stained area. This should force the metallic particles out of the fibers.
    • Then wash as recommended on the care label.
    White jeans turned inside out with metal trim stain under running sink

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  2. Check the Stained Area

    Check the stained area after washing. If the stain remains, do not dry the clothing, and move to the next step.

    Rose gold metal trim near white jean belt loop

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  3. Mix a Soaking Solution

    • Prepare a solution of all-fabric or oxygen bleach and cool water (brand names include OxiClean, Nellie's All Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite). Follow product directions on how much to use per gallon of water.
    • Completely submerge the garment and allow the stain to soak for at least four hours or overnight.
    • If the stain is gone, rinse well, air-dry, and launder as usual.
    • If the stain remains, repeat the oxygen bleach step.

    Warning

    This method is safe to use on white and colored clothes and all fabrics except silk, wool, and leather.

    White jeans soaking in cool water with oxygen based bleach in glass container

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Additional Tips on Handling Jewelry Tarnish Stains

If a garment is recommended on the label for dry cleaning and you decide to use a home dry cleaning kit, treat the stain with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag. If a garment is labeled as dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner and point out and identify the stain to help your cleaner choose the proper treatment. Vintage clothing and fabrics with fragile embellishments should be handled by a professional cleaner.

To avoid future metallic stains, replace damaged metal trim or remove and clean it before reattaching to the garment. In addition, apply all cosmetics and hair products and allow them to dry completely before adding jewelry to your outfit.

FAQ
  • How do you remove silver stains from clothes?

    If the above method does not work, try sprinkling table salt on the stain and dabbing lemon juice on it with a clean, white cloth. This method is also helpful for removing rust stains. Or, soak the silver stain for 15 to 20 minutes in either a sink of water and 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar or 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Once the stain disappears, wash as usual.

  • Why does my gold chain stain my shirts?

    "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. 

  • How do I get metal stains out of white clothes?

    If the oxygen bleach method above does not work on white clothes, consider using a paste of hydrogen peroxide and a little bit of regular white non-gel toothpaste. Rub the paste on the stain with a clean cloth, rinse, and if the stain is gone, wash as usual. The hydrogen peroxide has a mild bleaching effect and the toothpaste is slightly abrasive, so only use on whites.