How to Clean and Care for Silver and Silver Jewelry
Many things cause silver and sterling silver to tarnish, so cleaning and care can help to keep it looking its best. Benefit from the expertise of jewelers and authors who know how to clean silver successfully.
If you are cleaning silver jewelry with stones, gems, or pearls, you should research how to clean those rather than silver, as some methods could damage them.
Silver Cleaning and Care Tips from Experts
For day-to-day silver cleaning, most jewelers suggest soaking it in a simple solution of mild dish soap and warm water for 5-10 minutes, rinsing it in warm water, and drying it thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove dirt and debris after soaking.
For lightly tarnished pieces, the jewelers at Finks Jewelers suggest using white vinegar and baking soda. First, place your silver jewelry in a bowl and cover with vinegar. Next, add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and soak for several hours. Finally, rinse the silver under cold water and dry it thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth. [1]
If you have severely tarnished silver, Jewelers Mutual suggests cleaning it with Windex® and hydrogen peroxide. For the best results, combine 1/2 cup of Windex® and 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Soak your jewelry for 15-20 minutes, then brush off residue with a toothbrush. Finally, rinse it under cold water and dry thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth. [2]
To help keep your silver jewelry from tarnishing, the experts at Janvier Jewelers advise removing it before cleaning, as chlorinated water, household cleaners with sulfur, and rubber accelerates corrosion and tarnish. [3]
The chief artisan at Jade Artisans also advises avoiding humidity and sulfides in the air that also accelerate corrosion and tarnish by storing your silver jewelry in a sealed bag in a cool place away from direct sunlight. [4]
Homemade Silver Cleaning Tips from the Bookshelf
Many helpful household cleaning books have tips on cleaning silver that are fast, inexpensive, and effective. Here are a few favorites.
Linda Cobb, the author of “Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean,” suggests putting strips of aluminum foil in a large bowl and placing your silver on top. Next, cover the silver with boiling water and three tablespoons of baking soda. Let soak for ten minutes, then rinse and dry. [5]
Linda Cobb is a cleaning expert with years of experience as the owner of a cleaning and disaster restoration business dealing with the aftermath of fires and floods. Her book is a comprehensive guide to household cleaning, including tips on how to clean silver effectively.
Jeff Bredenberg, author of “2001 Amazing Cleaning Secrets,” advises cleaning silver by rubbing with a soft cloth dipped in baking soda and using a frayed toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas. Rinse well in warm water and buff dry with a soft cloth. [6]
Jeff Bredenberg has authored, co-authored, and edited over 20 titles and empowers homeowners to get things done faster, better, and cheaper.
Melodie Moore, author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Household Solutions,” suggests using white toothpaste to clean silver. Just brush it on, rinse with water, then thoroughly dry. [7]
Melodie Moore’s columns appear in The Seattle Times, The Jacksonville Journal, and First for Women magazine.
Karyn Siegel-Maier, author of “The Naturally Clean Home: 150 Super-Easy Herbal Formulas for Green Cleaning,” gives this tip for cleaning tarnished silver. Squeeze ordinary toothpaste into a small bowl and add 3 to 5 drops of peppermint or spearmint essential oil. Rub this mixture onto the silver with your fingertips, rinse well, and thoroughly hand dry. [8]
Karyn Siegel-Maier is the best-selling author of The Naturally Clean Home and a writer who specializes in herbal medicine, natural health and wellness, and green living.
Resources
- [1] Finks Jewelers – “Methods to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry.”
- [2] Jewelers Mutual – “How to Clean Silver Jewelry.“
- [3] Janvier Jewelers – “The Best Ways to Take Care of Sterling Silver Jewelry.“
- [4] Jade Artisans – “Ultimate Care Guide of Sterling Silver Jewelry: Five Tips to Effectively Preserve Your Elegant Pieces.“
- [5] Cobb, Linda. Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean: Second Edition. United States, Pocket Books, 2001.
- [6] Bredenberg, Jeff. 2,001 Amazing Cleaning Secrets. United States, Reader’s Digest, 2004.
- [7] Moore, Melodie. Complete Idiot’s Guide to Household Solutions. United States, Alpha Books, 1998.
- [8] Siegel-Maier, Karyn. The Naturally Clean Home: 150 Super-Easy Herbal Formulas for Green Cleaning. United States, Storey Publishing, LLC, 2008.
