How to Clean Your Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver is a mixture of pure silver with around 7-8% of other metals (mostly copper). This is done to keep the accuracy of silver while making it hard enough to be used in daily styling. And this makes it a classy, timeless, and easy to style for a sophisticated look to the outfit. But even after having the most constituent of a pure silver, sometimes, it tends to turn dark, dull, or black. It is mostly because silver is sensitive when it comes to air, water, and chemicals, and it forms tarnish. 

But that’s not a thing to work because tarnishing does not mean that your silver jewelry is a waste now. It is just a surface reaction that can be removed too. And the best part is that you do not need any costly products to clean your sterling silver jewelry. Everything is there in your kitchen and you can restore your silver to what it used to be. So let’s look into how to clean it.

What is Tarnishing

Tarnish is that yellow, dark or yellowish surface coating that forms on silver over a period of time. Why does it form, then?

The prime offender is sulfur, which is naturally found in hair, certain foods (such as eggs and onions), even cosmetics (such as perfumes and skin creams). Silver and sulfur react chemically to one another and form silver sulfide, otherwise known as tarnish.

The following is responsible for speeding up tarnishing:

• Humidity – If you reside in a humid environment, your silver will tarnish faster.
• Sweat – Your body oils and your sweat also react to silver.
• Household cleaning products – Soaps, perfumes, and even some facial cleansers include chemicals that create tarnish.

But the silver lining: Tarnish is a surface reaction and not a sign that your jewelry has been damaged. You can have it cleaned back to its original condition with gentle cleaning methods. 

Home Remedies for Cleaning Silver

You don't need to purchase special silver cleaners! One of the most effective silver polishing hacks uses items you might already have in your kitchen.

The Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil Hack (A Science Experiment That Actually Works!)

This hack not only cleans silver, but dissolves tarnish through chemical reaction. Here's why:

• Line a bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up. (The aluminum is the magic that creates the reaction.)
• Fill the bowl with hot water. The hotter, the better!
• Add a tablespoon of baking soda per cup of water. You’ll see bubbles forming—that’s the reaction working!
• Put your tarnished silver in the bowl. Ensure it's in contact with the foil.
• Wait 5-10 minutes. The tarnish will begin to transfer from your jewelry to the foil.
• Rinse in water and gently pat dry with a soft cloth. Your jewelry will now be sparkling and shiny!
• This trick works best on chains, sterling silver rings, and small very tarnished silver pieces.

The Toothpaste Trick (But Make a Clever Choice!)

Toothpaste is actually fairly mildly abrasive, and thus perfectly good for polishing silver. But don't use all varieties!

Steer clear of whitening, gel, and extra-fluoride toothpastes, which contain chemicals that will destroy your jewelry. Old-fashioned white toothpaste is the way to go.

How to do it:

• Put a little toothpaste on a soft cloth or toothbrush.
• Gently rub silver jewelry in a small circle.
• Rinse well in water.
• Dry with a soft cloth.
• This is okay for light tarnish and buffing but don't use this on sensitive pieces or antique silver.

Vinegar and Baking Soda for The Fizzing Miracle

This is the method for you if you're working with seriously heavy tarnish on your silver. It really works well, but it's kind of messy.

What you'll need:

½ cup white vinegar

2 tablespoons baking soda

How to do it:

• Combine the vinegar and the baking soda in a bowl (it will fizz).
• Soak your silver jewelry in it.
• Soak for 2-3 hours (yes, really!).
• Clean with and dry with a soft cloth.
• This is most effective on heavy tarnish and big pieces of sterling silver necklaces.

Store-Bought Silver Cleaners: Are They Worth It?

Store-bought silver cleaners are great if you have to do this under deadline. They are made to break down tarnish instantly.

Some of them contain yucky chemicals that remove protective finishes from your sterling silver earrings and other pieces of jewelry. If you have to use one, make sure:

• Read the label – Some cleaners are too harsh for antique or fragile silver.
• Wear gloves – Harsh acids are in most silver cleaners.
• Rinse well – Always rinse out any remaining residue.
• Even though these cleaners work quickly, they're not always needed, most DIY methods work just as well!

How to Clean Silver Chains (Without Getting Them All Tangled!)

Silver chains are a pain because they tangle and are a pain to clean.

Best technique? Warm, soapy water.

• Soak in warm water and mild dish soap.
• Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
• Gently brush with a soft toothbrush.
• Dry and rinse well.
• For highly tarnished, try baking soda and aluminum foil trick as outlined above.

Polishing Methods (Because Shiny Silver is the Best!)

Clean, polish, and your sterling silver anklets again!

Best polish technique

• Clean with a soft microfiber cloth or with a silver polish cloth.
• Rub in one direction, not circles (circles form micro-scratches).
• Don't use paper towels—they're too scratchy!
• Polishing not only makes silver look shiny—it slows down tarnish by forming a thin barrier layer.

Stopping Tarnish Like a Pro

Want to keep your silver from ever tarnishing? Here's the lowdown:

✔ Store silver in a sealed pouch (a Ziploc is perfect!).

✔ Add a packet of silica gel or a chalk streak to the pouch to absorb moisture.

✔ Don't subject silver to contact from lotions, perfumes, and sweat.

✔ Wear silver daily—your oils buff it!

Can You Shower in Silver Jewelry? (Should You? Most Likely Not!)

Silver won't be damaged by water itself, but soap, shampoo, and chlorinated shower water will speed up tarnishing.

Best practice? Take it off before showering. If you do happen to forget, rinse it out with clean water afterwards and dry it thoroughly.

So dig it out already, bring out that tarnished, rusty old silver jewelry and give it new life! Your silver has to sparkle.