HOW TO CLEAN SILVER JEWELRY AT HOME
Here's a list of what you'll learn in this post:
- Cleaning methods:
A. The water+soap method
B. How to clean silver with baking soda:
C. Olive oil+lemon juice-the soaking method
D. Olive oil+lemon juice-the tabbing method
E. The white vinegar+baking soda method
- Cleaning mistakes to avoid
- How to prevent silver From tarnishing
CLEANING METHODS:
WATER + SOAP
How to Clean Silver with Baking Soda:
STEP 1. Soak the sterling silver pieces in warm water and 1tbspn all-natural dish soap. Add baking soda to the mix if your jewelry is especially dirty.
OLIVE OIL+LEMON JUICE-THE SOAKING METHOD
OLIVE OIL+LEMON JUICE-THE TABBING METHOD
WHITE VINEGAR+BAKING SODA
MISTAKES TO AVOID:
Many people believe you can most effectively remove the tarnish on sterling jewelry with a product marketed as silver polish, cleaner, or dip. In actuality, if you don't know what you're doing, harsh chemical products like these might destroy your silver jewelry! Read on for a list of common cleaning mistakes like just this.
1. Boiling Water
Some people think boiling water mimics the ultrasonic cleaners used in jewelry stores, but this is false. Ultrasonic cleaners utilize high-frequency sound waves and heat to remove dirt from hard-to-reach places. The heating temperature in an ultrasonic cleaner is controlled and will never reach the boiling point of 212°F.
Boiling water can cause damage to your gemstones, and not only that, the extreme heat will affect the metal. When metal heats up, it may expand and cause loose gemstones to fall from their settings. When a gem is first placed into boiling water and then rinsed with cold water, the stone may experience thermal shock, causing it to fracture or split.
5. Commercial Cleaners
8. Rubbing the Wrong Way
Many think polishing is the key to removing tarnish from silver jewelry. The problem is, if you don't know how to polish correctly, you can actually damage your jewelry. For example, when polishing silver jewelry, use a soft, lint-free cloth and gently rub in a circular motion. Don't rub the jewelry back and forth, as this can wear away the metal.
HOW TO PREVENT SILVER TARNISH:
CONCLUSION
Keeping your silver jewelry shining and looking its best isn't difficult when you know the right steps. While there are a few cleaning methods that can be used to clean silver jewelry, it's best to avoid harsh chemicals and stick with natural cleaning solutions like warm water, mild soap, and baking soda. Additionally, make sure to keep your jewelry away from sulfur-containing compounds, properly store it in a cool and dry place, and use protective coatings whenever possible. With these simple tips, your silver jewelry will look like new for years to come!