Sterling Silver Jewelry Cleaner: How to Clean Your Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Jewelry Cleaner: How to Clean Your Sterling Silver

Are you wanting to clean up your sterling silvery jewelry? Check out how to get your hands on the best sterling silver jewelry cleaner options.

Keyword(s): sterling silver jewelry cleaner

Fast fashion has made for a speedy turnover in our apparel and even speedier in our jewelry collections. 

Poor quality trinkets and accessories feel more like disposable jewelry from fast-fashion retailers.

If you are ready to upgrade your jewelry collection and begin acquiring some timeless, high-quality pieces, you will need to know how to take care of them. Sterling silver is beautiful, versatile, and can last you a long time - if you know how to treat it. 

Getting your sterling silver jewelry cleaner and shinier than ever might be easier than you think. 

Keep reading to find out what you need to bring shine and sparkle back in your silver. 

Quick Tips for Sterling Silver Jewelry Care  

Sterling silver is a great nickel-free metal for jewelry because it is hypoallergenic. It is used for piercings and accessories because it is safe to use with its silver and copper combination.

Before we get into the details of cleaning your sterling silver jewelry, here are some rules for general maintenance. 

Silver becomes tarnished after it has been exposed to heat, air, or moisture. It may not be possible to completely avoid the elements to protect your favorite pieces but these tips can help you maintain their shine. 

• Store jewelry in a dark, place and use anti-tarnish bags 
• Ensure the temperature is cool and limit the humidity 
• Use a piece of chalk or bag of charcoal to help absorb moisture 
• Avoiding exposing jewelry to extra moisture by leaving it in the bathroom 
• Do not wear jewelry while swimming, bathing, or washing dishes 
• Put on your jewelry only after you've used lotions and perfumes  

You may be surprised to know that actually wearing your silver is one of the best ways to keep it from tarnishing. The friction created while you wear your silver keeps it shiny. 

So, if your partner is waiting for a special occasion to wear their sterling silver men's jewelry, encourage them to wear their pieces daily. 

How to Get Your Sterling Silver Jewelry Cleaner Than Ever 

If your silver has started to tarnish or lose its shine, there are many ways to clean it. You will also be happy to know that you likely carry all of these household silver cleaning items already. 

Clean Sterling Silver Using Toothpaste 

You may have heard of this one before. Toothpaste is a classic solution to silver cleaning. Yes, we know that toothpaste is meant to clean your teeth but it's also great for polishing your favorite silver pieces. 

Polish the Silver 

You can use regular or organic toothpaste to prepare. You want to use a soft cloth so that you don't scratch the silver while you polish it. Place a small amount of toothpaste onto the cloth and buff for a few minutes. 

Rinse and Dry 

Use warm water to rinse the silver, ensuring that all of the excess toothpaste has been washed away. Use a clean dry cloth to pat the silver dry. 

Clean Sterling Silver With Vinegar 

Vinegar is a great, organic alternative to household cleaners. It's non-toxic, easy to make at home, and safe for everyone in the family to use. 

Use a Liner 

Before you begin cleaning your sterling silver with vinegar, line a baking pan with aluminum foil. You want to make sure that the foil is placed with the shiny side up. 

Boil the Contents 

Mix one part vinegar with four parts water and pour the solution onto the baking pan. When the solution is boiling, place silver onto the pan and let sit for five minutes. 

Dry the Silver

Rinse the silver pieces with water and use a clean towel to dry off excess water. Ensure that you store your silver somewhere cool and dark, away from moisture. 

Clean Sterling Silver With Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is one of the lesser-known silver cleaning solutions. It can be used to remove spots, smudges, or tarnishing. This is also a great way to disinfect sterling silver body jewelry.

The chemicals in rubbing alcohol can be damaging to certain metals and gemstones like emeralds and opals. Be cautious if your silver has accents or adornments that are made up of precious metals. 

Mix the Solution 

Using a clean bowl, pour in four parts water and one part rubbing alcohol. You can also use a plastic container for the solution.  

Buff the Silver 

Using a clean and damp towel, polish the silver gently. Ensure to focus on areas that have smudging and discoloration, as they will need more attention.

Wash and Dry

Use a microfiber towel to pat the silver dry. By now, your silver should be shiny and sparkly. It is ready for use or ready to be stored safely until you are ready to use it. 

Clean Sterling Silver With Dish Soap 

One of the easiest ways to clean your silver is simply using water and dish soap.

If you have some sterling silver women's jewelry that is delicate, this is a great cleaning option. It is also meant for pieces that have dulled but are not badly tarnished. 

Now we must reiterate - never try to clean your silver in the dishwasher. 

Hot Water and Suds

Mix dish soap with hot or warm water. Use a microfiber cloth to dip into the sudsy solution and rub the silver with the cloth.

Buff and Dry 

Rinse the silver with cold water and pat dry with a clean, dry towel. Here you can buff once more when the silver has dried. 

The Bottom Line on Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewelry

Keeping your silver clean and shiny is easy with these handy tips. Simply using vinegar, toothpaste, dish soap, or rubbing alcohol, you can get your sterling silver jewelry cleaner and shinier. Best of all, with regular use, you can keep your silver clean and avoid tarnish. 

Shining, shimmering, splendid.  

For more beautiful sterling silver pieces, check out our website for exclusive collections.