While you can always take your silver jewellery to a professional cleaner, it’s easier and more cost-effective to clean it yourself. Choosing the right silver jewellery cleaner is important, as it needs to be safe for all precious metals and stones. Some cleaners are strong and abrasive and can damage or scratch delicate jewellery. Others have a very strong odor that may be irritating to sensitive skin. In addition, some cleaners may also irritate sensitive eyes.
A silver polishing cloth can remove stubborn tarnish and restore the sparkle of your jewellery, but stronger cleaners are often needed to reach the groves or grooves on intricate pieces such as a chain. To avoid scratching your jewellery, avoid touching it with your fingers or scrubbing with a cloth. Instead, use a soft lint-free cloth and rinse thoroughly after each cleaning.
If you have a tarnished piece of silver jewellery that’s too large to polish by hand, try using a commercial solution. There are a number of solutions available, including QuickShine Jewellery Bath and Wright’s Silver Cream Cleaner. The latter is a great option for old or heavily tarnished pieces, as it leaves a protective coating that deters future tarnishing.
If you’d prefer a natural cleaner, there are many different recipes for home-made solutions that are gentle and effective. For example, you can mix baking soda and water to make a paste, then apply it to the tarnished jewellery. Alternatively, you can soak sterling silver in a bowl of white vinegar with a bit of baking soda dissolved in it. Let the jewellery soak for a few hours, then rinse and dry thoroughly.