Much like the silver your mom or grandmother showcases in her china cabinet, silver jewelry shines beautifully with a little care. But, over time, it can lose its sparkle and luster. Whether you wear your silver pieces every day or they only come out for special occasions — just like Mom’s china — knowing how to clean silver jewelry makes all the difference.
Why silver jewelry tarnishes
Silver tarnishes when it reacts with air, moisture or products like perfumes and lotions. This process, called oxidation, causes the surface of the metal to darken or dull. It’s completely natural and doesn’t mean your jewelry is irreparably damaged. Instead, that silver just needs a gentle clean to restore its shine.
How to clean silver jewelry at home
Fortunately, you can bring back the luster of your silver jewelry with a few at-home cleaning steps. In addition to cleaners purchased at your local jeweler, here are some no-fail methods to clean silver necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets:
Method 1: Soap and water, best for regular cleaning
This method works best to clean pieces you wear often, or those pieces that just need a quick and easy refresh because they’re starting to dull. You’ll need:
- A mild soap
- Warm water
- A soft cloth
Cleaning steps:
- Mix a few drops of soap into a small bowl of warm water.
- Soak the jewelry for five to 10 minutes.
- Gently rub with a soft cloth to remove dirt and oils.
- Rinse thoroughly in clean water and dry completely.
Method 2: Polishing cloth, best for light tarnish
Have a necklace with mild tarnish or that has a slightly dull sheen? A polishing cloth works well in this case. They safely remove tarnish without scratching. In a pinch, a polishing cloth also works great for touching up pieces right before wearing them.
Cleaning steps:
- Gently rub the silver surface with a clean polishing cloth.
- Focus on one small area at a time.
- Flip the cloth to a clean section as it darkens.
Method 3: Baking soda paste, best for heavy tarnish
When tarnish becomes stubborn, a baking soda paste can lift it effectively while remaining gentle on the silver metal. Just be sure to apply gentle pressure, so you don’t scratch the surface. You’ll need:
- Warm water
- Baking soda
- A sponge or soft cloth
Cleaning steps:
- Mix three parts baking soda with one part water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste using a soft cloth or sponge.
- Gently rub the tarnished areas; avoid pressing too hard.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
How to clean a silver necklace
Necklaces, especially chains, can be a bit more challenging since oxidation can happen between links, any tangles, and around the clasp. To effectively get into the crevices and clean the clasps, you’ll need:
- Warm water
- Gentle soap
- A soft-bristled toothbrush
Cleaning steps:
- Make sure to loosen or work out any tangles before you begin.
- Soak the silver necklace in the warm, soapy water.
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean between the links.
- Pay special attention to the clasp.
What not to use on silver jewelry
To keep your silver jewelry shiny and lustrous, there are some things you shouldn’t use when cleaning:
- Never use harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia.
- Avoid abrasive materials such as paper towels or scrubbing pads.
- Skip the toothpaste. While it’s a popular method online, it’s too gritty and can scratch your jewelry.
How to prevent tarnish for silver
Your mom stores her silver pieces either displayed behind glass or wrapped up and safely stored away from light and moisture. Taking a similar approach will keep your silver jewelry shiny and ready for wear:
- Store your silver jewelry in airtight bags or anti-tarnish pouches. This helps limit exposure to air.
- Keep jewelry away from moisture, perfumes, and lotions, all of which speed up tarnishing.
- Wear your silver regularly. The natural oils from your skin actually help slow down oxidation.
If you’re still not sure how to clean your silver jewelry the right way, or if it needs a deeper polish after cleaning it at home, visit your local Helzberg, and we’ll be happy to professionally clean your pieces to restore their original brilliance. Also, be sure to check out our other jewelry care tips.