Silver jewelry is one of the most precious metals in the market. But it can get tarnished if you don't clean it regularly. Here are some helpful tips from experts on this topic.
A Step-By-Step Process of Cleaning Silver Jewelry at Home
You don't have to wait for your jewelry to look dirty to cleanse it. We recommend regular cleaning to reduce the risk of tarnishing. Make this a weekly routine.
- Gather your supplies: lukewarm water, bowl, mild dish detergent, soft toothbrush, paper towel/dry lint-free cloth, and sterling silver polishing pad
- Mix lukewarm water with detergent
- Soak your jewelry for about five minutes in the above solution
- Lightly brush the silver jewelry with the soft toothbrush. Avoid harsh brushing motion as it can scratch the metallic surface
- Transfer your jewelry to another bowl and rinse it off with clean water
- Use a paper towel or lint-free cloth to dry your silver jewelry
- Use a sterling silver polishing pad to preserve the shine
How to Clean Dark, Discolored Silver Jewelry
Prevention is the first step to mitigating the issue of tarnishing. Silver jewelry pieces are not resistant to ambient air, heat, and moisture, but you can limit their exposure. Always put them in soft, anti-tarnish bags and store them in low-humid, cool, dark areas. If they turn yellow or dark, follow these steps to restore the sparkle.
- Pour boiling water into an aluminum foil-lined bowl (shiny side facing up)
- Put 1 tablespoon of baking soda (you'll notice bubbles)
- Submerge the silver jewelry so it touches the aluminum foil and leave it to soak for 1 to 5 minutes, depending on the level of tarnishing
- Remove the jewelry with a spoon or a pair of tongs
- Rinse it with cool water and dry it with a microfiber cloth
The Dos and Don'ts of Cleaning Silver Jewelry
- Invest in silver cleaning cloths made of pure cotton and infused with anti-tarnish agents
- Avoid strong cleaning products like bleach and abrasives
- Only use baking soda and vinegar if your silver chain is tarnished
- Lemon and olive oil can also bring back the shine
- When unsure, take it to a jeweler for professional cleaning
Conclusion
Silver jewelry is in constant contact with your skin. If you don't clean it correctly, there will be some nasty consequences. Nonetheless, if you follow the guidelines in this post, you will never have to worry about your silver jewelry tarnishing. If you need help polishing and cleaning your pieces of jewelry, feel free to contact Noble House Jewelry today.
