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Silver jewellery is an excellent accessory that people wear for styling. While it may be timeless, elegant, and versatile, it is also prone to tarnish. You never know, over time, your once-sparkling silver rings, necklaces, and bracelets may darken or lose their shine due to exposure to air, moisture, oils, and even skin pH.
However, by knowing how to clean your silver jewellery, one can revive the original shine of their whole collection. In this blog, you'll get to explore everything about cleaning your silver jewellery, from easy methods, dos and don'ts, and essential tips to keep the jewellery clean.
One must be compelled to think, "How does silver jewellery tarnish?". Being aware of it before learning how to clean your silver jewellery is essential.
Tarnish is a natural chemical reaction that occurs when metals like silver, aluminium, and brass react with sulfur-containing substances in the air. With the passage of time, this creates a dark layer called silver sulfide. Here's the breakdown of common causes that speed up tarnishing:
When silver is exposed to air, it reacts with oxygen to form oxides, leading to dullness. Moreover, higher humidity increases the rate of tarnishing because water acts as an electrolyte.
Sweat contains salt, lactic acid, urea, and amino acids. When they come into contact with silver, they create a thin, reactive film, speeding up chemical reactions that lead to tarnish.
Beauty products contain sulfur compounds, alcohol, acetone, and chlorides that directly react with silver, leaving residue that attracts moisture and pollutants.
Onions and eggs release sulfur compounds. Chloride ions in salt break down passive oxide layers on silver. Exposing silver to them enhances nothing but the tarnishing process.
Bleach contains chlorine, detergents contain sulfates, and air fresheners contain chlorine compounds. These chemicals directly oxidise metals, making them more prone to tarnishing.
If you want to know how to clean your silver jewellery effectively, then understanding the different types of silver jewellery is also crucial. It's because each silver type affects the methods and techniques it should be cleaned and maintained. Here is a breakdown of the three main types:
Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. The "925" stamp confirms its authenticity. It is too soft for durable jewellery, so copper is added to make it hard. It tarnishes faster than fine silver due to the presence of copper.
It is 99.9% pure silver, with minimal alloys. It is rarely used in jewellery because it's too soft for most designs. It tarnishes more slowly than sterling silver because it doesn't have copper. Moreover, it is easily scratched, bent, or dented.
It contains a thin layer of sterling silver electroplated over a base metal. It is commonly used in costume jewellery and affordable fashion pieces. It tarnishes faster than solid silver because the base metal can react easily beneath the plating.
Above, we have thoroughly discussed the culprits of silver tarnishing and the types of silver jewellery. Now, it's time to answer the looming question, "How to clean your silver jewellery?".
For that purpose, we'll check out five different methods of cleaning your silver jewellery at home, such as:
The first method of cleaning silver jewellery is using soap and water. It is best for light tarnish or daily maintenance. To execute this method, what you need is a mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft cloth or microfiber towel.
Follow these essential steps to clean your silver jewellery efficiently:
Step 1:Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water.
Step 2:Soak the silver jewellery for 5-10 minutes. Don't soak more than that, as it can weaken the plating.
Step 3:Gently rub the jewellery with a soft cloth or use your fingers.
Step 4:Rinse the rubbed jewellery thoroughly in clean water.
Step 5:Clear the cleaned jewellery with a microfiber towel.
The second method is by using baking soda and water paste. It is ideal for removing moderate tarnish on sterling silver. Remember, it is not suitable for soft gemstones or silver-plated jewellery.
To clean your silver jewellery by this method, you need baking soda, warm water, and a soft toothbrush or cloth. Follow the given steps thoroughly:
Step 1:Make a paste by mixing two parts baking soda with 1 part water.
Step 2:Apply the paste to your silver jewellery.
Step 3:Gently rub the jewellery with a soft toothbrush or cloth in a circular motion.
Step 4:Rinse off the jewellery with warm water.
Step 5:Dry your cleaned jewellery with a lint-free cloth.
If you want to clean heavy tarnish off your silver jewellery, this method is a perfect choice. However, it is not recommended for delicate or antique jewellery.
All you need is ½ cup of white vinegar, two tablespoons of baking soda, and a small bowl. Execute this method effectively by following the steps below:
Step 1:Combine vinegar and baking soda in a bowl.
Step 2:Place your silver jewellery in the solution.
Step 3:Soak the jewellery for 2-3 hours.
Step 4:Rinse the jewellery well with water.
Step 5:Lastly, dry your jewellery off with a soft, clean cloth.
This method of cleaning is suitable only in the case of deep tarnish on solid silver items. This method involves a chemical reaction to reverse tarnish. As the silver sulfide transfers to the aluminium, it reveals clean silver.
The things you require are aluminium foil, a glass-breaking dish or bowl, hot water, one tablespoon of baking soda per cup of water, and tongs. Here are the essential steps you must follow:
Step 1:Line your dish with aluminium foil, with the shiny side up.
Step 2:Add hot water and baking soda to the dish.
Step 3:Submerge your silver jewellery so it touches the foil.
Step 4:Wait for 2-5 minutes. A sulfuric smell will indicate that it's working.
Step 5:Remove the jewellery with tongs, rinse, and dry.
The last method of cleaning silver jewellery at home is by using commercial silver polish. It is a professional-level cleaning for long-term shine and sparkle.
For this method, you need a silver polish cream or liquid (Wright's, Goddard's, or Weiman) and a soft cloth. Follow the product’s instructions and avoid using it on oxidised or antique silver jewellery. Follow these essential steps:
Step 1:Apply a small amount of polish to jewellery with a cloth.
Step 2:Rub gently using long, back-and-forth strokes.
Step 3:Buff until the tarnish is gone.
Step 4:Rinse (if instructed) and dry thoroughly.
Some silver jewellery also contains gemstones, such as pearls, turquoise, or opals. So, when cleaning them, one must be extra careful, as many cleaning agents can damage gemstones. Follow these steps to clean gemstone jewellery efficiently:
Step 1:Only use a soft, damp cloth. Avoid submerging or scrubbing.
Step 2:Avoid using vinegar, baking soda, and commercial polishes unless they are safe for use.
Step 3:Store gemstone jewellery separately and keep it away from moisture.
Follow these essential tips to keep your silver jewellery clean:
The first and most appalling tip to keep silver jewellery clean is to wear it often. When you wear your jewellery often, the natural oils in your skin slow down the oxidation process, helping prevent tarnish.
The next tip is to remove your jewellery before engaging in different activities. For instance, swimming pools contain chlorine, and sweat during exercise accelerates tarnishing. Additionally, cleaning with harsh chemicals can also impact jewellery.
Another important tip is to apply beauty products first before wearing your silver jewellery. When you put lotion, perfume, and makeup after wearing jewellery, they can stick to it and dull it exponentially.
To keep your silver jewellery in good shape, it is also essential to wipe it after every use. Use a soft cloth to wipe around the jewellery items to remove oils and residues left on your skin.
Do you know there's another effective method to avoid tarnish? It is proper storage. Storing at the right place for the right amount of time can significantly keep your silver jewellery clean. Here are the dos and don'ts of storing silver jewellery:
Use anti-tarnish bags or cloths to store jewellery.
You can also use airtight containers with silica gel packs.
Put the jewellery inside soft pouches to prevent scratching.
Leaving silver out in humid areas, such as bathrooms.
Storing multiple items together without packing.
Using paper towels or tissues for wiping the jewellery.
Many silver jewellery pieces can be maintained at home; however, some might require expert care to avoid irreversible damage. Here are the different cases that are an indication that you need a professional jeweller immediately:
Why professional help in this case is important is that it may require electrolytic or ultrasound cleaning, which can't be safely done at home.
Old, worn, and tarnished pieces can reduce their historical and monetary worth. However, jewellers use advanced methods to keep the significance intact.
Acids can etch organic gems, soft stones, and porous stones and lead to cracks or discolouration. Jewellers handle them effectively using solvent-free solutions.
In this case, a professional jeweller cleans the oxidised areas without disturbing the contrast and design. On the other hand, DIY cleaning can cause damage.
If the jewellery metals are unknown, professional jewellers test them before initiating the cleaning process. They use non-reactive solutions for mixed metals.
If you don't want to engage with harsh chemicals and materials, then here are some eco-friendly methods that you can use to clean your silver jewellery efficiently:
Banana peels contain potassium, natural enzymes, and gentle acids that help dissolve tarnish.
Mild toothpaste, such as white and non-gel, also acts as a gentle polish for cleaning silver jewellery.
Citric acid in lemon juice breaks down tarnish. However, olive oil slows future tarnishing by adding a protective layer.
|
Method |
Best For |
Precaution |
|
Soap & Water |
Light tarnish |
Avoid soaking dedicated pieces |
|
Baking Soda Paste |
Moderate tarnish |
Don't use on silver-plated or soft stones |
|
Vinegar + Baking Soda |
Heavy tarnish |
Avoid it on antique jewellery |
|
Aluminium Foil Bath |
Deep tarnish |
Solid silver only |
|
Commercial Polish |
High shine |
Follow label instructions |
|
Damp Cloth (for Gemstones) |
Mixed materials |
No submerging or harsh products |
You should lightly clean your silver jewellery every 1-2 weeks. It will significantly keep the tarnish at bay.
Yes, but only if it's a non-gel, non-whitening, non-abrasive formula. However, this method can scratch soft silver and should be used sparingly.
No. Water, soap, and shampoo can dull your jewellery to a great extent, accelerating tarnishing over time. If it gets wet, dry it thoroughly.
Use a soft toothbrush with a baking soda paste or soap solution. For deep cleaning, ultrasonic cleaners or professional services are most effective.
Look for the "925" or "Sterling" stamp. Moreover, you can test with a magnet or get it verified at a jewellery store.