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 photo locket or favorite pair of earrings.   

Read More: Silver-Plated vs. Sterling Silver Jewelry: What’s the Difference?

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 used alone 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. If you want to know how to clean silver jewelry properly, it is essential to understand which type of silver you are working with.

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, requiring more frequent care. When learning how to clean silver jewelry, silver-plated pieces should always be handled with a gentle touch to preserve their finish.

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. This step can help inform how to clean silver jewelry based on its authenticity.

How to Clean Silver Jewelry Pieces

While there are dozens of DIY methods for how 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 to learn how to clean silver jewelry gently and effectively:

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 will instruct you to scrub the pieces back and forth, rather than in a circular motion. The black tarnish will come off onto the cloth as you polish. Work in small sections, moving to a clean area of the cloth as needed. This is a simple and effective method if you are learning how to clean silver jewelry at home.

On the other hand, you can also use a silver polishing cream, especially for pieces with a larger surface area. 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. This method is especially useful if you are exploring how to clean silver jewelry that has become heavily tarnished.

Certain strong chemicals and abrasives can damage your silver jewelry, causing scratches, tarnishing, and grime. Hence, avoid using cleaning products with harsh ingredients, 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. 

Methods for Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewelry at Home

You can also clean sterling silver jewelry with baking soda, which is mildly abrasive and helps remove tarnish. However, note that this method is not ideal for silver-plated jewelry, as it may wear down the outer layer. When researching how to clean silver jewelry, always match the method to the metal type. 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 for how to clean silver jewelry 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.

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.

Read More: Gold or Silver? Choosing the Best Metal for Engraved Necklaces

Cleaning Silver FAQ

1. 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. 
   
   
2. How should I store silver jewelry after cleaning it?
   
   Knowing how to clean silver jewelry is only part of the equation – how you store it matters just as much. After cleaning, store each piece in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or humidity. Use anti-tarnish pouches or soft cloth bags to help prevent oxidation and keep your silver looking its best.
   
   
3. When should you consider professional jewelry cleaning?
   
   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 cleaning jewelry at home is a tedious process. Plus, if it is done incorrectly at home, it can cause serious damage to your jewelry. 
   
   
4. Can toothpaste really be used to clean silver jewelry?
   
   You may have heard of using toothpaste as a DIY method for how to clean silver jewelry, but it is not always the safest option. Toothpaste can be too abrasive and may scratch the surface of your jewelry, especially on softer metals like sterling silver. Stick to silver-specific cleaners or milder solutions to protect your pieces.
   
   
5. What should I avoid when learning how to clean silver jewelry?
   
   When learning how to clean silver jewelry, it is important to avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or alcohol-based cleaners, as these can damage the metal or any delicate detailing. You should also steer clear of abrasive tools like steel wool or rough sponges, which can leave scratches. Always choose gentle, silver-safe methods to protect the piece.