Caring for Your Sterling Silver: Natural Cleaning, Storage, Tarnish Prevention

Caring for Your Sterling Silver:
Natural Cleaning, Storage, & Tarnish Prevention

Sterling silver jewelry is an ageless eternal treasure, that adds charm and shine to any outfit. Whether it be your favorite pair of earrings, a cherished ring or necklace, each piece requires a little love and care. Over a period of time, any sterling silver jewelry gets tarnish, but with proper care techniques, you can keep them in good condition. In this article, you will get to know some natural ways of cleaning, storage and prevent tarnish on your sterling silver jewelry so it stays stunning for years to come.

Why Does Sterling Silver Jewelry Tarnish?

Before we learn to take care of your stunning sterling silver jewelry pieces, let’s talk about why tarnish happens. Your sterling silver is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of copper. When it is exposed to outside substance like air, moisture or other chemicals like perfume, lotion, or even sweat, it develops a dull and dark layer called tarnish. But, don’t worry! Its completely reversible. You just need to take proper care of sterling silver jewelry that will retain its shine and will stay bright and beautiful for longer time. 

Natural Cleaning Methods for Sterling Silver Jewelry

Taking care of your sterling silver jewelry doesn’t cost you a lot. You don’t have to require fancy products or expensive solutions to take care of them. You just have to use items that are easily available at your home to restore its shine. I will share you three easy natural methods to clean your sterling silver jewelry at home:

1. Baking Soda and Water 

It is the gentlest yet effective way of cleaning your sterling silver jewelry. Mix baking soda with a few drops of water to form a paste. Dip the jewelry pieces into the solution. You can use toothbrush to clean the dark corners of the pieces, be gentle to avoid scratching, after that wipe it with a soft cotton cloth. Your sterling silver jewelry will sparkle like new!

2. White Vinegar and Baking Soda Soak 

The jewelry with heavier tarnish, soak them in vinegar solution. Mix vinegar with baking soda, and soak the jewelry in it for few hours. This will cause fizzing action helps lift tarnish off your sterling silver jewelry. Rinse the sterling silver jewelry thoroughly and dry it with a soft cloth. Trust me, this method works wonders on delicate pieces like chains or pendants.

3. Lemon Juice and Olive Oil 

For a that instant shine, mix lemon juice with olive oil and dip your jewelry pieces into the mixture and gently rub it onto your sterling silver jewelry. The lemon juice tends to breaks down dull & dark strains, while the olive oil adds a polished finish to your sterling silver jewelry. This method is great for giving your sterling silver jewelry a fast, natural glow.

Proper Storage for Sterling Silver Jewelry

Storage plays an important role in keeping your sterling silver jewelry tarnish-free. Tarnish is tend to attract via moisture and air, so the goal is to protect your sterling silver jewelry from these elements. Have a look on some easy storage tips for your sterling silver jewelry:

Use Anti-Tarnish Bags or Cloth:

Keep your sterling silver jewelry pieces in anti-tarnish bags or wrap it with anti-tarnish cloth. This cloth is specially designed to restrain from tarnish. You can get it from any jewelry store or online as well, trust me it will be a game-changer for protecting your sterling silver jewelry.

Keep It Dry:

Remember, moisture is jewelry’s enemy. So, store them in a cool, dry place in a close container away from humid areas like bathrooms.  A jewelry box with a soft velvet lining is perfect to keep your sterling silver jewelry safe.

Separate Your Pieces:

Avoid keeping all your jewelry in one place. If al the pieces are kept together, they can get scratches by rubbing against each other. So, better use individual compartments to keep your jewelry separate thus keeping it protected.

Add Silica Gel Packets:

You must have found small sugar like packets several times in your new purses, shoeboxes, etc. You know what they are? Those are silica gel packets that absorbs moisture and keep your sterling silver jewelry tarnish-free. You can place a few in your jewelry box. 

Tarnish Prevention Tips for Sterling Silver Jewelry

Preventing tarnish is easier than cleaning, I will be telling you how to keep your sterling silver jewelry looking shiny for longer. Here are some tips to protect your sterling silver jewelry:

Wear It Often: It may be surprising, but wear your sterling silver jewelry regularly to prevent tarnish. As the natural oils from your skin acts as a protective barrier on jewelry, keeping it shiny. So, don’t be afraid and just flaunt your favorite jewelry!

Avoid Chemicals: Perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and even sunscreen can make your piece dull. Put on your sterling silver jewelry after applying these products to minimize exposure. Also, remove your sterling silver jewelry before swimming or cleaning to avoid contact with chlorine or harsh chemicals.

Clean Before Storing: Before storing your jewelry, clean it with a soft cotton cloth to remove the oils, sweat or any minor dirt present on it. This simple step can go a long way in preventing it from tarnish.

Use Anti-Tarnish Strips: Anti-tarnish strips absorb tarnish-causing chemicals in the air. They come in a small piece of paper. You can place them in your jewelry box with your sterling silver jewelry. 

A Little Love Goes a Long Way

Caring for your favorite sterling silver jewelry pieces should not be a complex case. Use home remedies for cleaning and storage of your jewelry, so it will shine as fresh as new one. So, from now on don’t stress out about your silver pieces, just flaunt them with confidence.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) Does 925 silver turn black?

Wearing sterling silver jewelry for long period of time on body may gradually dulls or darkens its shine, because of natural body oils sticking to your jewelry constantly.

2) Does toothpaste clean silver?

Yes, using toothpaste is a good option as it can be used to clean and polish silver and also its mild abrasives help remove tarnish from jewelry.

3) How long does sterling silver stay shiny?

It begins to tarnish anywhere from 2 months to 3 years, but taking care of them after every use will prevent it from making it dull, allowing it to retain its shine for longer period of time.

4) What not to clean sterling silver with?

To preserve your sterling silver, avoid exposure to household cleaning products, bleach and other strong chemicals.

5) How to clean silver without polishing?

Wash with warm water and dish soap and dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.