If you are a jewellery lover, pure silver may be one of your choices for everyday wear and special occasions. Put it on and you are ready to go.
However, have you ever opened your jewellery box only to find your beloved silver necklace dirty and discolored? The stain is harmless, but it might make you want to wear something else.
Fortunately, you can save your favourite jewellery with a few easy cleaning methods. Keep reading to find out how to clean pure silver.
Make Sure It’s Sterling Silver
Before you can clean sterling properly, you must have the ability to do it recognize it. If it has a marking that says 925, it’s pure silver. You can even tell if sterling is heavily tarnished or sounds high-pitched when you tap it.
Sterling silver is an alloy, which means it’s a combination of several metals. The most common type of jewellery is 92.5% silver alloyed with copper and sometimes nickel. This extra metal makes sterling silver stronger and more scratch-resistant, but it also makes it easier to tarnish.
Polish and Wash
If your jewellery is sterling, you can try polishing it first. Use a microfiber cloth or a cloth made particularly for silver. Use side-to-side motions in the direction of the fibers.
If that does not remove much of the stain, you can use soap and water. Fill a glass with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap or baby soap. Let your jewellery soak in the water for five minutes, then brush with a clean toothbrush.
Then, use a soft microfiber cloth (the same cloth you use for polishing) to dry the jewellery. This method is quite safe for fine jewellery or fine silver.
Try a Commercial Silver Cleaner
For a fast way to clean silver, you can try cleaning solutions specifically formulated for silver. You can normally find this cleanser at most drugstores, but bear in mind that it has a really strong odor.
Be sure to read the instructions on the jar first, but often you will be dipping your jewellery in the cleaner for a couple of minutes.
How to Clean Sterling Silver with Pantry Staples
You can even try several at-home cleaning methods to remove stains. Regardless of which method you choose, finish by rinsing and drying the jewellery with a soft cloth.
One way is to make a thick paste of two tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of water. Rub the paste on your jewellery, rinse it, and use a soft cloth to dry it.
Another way is to combine a teaspoon of olive oil and half a cup of lemon juice. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and rub it over the jewellery.
You can even mix two tablespoons of baking soda with half a cup of vinegar. Soak your silver for a few hours, then rinse and dry.
Restore Your Silver Jewelry Now
With the right cleaning products and care, you can restore the luster of your sterling silver jewellery. Once you understand how to clean sterling silver, it will look great for years to come.
To stay stain free, wear your sterling often and store it in a dry place out of reach
sunlight. It’s best to skip silver if you are going swimming or cleaning with chemicals.
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