Caring for Sterling Silver

Here are some great natural cleaning methods for your sterling silver …

Water and Baking Soda Method

You will need 2 parts water to 1 part baking soda (use a bit more water if the jewelry has delicate features). Stir into a paste. Use an old toothbrush or cleaning wand to apply this DIY cleaner in gentle motions and movements. 

Dish Liquid and Water

No fancy cleaning methods needed for this option. Simply rinse the jewelry off in the same way you would clean your own hands. 

Salt Water Method

Line a cooking pan or large dinner plate with a sheet of aluminum foil. Place each piece of jewelry directly on the foil. 

Combine 1 cup of boiling water with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of baking soda together. Pour the mixture into the pan or large dinner plate. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the mixture.  Bubbles will surface! Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes (use a spoon if needed for stirring). Rinse in cool water and dry off with a microfiber cloth.

There are also products on the market to clean the tarnish, from silver polish to cloth.  Friendly reminder that sterling silver manufacturers do not recommend the use of silver inside the shower, in pools, ocean, inside a sauna or a hot tub.  Humidity and moisture can also make tarnish appear faster.  The high chlorine content can hasten the development of tarnish thus tarnishing the silver.  Keep all sterling silver and precious gemstones away from chlorine bleach and all household cleaners as these will cause damage.  As they say, the more you wear it, the better!

The best way to prevent tarnishing is to store clean, dry sterling silver in a dry airtight container or Ziploc bag.  An anti-tarnish strip can be put in the container or Ziploc bag which helps to absorb tarnish-causing elements.   After taking off your sterling silver jewelry, clean it with a dry 100% cotton (nub free) soft cloth before putting away.  General rule … your sterling silver jewelry should be the last thing put on before leaving the house and the first thing removed when returning home.  Reminder – sterling silver is quite a soft metal and can be scratched if it is rubbed too briskly.  Paper and coarse fabrics often contain wood fibers or synthetics that can cause scratches in the surface.