How to Clean Silver Jewellery

Silver jewellery can look gorgeous and add a touch of opulence to your outfit, but it can also quickly tarnish, especially if you wear it regularly. If you have a pair of silver stud earrings or dainty wide band rings that are starting to lose their shine, a little cleaning might bring them back to life. A silver polishing cloth or a simple solution of warm water and mild dishwashing soap can make all the difference. However, if your tarnished silver is very severe, a more rigorous scouring may be required. This is why it’s a good idea to keep a silver cleaner on hand or purchase a ready-made product that will remove the tarnish and keep your pieces shining for longer.

Whether you have sterling silver or silver-plated jewellery, the methods for cleaning them are similar. The main difference is that if you have a piece of jewellery with gemstones or pearls, you should consult a jeweler before using any of these DIY cleaning methods. Vinegar, for example, could harm porous stones and baking soda can scratch soft metals.

To clean a ring or necklace that has other materials in it, start by rinsing it with warm water and then washing it with mild dishwashing soap. Be sure to rinse the pieces thoroughly afterward, as any remaining soap can damage these precious stones or metals. For very tarnished pieces, you can make a paste of three parts baking soda and one part water. Apply the paste to the silver, taking care to avoid any stones or pearls. Then, rub with a soft dry lint free cloth or toothbrush to remove the tarnish and restore the shine.

Another easy way to clean a ring or necklace is to soak it in a mixture of distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Just be sure to use the correct ratio, as baking soda is a mildly abrasive material that can scratch other forms of silver jewellery. Then, allow the piece to sit in the mixture for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly. Finally, pat the jewellery dry with a lint free cloth or microfiber towel.

For very tarnished jewellery, you can also try soaking it in Windex(r) and hydrogen peroxide. Simply combine half a cup of the cleaning products with water and let the jewellery sit for a few minutes. Then, brush off any debris with a soft toothbrush and rinse thoroughly. Finally, pat the jewellery gently dry with a lint free fabric or microfiber towel.

Aside from cleaning everyday jewellery, it’s a good idea to protect your silver with a clear wax that will help to repel tarnish. You can even buy a reusable wax pad that can be used to store your jewellery and prevent it from tarnishing. If you’d prefer not to clean your silver often, you can also use a nontoxic hand sanitizer or 70 percent isopropyl alcohol to keep tarnish at bay. how to clean silver jewellery