how to clean sterling silver

Question

There are a couple of ways to clean tarnished sterling silver at home, depending on the severity of the tarnish and the supplies you have on hand.

Answer 1

Here are two popular methods:

Using baking soda and aluminum foil:

1. Line a bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up.
2. Add a layer of baking soda to the bowl.
3. Place your sterling silver jewelry on top of the baking soda.
4. Pour boiling water over the jewelry, making sure all the pieces are submerged. The mixture will fizz as it reacts with the tarnish.
5. Let the jewelry soak for 5-10 minutes, or longer for heavily tarnished pieces.
6. Rinse the jewelry with clean water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Using dish soap and water:

1. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.
2. Submerge your sterling silver jewelry in the soapy water.
3. Let the jewelry soak for 10-15 minutes.
4. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub any tarnish from the crevices of the jewelry.
5. Rinse the jewelry with clean water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Here are some additional tips for cleaning sterling silver:

• Don't use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the silver.
• Avoid using toothpaste to clean your silver, as it can scratch the surface.
• If your sterling silver jewelry has gemstones, pearls, or other delicate materials, you may want to consult a professional jeweler for cleaning.
• To prevent tarnishing, store your sterling silver jewelry in a cool, dry place in an anti-tarnish pouch or airtight container.