How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry

It's normal for your sterling silver jewelry pieces to become tarnished and discolored. However, you can restore their beauty easily. Follow these steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Polishing cloth
• Sterling silver cleaner
• Air-tight, sealable plastic bag

1. Polish your jewelry with a soft cloth. If your jewelry has become slightly tarnished, attempt to polish it with a cloth made of cotton. Using any other type of fabric as a polishing cloth may damage your jewelry. Any dirt that is remaining on your jewelry from previous attempts at cleaning can scratch your piece of jewelry. When polishing, rub your jewelry with straight, direct strokes. You will likely scratch your jewelry is you use circular motions.

2. Use a cleaner to remove stubborn tarnish. While it is possible to use baking soda or toothpaste to clean your jewelry, it is not recommended. The first recommended cleaner is a trusted sterling silver cleaner. However, a home substitute can be used by combining one half cup of warm water and a small bit of mild liquid detergent. A soft brush may be used to apply the cleaner and to scrub hard to reach areas.

3. Store your jewelry. Once dry, store your sterling silver jewelry in an air tight plastic bag. If this isn't possible, store your jewelry in a velvet lined jewelry box, away from jewelry of other metals.

Tips & Warnings

• A scrap from a soft, cotton t-shirt makes an excellent polishing cloth.
• A worn out toothbrush is appropriate to use on your jewelry.
• By wearing your jewelry regularly, you can reduce the amount of tarnish your jewelry acquires. The oils in your skin naturally repel tarnish.
• Don't store your sterling silver jewelry alongside jewelry of other metals. It can cause your silver jewelry to discolor and tarnish more quickly.
• Remove your sterling silver jewelry when using any chemicals containing acetone, turpentine, bleach, alcohol or ammonia.