The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Silver Jewelry: Easy Home Methods for a Brilliant Shine

by Keira May 12, 2020

written by Keira May 12, 2020

How to Clean Silver Jewelry for a Beautiful Shine

What Causes Silver Jewelry to Tarnish?

Silver jewelry tarnishes when it comes into contact with oxygen, sulfur, and moisture in the air. This reaction creates a dark layer of silver sulfide on the surface of the jewelry.

How to Clean Silver Jewelry at Home

There are a variety of methods you can use to clean silver jewelry at home, depending on the severity of the tarnish and the type of jewelry you have.

Materials You’ll Need:

Microfiber cloths
Small glass bowl
Tongs with plastic tips
Commercial silver cleaner (optional)
Baking soda
Dishwashing liquid
Distilled white vinegar
Lemon juice or fresh lemons
Non-gel, non-whitening toothpaste
Ketchup
Aluminum foil

Methods:

1. Using a Commercial Silver Cleaner

Follow the instructions for the commercial silver polish you’ve selected.
Liquid cleaners or wipes are better than paste for ornate jewelry, as a paste can get trapped in crevices.

2. Using Baking Soda

Make a paste by mixing one-part water and three parts baking soda in a small bowl.
Wet the jewelry and use a soft microfiber cloth to apply the paste.
Work on a small area at a time and gently rub in circles to remove the tarnish.
Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the tarnish is transferred.
Rinse away the baking soda paste with cool water, and immediately use a microfiber cloth to dry and buff the silver jewelry to shine.

3. Using Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

Wash the jewelry in warm, soapy water, and then make a paste by mixing one-part lemon juice and three parts baking soda in a small bowl.
Dip a damp microfiber cloth in the paste and work in a small area at a time.
Gently rub in circles to remove the tarnish and move to a clean area of the cloth as the tarnish is transferred.
Rinse away the paste with cool water, and use a microfiber cloth to dry and buff the silver to shine.

4. Using Ketchup

Wash the pieces in warm, soapy water, apply a thin layer of ketchup, and set aside for 15 minutes.
Use a sponge or soft cloth. Work in small circles and wipe away the tarnish.
Rinse the jewelry in warm water and buff dry with a soft cloth.

5. Using Toothpaste

Wash the jewelry to remove body soil.
Place a dab of toothpaste on a cloth, work in a small area of the jewelry at a time, and gently rub in circles to remove the tarnish.
Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the tarnish is transferred.
Rinse away the toothpaste with warm water, and dry the silver jewelry with a lint-free microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

6. Vinegar and Baking Soda Soak

Add 2 cups of warm water, 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar, and a tablespoon of baking soda to a large bowl.
Add the jewelry and allow it to soak for two to three hours.
Rinse with cold water and dry with a microfiber cloth.

7. Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda Soak

Line a bowl large enough to hold the pieces of silver jewelry with aluminum foil.
Fill the lined bowl with boiling water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda per cup of water.
Add the jewelry to the water-baking soda solution and make sure it touches the aluminum foil.
Let the silver soak until no more tarnish is visible.
Remove the silver from the solution with plastic-tipped tongs, and buff with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.

How Often to Clean Silver Jewelry

When you notice your jewelry looks dull or dark, it’s time for a clean. Regular cleaning is ideal because it’s easier than waiting until the surface of your jewelry is completely black. For silver jewelry you wear daily, cleaning every other month is usually sufficient.

Additional Tips to Help Prevent Silver Jewelry From Tarnishing

Apply a metal sealant to the jewelry (including plated pieces) once the tarnish is removed.
Store silver jewelry in anti-tarnish cloths or bags.
Use chalk or silica bags in your jewelry box to absorb moisture.
Put on silver jewelry last after applying perfumes or using hair spray.
Remove silver jewelry before entering a hot tub or swimming pool.

How to Clean Silver-Plated Items With Household Ingredients

Silver-plated items can be cleaned using the same methods as sterling silver, but it’s important to be gentle to avoid damaging the plating.

Keira

Keira is a seasoned gardener with a rich background in education and a passion for transforming even the smallest, most challenging spaces into lush, productive gardens. With over two decades of experience in both teaching and gardening, she brings a unique blend of skills and insights to Life Science Art, where she shares her expertise through engaging and informative articles. Keira's journey into gardening began in her early years, inspired by her grandmother's ability to coax vibrant blooms and hearty vegetables from the rocky soil of their family farm. This early exposure to the wonders of gardening planted a seed of curiosity and love for plants that has only grown over the years. Before fully immersing herself in the world of gardening, Keira spent many years as a special education teacher. This role honed her patience, creativity, and problem-solving skills—qualities that have proven invaluable in her gardening endeavors. Her teaching experience also gave her a deep understanding of the diverse needs and capabilities of individuals, which she now applies to helping others learn to garden effectively, regardless of their starting point. Keira specializes in small-space gardening, low-income gardening, and cultivating plants in poor soil conditions. She understands that not everyone has access to vast, fertile lands or unlimited resources, and she is dedicated to making gardening accessible and rewarding for everyone. Living in urban areas or having limited outdoor space shouldn't be a barrier to enjoying the benefits of gardening. Keira has mastered the art of maximizing every inch of available space, whether it's a tiny balcony, a cramped backyard, or a window sill. Her innovative techniques and creative solutions help her readers grow a variety of plants in the most confined spaces. Keira is also a strong advocate for low-income gardening. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to grow their own food and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening, regardless of their financial situation. Through her articles, she shares practical tips on budget-friendly gardening methods, repurposing household items, and making the most of available resources. Her advice empowers individuals and families to start and maintain gardens without breaking the bank. Not everyone is blessed with rich, loamy soil. Keira's expertise extends to growing plants in less-than-ideal soil conditions. She provides guidance on improving soil quality, selecting hardy plant varieties, and employing sustainable practices to ensure a bountiful harvest, even in challenging environments. Her hands-on experience and proven techniques help gardeners turn even the poorest soil into a thriving garden. Keira's contributions to Life Science Art are invaluable. Her articles cover a wide range of topics, from step-by-step guides on planting and maintaining specific types of gardens to tips on dealing with common gardening challenges. She also delves into the science behind plant growth, soil health, and sustainable gardening practices, making complex concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Beyond her technical expertise, Keira's writing is infused with warmth and encouragement. She understands that gardening is not just about growing plants; it's about fostering a connection with nature, finding peace and fulfillment, and building a community. Her personal anecdotes and down-to-earth advice resonate with readers, inspiring them to embark on their own gardening journeys with confidence and joy. Keira invites you to join her on Life Science Art, where she shares her wealth of knowledge and passion for gardening. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, her articles offer valuable insights, practical tips, and the inspiration you need to create your own green oasis. Discover the joys of gardening with Keira as your guide and unlock the potential of your outdoor space, no matter how small or challenging it may be.