how do i clean my silver jewellery at home?

Bringing Sparkle Back to Your Fine Silver Jewellery

In a recent story in my Instagram @clay_tulips_by_c, I asked what would you like to learn more about? Types of silver, caring for silver or cleaning silver. Well, most of the votes went to cleaning!! I am sure this would not be the case if I asked about cleaning our houses!

I am going to share with you 4 easy ways to clean your silver jewellery to get that sparkle back again.  Fine silver and sterling silver which by its very nature will tarnish overtime. Plus add in lotions, creams and other products and your jewellery will need a clean.

4 Easy Ways to Clean Your Silver Jewellery

1. Use a silver jewellery polishing cloth

Silver Microfibre Jewellery Polishing Cloth

The safest and easiest way to clean your silver jewellery is to use a silver jewellery polishing cloth. Gently rub your piece of jewellery with the cloth and you will start to see black marks on the cloth. That's okay! The polishing cloth has a special chemical on it that is wiping away the tarnish. This cloth can be used for different pieces but it doesn't like to be washed.

If you have purchased silver jewellery from me, this is the only way I clean my pieces. I add a chemical darkener or a patina to enhance details of my jewellery. If I use any other method (like the ones I discuss below) it will remove the patina.

2. Gentle dish soap, water and a baby toothbrush

If you find your silver jewellery has dirt and debris that has built up over time, then this method should help.

1.  Mix mild dish soap with water in a bowl.  
2.  Let jewellery soak in water solution for a few minutes .
3.  Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to access those tough to reach nooks and crannies.
4.  Rinse with water and wipe with a microfibre cloth. 
5.  Let you jewellery dry before putting it away.

3. Baking soda, Vinegar and Foil Home Remedy

This method is good for silver jewellery that has tarnished and once was bright and shiny!

Please read the following before cleaning your silver jewellery with this method:

• Must be sterling silver or fine silver jewellery
• No gemstones
• Must be high polished silver (with no added patina)
• Do not use on antique silver items

You will need the following: aluminum foil, baking soda, table salt, white vinegar and hot water

1. Line a dish or bowl with aluminum foil with the shiny side up. Press it into the bowl
2. Add a 1/2 cup of hot water and 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the bowl.  The hot water should be steaming. Mix together.
3. Pour 1 tbsp of salt and 1 tbsp of baking soda into the dish. Stir until dissolved. It will fizz a bit.
4. Soak the silver jewellery in the solution for 5 to 10 minutes.  Make sure each piece of jewellery touches the aluminum foil.
5. Rinse your silver jewellery in a bowl of water. Dry your jewellery with a microfibre cloth and then let it air dry for 10 minutes.​

4. Have it cleaned by a jewellery business

If you purchased your silver jewellery from a luxury brand, they usually offer free cleaning. I know that Tiffany & Co recommends bringing your jewellery back to them each year. For free they will inspect and clean it.

Silver jewellery loves to be worn! The oils from your skin help to keep the tarnish away. When you are not wearing your silver jewellery, store it in an air tight bag or box.

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below. I will be happy to answer.

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Take care and enjoy the Beauty of Nature!
​Cheryl🌷