The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Sterling Silver Jewelry

It can be hard to keep your sterling silver jewelry clean and shiny. Silver tarnishes over time as a result of contact with air and other chemicals. There are many ways to clean silver and bring it back to its original shine.

What is sterling silver?

Sterling silver is an alloy to which copper is added to make the resulting compound more durable and softer. Typically, sterling silver is 92.5% pure, which means 7.5% of the alloy is made of copper or another metal, usually nickel or zinc.

Why does sterling silver tarnish?

Sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The copper in sterling silver reacts with air and other things, like skin oils, perfumes, and cleaning products, which causes the silver to tarnish.

How to protect sterling silver?

Wear the items to protect sterling silver

One of the best ways to keep your sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing is to wear it. Your skin’s oils can actually help keep jewelry clean and retain its shine.

Protect sterling silver from corrosion

You must keep jewelry away from:

• Daily Chemicals
• Chlorinated water
• Rubber
• Sulfur-containing substances (latex, wool, eggs, mustard, etc.)
• Direct sunlight
• Hair spray
• Lotion
• Perfume

Therefore, avoid wearing jewelry while doing household chores. It is also important to wear jewelry at the end to avoid exposure to beauty products or fragrances.

Keep sterling silver dry when storing

Avoid excessive exposure to the air and store it in a tar-proof cloth or in a silver jewelry storage box. If your climate is humid, keep a small packet of desiccant crystals in your jewelry box. Avoid touching rubber bands or other rubber products. Sulfur in rubber can cause tarnish and corrosion.

How often should I clean sterling silver?

How often you clean depends largely on how often you use your silverware and how you store it. You should remove the gloss as soon as you notice that the finish looks dull or cloudy. It’s easier to clean stain regularly than to wait until the surface is completely black. For silver jewelry that you use or wear on a daily basis, cleaning every other month is usually sufficient.

How to clean sterling silver at home?

• Polishing cloth

When tarnishing is not too severe, polishing is the most effective solution. Since silver is easily scratched, it is important to polish it with a special silver cloth. Other options include lint-free flannel, microfiber, or soft, non-abrasive cloth.

• Soap and water

Soap and warm water is a classic cleaning method. Mix warm water with mild ammonia, such as phosphate-free dish soap. We strongly recommend trying this method first before using any of the following methods.

• Baking soda and water

If soap doesn’t work, make a paste by mixing water and baking soda. Apply a pea-sized amount of the paste to a clean cloth to polish silverware. When finished, rinse item with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.

• Using baking soda and aluminum foil

Baking soda and aluminum foil is a popular and effective method for cleaning sterling silver jewelry. To use this method, line a bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up. Add one tablespoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of salt to the bowl. Slowly pour in boiling water until the bowl is about half full. Place the silver jewelry in the bowl, making sure it is touching the foil. Let the jewelry soak for five to ten minutes, then take it out of the bowl and rinse it under running water. Use a soft cloth to dry the pieces.

• Lemon juice and olive oil

Mix 1/2 cup lemon juice with a teaspoon of olive oil. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and gently rub the silver until it shines. Rinse and dry.

• Vinegar and baking soda

Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda, and let your silver soak in the mixture for two to three hours before rinsing and polishing.

How to clean sterling silver with gemstones?

Cleaning sterling silver jewelry with gemstones needs a little extra care so the stones don’t get broken. Here are some tips for cleaning sterling silver with gemstones:

Do not use anything abrasive or harsh that could damage or scratch the gemstones.

Use a soft cloth without lint to gently wipe the jewelry’s surface.

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to clean the hard-to-reach spots, but don’t scrub the gemstones.

Mix mild soap and warm water in a small bowl to get rid of dirt and grime that won’t come off. Soak the jewelry for a few minutes in the solution, and then clean it gently with a soft brush or cloth.

Rinse the jewelry well with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth that doesn’t have any lint on it.

If you don’t know how to clean your jewelry, ask a professional jeweler.

It’s important to remember that some gemstones, like pearls and opals, have to be cleaned and cared for in a certain way. Before you try to clean your gemstones, make sure you know how they should be cleaned.

FAQs about cleaning sterling silver

Can baking soda damage jewelry?

Baking soda is a common household item used to clean jewelry, and it is generally safe to use. But it can be rough and could damage some kinds of jewelry, especially those with soft stones or finishes.

What is the quickest way to clean silver?

The quickest way to clean silver is to use a silver cleaning cloth or silver polish solution. However, using a solution of baking soda and aluminum foil can also be a quick and effective method.

Does vinegar damage silver? Does silver turn black in vinegar?

You can clean silver with vinegar, but it’s not a good idea because if you leave it on for too long or use it too often, it can damage the metal. It is also not a sure way to get rid of tarnish. Also, if you leave silver in vinegar for too long or if the vinegar is too acidic, the silver may turn black. So, it’s best not to use vinegar on silver jewelry unless a professional has told you to do so as part of a specific cleaning solution.

What is the best way to clean sterling silver?

The best way to clean sterling silver is to use a gentle silver cleaner or a homemade cleaning solution made of baking soda and water.

Mix a small amount of the cleaner with warm water, dip a soft cloth into the solution, and rub the silver item gently to remove the tarnish and dirt. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a cotton swab to clean places that are hard to get to.

Rinse the item well with water, and then use a soft cloth to dry it. It’s important not to use harsh chemicals or rough materials on silver because they can scratch or damage it.

Sterling silver jewelry should be properly maintained so that it will exude sheer beauty every time you will wear it. Following these methods, you can maintain the shine and beauty of your sterling silver jewelry.