How To Clean Tarnished Silver Jewelry

It is understandable to be in love with silver jewelry, with all its magnificence and adaptability. However, many of us are guilty of not maintaining the condition of our treasured beautiful pieces of silver jewelry for a plain reason: tarnish. When silver is exposed to oxygen, it will start to look discolored or dirty. Nobody wants that.

Fortunately, cleaning your tarnished silver jewelry can be as easy as washing your dishes! Here, we are going to give you some ultimate tips and tricks to care for your silver jewelry. With this guide, you will be able to start wearing your beautiful jewelry pieces again!

Polishing

When the tarnishing is not serious, simply polishing them is a great method. As silver is a soft metal and is more prone to scratches, a special silver cloth or any soft nonabrasive cloth can be used to polish your jewelry. Be careful not to use paper towels or tissue as they can scratch the silver.

When you are polishing, mirror the grain of the silver by using long back-and-forth movements. Rubbing it in circles will enlarge any small scratches there is. To avoid rubbing tarnish back onto the silver, do remember to use different parts of the cloth regularly.

Professional Care

For severe cases where the silver pieces are tarnished to a great degree, a professional silver cleaner is the best option.

Homemade Silver Cleaner

When the polishing cloth is not sufficient to remove the tarnished surface, you can make your own silver cleaner using simple ingredients you have at home. Do note that not all types of silver jewelry are compatible with silver cleaners. For instance, do not use silver cleaners on jewelry that has been oxidized-the polishing cloth works better for that.

After using the cleaners, remember to rinse the silver under running water or a clean, damp cloth. As polish can get stuck and solidify in small nooks, this is especially important for items which are detailed or etched. Dry the jewelry pieces using a microfiber cloth at the end so as to avoid the formation of white water spot stains.

• Soap and water: The first line of defense should be warm water and a mild dishwashing soap.
• Baking soda and water: Mix baking soda and water and use a cloth to spread a small-sized amount to the silver and polish.
• White vinegar and baking soda: You can use this gentle cleaner to get rid of heavy tarnish. Start by making a solution of ½ cup white vinegar and 2 tbsp. of baking soda. Soak your jewelry in it for two to three hours, before rinsing and drying it.

Now that you know all these tips and tricks, cleaning your tarnished silver jewelry will be a breeze! You no longer have to worry about having to get rid of tarnished pieces of jewelry.

Charles Kevin

Charles Kevin doesn't just write about diamonds and gemstones; he brings their stories to life. His passion for storytelling and the fascinating world of gemstones has shaped his career as a writer. But it's not just about the sparkle and glamour; it's about his ability to translate complex gemological knowledge into concise, accessible writings that bring him joy.