A Guide on How to Clean Silver Jewelry

Unfortunately, we all have a tangled mass of jewelry tucked away in our drawer somewhere. Even if you manage to separate them, there is likely to be a layer of discoloration on them, making the pieces appear old and rusty. Basically, when silver is exposed to oxygen and sulfur particles in the air, a black residue (silver sulfide) forms on its surface over time. Luckily, however, you do not need to do much to restore them, beyond common pantry and household items. Mighty Dainty has prepared a short guide on how to clean silver jewelry right at home, so you can bring the shine back to your silver locket or favorite pair of earrings.  

Types of Silver Jewelry

Different finishes require different polishing methods, so it is important to first determine the composition of your silver jewelry. Silver jewelry comes in different forms: pure silver, sterling silver, or silver-plated jewelry. 

Pure silver is just that — 99.9% silver. However, it is too brittle to be only used for jewelry. Hence, it needs to be mixed with a stronger metal (typically copper, zinc, or nickel) to make it sturdier. This silver alloy is called sterling silver, which is the most common and durable type of silver used in jewelry. Silver-plated jewelry, on the other hand, features a thin layer of silver coating around another metal, like copper, brass, or bronze. It is generally lightweight, and tarnishes much more easily. 

If you are not sure what kind of silver jewelry you have, you can check its markings. In the case of sterling silver jewelry, a stamp can be found on the back or clasp that says 925, 9.25, 925/1000, S/S, or Sterling 9.25. This indicates that the piece is 92.5% silver and 7.5% another metal. If there are no markings, your jewelry is most likely silver-plated. You can also do the magnet test: pure silver is not magnetic, so sterling silver jewelry will not stick to a magnet, but silver-plated jewelry will.

How to Clean Silver Jewelry 

While there are dozens of DIY methods to clean silver jewelry, the following is by far the easiest. It is also effective for both sterling silver and silver-plated pieces. You will need these items:

• Bowl
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• Toothbrush
• Soft cloth
• Polishing cloth (optional)
• Polishing cream (optional) 

Follow the step-by-step guide below:

1. Add a few drops of a gentle liquid dish soap to warm water in a small bowl. Stir until bubbles form. Let your silver jewelry soak in the solution for about 5-10 minutes.
2. Use a soft-bristle brush, such as a toothbrush, to scrub away tarnish from any crevices in the jewelry. 
3. Rinse the jewelry in a bowl of clean, warm water. If you are rinsing over the sink, use a drain catcher just in case you drop any pieces down the drain.
4. To dry and buff, gently rub the jewelry with a soft, clean cloth or a microfiber towel. Do not use a paper towel, as it can scratch the silver. 

If you are using a silver polishing cloth, just follow the directions on the packaging. Most would instruct you to scrub the pieces back and forth, instead of in a circular motion. The black tarnish will come off onto the cloth as you scrub. Work in small sections, moving to a clean area of the cloth as needed.

On the other hand, you can also use a silver polishing cream, especially for pieces with a larger surface area, such as pendant necklaces. Just rinse them with warm water, and then apply a thin layer of the polishing cream onto one surface using a soft cloth or a damp sponge (typically provided with the product). Work in small sections, rubbing the cream until the tarnish disappears. Rinse the jewelry again with warm water, and then dry with a clean, soft cloth. 

Certain strong chemicals and abrasives can damage your silver jewelry, causing scratches, tarnishing, and grime. Hence, avoid using cleaning products with strong chemicals, such as bleach. Similarly, do not reach for a hand sanitizer either, as it can be harmful to softer stones and metals, especially sterling silver. 

How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry

You can also clean sterling silver jewelry with baking soda, as it is a mildly abrasive substance that will help clear away tarnish. However, keep in mind that it can scratch other forms of silver. You will need the following items:

• Bowl
• Baking soda
• Water
• Distilled white vinegar
• Soft cloth

Follow the instructions below:

1. Mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part water to form a paste.
2. Use a soft cloth to gently apply the mixture onto your sterling silver jewelry.
3. Let the paste dry completely to remove the tarnish.
4. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with water.
5. Pat it dry with a soft cloth or microfiber towel. 

You can follow the above method using cornstarch as well. Alternatively, you can also soak your sterling silver jewelry in a bowl of distilled white vinegar with a couple of tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in it. Let it soak for around 3 hours.

Another method is to rub the jewelry with a mixture of 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of olive oil until it shines. Then rinse and dry.

An additional way to clean silver jewelry is by using the same product that lets you maintain your pearly whites: toothpaste. Just apply a small amount of diluted toothpaste to your pieces with a soft-bristle brush. Avoid using toothpaste with a whitening formula.   

How Often Should You Clean Silver Jewelry?

How often you should clean silver jewelry depends on the frequency of wear and its exposure to water and other elements. Pure silver jewelry must be cleaned at least twice a year, while sterling silver jewelry can be cleaned once a month or two, as needed.

When You Should Consider Professional Jewelry Cleaning 

Of course, the results of professional jewelry cleaning can be quite remarkable. To keep your pieces looking as good as new, you can consider professional cleaning by any reputable jeweler at least once a year — especially in the case of special keepsakes or high-value silver jewelry. These can range from basic cleaning to more extensive cleaning services, and the investment is definitely worth it. You can also consider this alternative if you feel as if cleaning jewelry at home is a tedious process. Plus, if it is done incorrectly at home, it can cause serious damage to your jewelry. 

How to Take Care of Your Silver Jewelry 

Although it is not possible to completely protect silver jewelry from air, heat, or moisture, you can still try to limit its exposure. Follow these tips to slow down the tarnishing process:

• Do not wear silver jewelry when applying makeup, hairspray, moisturizer, or perfume. In fact, it should be the last thing you put on before leaving the house, and the first thing you remove when returning home.  
• Take it off before washing hands, bathing, swimming, or doing household chores like washing the dishes or gardening. 
• Don't let the tarnish build up. Use a soft, lint-free, or microfiber cloth for a quick clean before it gets worse. 
• Store it in a cloth pouch, airtight plastic container, or plastic zip-locked bag in a cool, dry place. You can also place a piece of chalk, a packet of charcoal, or a container of silica gel with it to help remove moisture. 
• Wear your silver jewelry more often, as the natural oils in your skin can help keep its shine.