If you love and wear your silver jewelry as much as we do, odds are it may have lost a bit of the shine it once used to carry.
Silver tarnishes when it comes in contact with oxygen and sulphur. This creates that dark, “dirty” look to the jewelry. However, that tarnish is actually very easy to clean!
TIP: One way to prevent this reaction from occurring is to store your silver jewelry in air tight containers when you’re not wearing it. This will slow down the process and help keep its lustre.
Have no fear because below we have listed 5 simple and easy ways to get your silver jewelry looking good as new!
1 - SILVER POLISHING CLOTH OR POLISHING PAD
Time Length: Instant
POLISHING CLOTH:
A classic silver polishing cloth will gently remove any oils, lotions or makeup that have gotten on your jewelry. This technique is best used for any silver jewelry that needs a quick and easy clean.
Order polishing cloths here.
POLISHING PAD:
For times when you need a deeper clean, a polishing pad is a mild abrasive option that will really get in there. *This is our favourite way to clean silver because it’s a great, simple option that works well on tarnished pieces.
Order polishing pads here.
Polishing Pad Before & After:
2. KETCHUP
Time Length: 2-10 minutes (depending on how tarnished jewelry is)
You Will Need:
Ketchup
Paper towel
Toothbrush (optional for pieces with more tarnish)
Dry Cloth
This handy condiment works as a paste that will shine your silver.
Steps:
1. Squirt a small amount of ketchup on a paper towel and rub until clean. Use a soft toothbrush to help scrub if necessary.
- For more tarnished pieces, place your silver jewelry in a bowl of ketchup for 5-10 minutes max. (Add 1/2 cup of vinegar if you need a little more oomph).
2. Rinse in warm water and dry completely.
3. GENTLE DISH DETERGENT
Time Length: 5-20 minutes
You will Need:
Soft toothbrush
Dish detergent (we like Dawn)
Toothbrush (optional for pieces with more tarnish)
Dry cloth
Steps:
1. Add dish detergent and warm water into a bowl. Place your silver jewelry in the bowl and let sit.
2. Depending on how dirty your pieces are, using your fingers to rub the jewelry may be enough. But if you need a deeper clean, use a soft toothbrush to help scrub any darker colour that's sticking around.
- If you need an even deeper clean, add a few drops of detergent directly to the toothbrush and gently scrub.
3. Rinse with warm water and completely dry with a cloth.
4. TOOTHPASTE
Time Length: 5 min
You will need:
Toothpaste (not gel)
Toothbrush (optional for pieces with more tarnish)
Dry towel
Steps:
1. Put a small amount of toothpaste on your finger or directly onto the jewelry piece you wish to clean. Rub gently with your finger (or a soft cloth) until you notice it start to shine - use a soft toothbrush if it needs extra cleaning.
2. Rinse with warm water and dry completely with a towel.
- For a more thorough clean let it sit in 1/2 cup of vinegar for 5-10 min after you rinse off the toothpaste.
- Rinse again and dry.
*I did need to use a polishing cloth after the toothpaste to get a bit of shine back.
5. ALUMINUM FOIL METHOD
Time Length: 5-20 minutes, depending on how tarnished the jewelry is.
This is a great option if you want to clean several pieces at once!
You Will Need:
Flat pan (glass or pyrex work best)
Aluminum foil
Baking Soda
Hot water (not boiling)
Bowl of cold or room temperature water (for rinsing)
Towel
Steps:
1. Line your pan with aluminum foil and place your silver jewelry laying flat on the bottom of the pan.
2. Make sure all pieces are touching the aluminum foil and remove any stones or other types of metal other than silver from your pieces you wish to clean.
3. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda, coating your jewelry and the bottom of the pan.
4. Pour just enough hot water in to cover jewelry pieces. You should notice a bit of bubbling occurring when the water hits the baking soda.
6. Rinse well and then place on a towel and dry the jewelry completely as moisture causes tarnish to develop more rapidly.
*INSIDER TIP* If the black comes out of your hand-stamped pieces while cleaning, colour it in with a black Sharpie and rub away the excess with paper towel and rubbing alcohol.
Let us know in the comments below your favourite home remedy for cleaning your silver jewelry!
