How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewellery
Bring Back the Natural Beauty of Your Jewellery
Sterling silver naturally develops a darker appearance over time as it reacts with the air. This natural process, known as tarnishing (also referred to as oxidisation), is completely normal and can usually be removed with gentle cleaning. Tarnishing is not permanent and does not mean your jewellery has been damaged.
With the right care, you can restore your jewellery’s natural shine and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
Before You Begin
This cleaning method is suitable for plain sterling silver jewellery.
Jewellery containing delicate gemstones, pearls, opals, turquoise, coral, emeralds, or glued components may require a gentler cleaning method. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to clean these pieces with extra care or seek professional advice.
A Simple Cleaning Method I Use
One of my favourite ways to clean plain sterling silver jewellery is with a gentle homemade solution using everyday household ingredients.
You’ll Need
- A small bowl
- Lukewarm water
- A small amount of baking soda
- A drop of mild washing-up liquid
- An extra-soft bristled toothbrush
- A clean, soft, lint-free cloth
Step 1
Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a small amount of baking soda along with a drop of mild washing-up liquid. Stir gently until combined.
Step 2
Place your sterling silver jewellery into the solution and leave it to soak for approximately five minutes.
Step 3
Remove the jewellery and gently clean it using an extra-soft bristled toothbrush. Use light pressure and allow the bristles to do the work, paying particular attention to detailed areas where dirt and tarnish can collect.
Never use a hard or stiff brush, as it may scratch the surface of your sterling silver jewellery.
Step 4
Rinse thoroughly under clean running water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
Step 5
Dry thoroughly and gently polish with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth to restore the silver’s natural shine.
Things to Avoid
To help protect your sterling silver jewellery:
- Avoid using abrasive cleaning pads or hard brushes.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach.
- Do not scrub aggressively, as this may scratch the silver.
- Take extra care when cleaning jewellery set with delicate gemstones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does sterling silver tarnish?
Sterling silver naturally reacts with sulphur and moisture in the air over time. This creates a dark layer on the surface known as tarnish (oxidisation). It is a natural process and does not damage the silver.
How often should I clean my sterling silver jewellery?
This depends on how often you wear it. Regular, gentle cleaning every few months is usually enough to keep your jewellery looking its best.
Can I wear sterling silver every day?
Yes. Sterling silver is suitable for everyday wear. Removing it before swimming, showering, exercising, or using household cleaning products will help keep it in excellent condition.
Jody’s Tip
As a jewellery maker, one thing I’ve learned is that regular, gentle cleaning is the best way to care for sterling silver. Taking just a few minutes to clean your jewellery every now and then helps maintain its natural shine and prevents heavy tarnish (oxidisation) from building up over time.
