How to Clean Silver Jewelry: The Best Ways to Clean and Prevent Tarnish

The best way to clean silver jewelry at home is by using what we call the Light Wash method. This simple solution only requires common household items and a minimal amount of time.

The Light Wash method:

1. In a clean bowl or dish, combine 1 tsp of mild dishwashing soap of your choice with 1 cup of warm water.
    

2. Wait until the dish soap is fully dissolved, then place your jewelry into the bowl.
   
   

3. Let your silver jewelry soak for 15-30 minutes.
    

4. Gently remove the silver and then lightly scrub with a soft, microfiber cloth until clean.
    

5. Rinse off your silver jewelry with clean, room-temperature water then let dry on a clean, soft cloth. 

The Light Wash method, detailed above, is the best way to clean silver jewelry at home. Not only is it easy, but it also doesn’t use any abrasive ingredients that could potentially damage your silver.

If possible, avoid using baking soda to clean silver jewelry. Baking soda is typically too abrasive for silver and it can cause damage or scratches to the metal.

While silver is an incredibly popular, quality metal, all real silver will tarnish over time. Thankfully, you can clean tarnished silver jewelry and restore it to its original beauty.

The best way to clean tarnished silver jewelry at home is by using what we call the Medium Wash method:
 

1. In a shallow bowl, mix ½ cup white vinegar, or witch hazel, with 3 drops of lemon essential oil.
    

2. Gently place your jewelry in the bowl.
    

3. Let the silver soak for five minutes. If it still looks dirty, carefully wipe it with a soft, microfiber cloth.
    

4. Rinse the silver with lukewarm water, then let dry on a soft and clean towel. 

Tarnished silver jewelry can usually be cleaned. The Medium Wash method should be effective enough to restore your silver jewelry to its original beauty.

Just like baking soda, avoid using toothpaste on silver jewelry, even tarnished silver. Toothpaste is too abrasive for silver and may cause further damage.

Aside from regularly cleaning your silver jewelry (at least twice a year), you can prevent tarnishing and maintain silver’s beauty by properly caring for it. Here are a few ways to effectively care for silver jewelry:
 

• Wear it often: Wearing your silver regularly will help prevent tarnish. Your skin's natural oils will help preserve silver.
   

• Avoid harsh chemicals or friction:  Remove your silver jewelry before doing any activities that will cause the silver to come into contact with chemical products, chlorine, sweat, or water. This includes swimming, cleaning, household tasks, washing your hands/body, or working out.
   

• Know when to remove and put on silver: Remove your jewelry before sleeping or engaging in the activities above, to prevent scratches. When putting on silver jewelry, do so last. This will help avoid contact with perfume, hair products, or makeup.

Storing your silver jewelry properly is one of the best ways to prevent tarnish. Silver should be stored in a room temperature, dark, air-tight place. If you don’t have a secure container or box, consider purchasing an anti-tarnishing bag. You can also use anti-tarnishing strips.

Make sure that your silver jewelry is stored in a way that it doesn’t touch any other jewelry, including other pieces of silver jewelry.