Silver Cleaning Hacks
Cleaning silver at home doesn't have to be complicated. With just a few simple techniques, you
can make a solution to help bring out the sparkle in your silver jewelry and pieces. Here are
some easy hacks to get you started:
1. Salt and Hot Water:
Mix one tablespoon of salt with 1 cup of hot water and stir until the salt is dissolved. Submerge your silver in the solution and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the silver and use a dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Baking Soda:
Mix three baking sodas with one part water for a more thorough clean and use a soft, lint-free cloth to rub the tarnished silver. Rinse well and buff dry.
3. Dish Soap:
Mix few drops of dish liquid with warm water and dip a soft cloth in the solution. Rub the silver to remove the tarnish, and rinse with cool water. Buff dry with another soft cloth.
4. Toothpaste:
Use a tiny dab of white paste toothpaste (not gel) and gently rub it on the tarnished silver. Use warm water for rinsing and buff to a shine with a soft cloth.
5. Silver Polish:
A good silver polish is an economical and safest way to clean tarnished silver pieces. Apply the polish with a soft, lint-free cloth, working it into the crevices and turning the material as it picks up the tarnish. Rinse well and buff dry.
Following these simple steps will help keep your silver shining bright!
How to Clean Jewelry with Pearls
Cleaning jewelry with pearls requires special care. You will need a small makeup brush, mild shampoo, and a clean microfiber cloth to clean a strand of pearls. Never soak pearls, as this can weaken the string and cause it to break.
Step 1:
Lay the strand of pearls on a soft cloth.
Step 2:
Mix a cup of warm water with a light squeeze of mild shampoo. Dip a clean makeup brush into the mixture and shake off the excess. Then, gently go over all sides of each pearl.
Step 3:
Use a well-wrung damp cloth to rinse the pearls and allow them to air dry flat to prevent the string from stretching.
Step 4:
After each wear, get in the habit of wiping the strand of pearls with a soft cloth or a jewelry cloth to remove dirt and oils.
If your silver jewelry has colored gemstones, it is best to get it cleaned professionally by a
jeweler. Natural pearls, emeralds, opals, and coral should not be soaked in ammonia or
dishwashing liquid, as this can cause permanent damage. Additionally, gemstones should not be
exposed to heat.
Cleaning your silver jewelry at home is easy, and with a bit of care and effort, you can keep your
silver jewelry looking its best for years to come