How to Clean Silver Jewelry

For anyone who owns silver jewelry, it is important to know how to clean silver. Silver will tarnish on its own over time, especially in more humid climates. However, it is not only possible, but cheap and convenient, to clean your own silver jewelry in your own home. Many methods that involve scrubbing, polishing, or abrasive materials will remove silver along with tarnish, no matter how carefully they are performed. With this method, however, you will only remove tarnish, leaving your silver as good as new.

Step 1 - Planning

It's important to note that not all silver jewelry can be cleaned using this method. Turquoise, opals, lapis and amber should not be soaked in any solution whatsoever. Emeralds are breakable and can be weakened by being soaked. Also, silver that has a layer of lacquer or tarnish shield can be superficially damaged, especially if the outer layer has worn off and the mixture you soak it in works its way between the silver and  the coating. This will make your jewelry ugly, and will be more or less unfixable.

Additionally, this method will remove all tarnish, including ones that are placed intentionally.

Because of this, you should figure out every item that is part of your jewelry, and make sure that soaking will not damage it or lower its quality. If your silver can be soaked safely, continue. Otherwise, you will need to polish it by hand. Silver is soft and can scratch easily, so use a microfiber cloth or chamois leather.

Step 2 - Preparing

Heat up some water in your pot. Stir in your salt and at least 1 cup of baking soda. Use enough salt so that it takes a few minutes to dissolve — you can keep adding more if it dissolves quickly.

While you are waiting for the salt and baking soda to dissolve, line your pan with aluminum foil. Place your jewelry on top of the aluminum. It is very important that your jewelry and the aluminum stay in contact with each other throughout the process. Do not heat the pan.

Step 3 - Soaking

Once your water is hot, and your salt and baking soda are dissolved, empty the pot's contents into your pan. Make sure your silver stays in contact with your aluminum foil. As long as the mixture is in place, and your jewelry stays where you put it, your job is done — all you have to do now is sit back, wait, and watch the tarnish disappear.

Step 4 - Finishing Up

Once the tarnish is gone, remove your jewelry and empty out the water. Rinse your silver off with clean water. Then, dry off your jewelry immediately with your microfiber cloth. Pat it dry; don't scrub it.

Now that your silver is clean, you should maintain it regularly to keep it that way. You can also store silver in individual plastic bags. This will protect against scratches, and it will also prevent a certain amount of tarnishing by keeping air and moisture off of your silver.