While there are numerous silver cleaners on the market, many can leave permanent spots or hairline abrasions if not used carefully. Spotting on silver is the result of chemical residue that was not completely removed. Hairline abrasions (marks on the surface) can appear when silver is handled, polished, or cleaned roughly. Here are three Timio tested silver cleaning methods that can be done at home with common ingredients.
Warm Water & Mild Dish Soap
This is the classic, easy cleaning method for all jewelry.
- Fill a small bowl with warm water. Washing your jewelry in a bowl avoids the devastating possibility of your investment jewelry™ falling down the drain.
- Next take a soft bristle, baby-sized toothbrush and put a pea sized amount of mild dish soap on the brush. Gently clean your jewelry, making sure to avoid using too much pressure. The soft bristles and soap will be enough to lift and clear away dirt and grease in tight areas without rough scrubbing.
- Rinse the jewelry in the warm water, place to the side, and refill the bowl clean warm water. Give your jewelry another rinse or two.
- Finally, pat dry with a clean cotton or linen cloth.
Baking Soda Solution
This is method is not recommended for cleaning pieces that are vintage, have intentionally antiqued finishes, or include semi-precious or precious gemstones. Cleaning pieces with intentional antiqued finishes using this method can result in the finish being removed. Baking soda is an abrasive and can scratch or damage some semi-precious and precious stones.
- Step one, is to get an aluminum dish or line the inside of a bowl or pan with aluminum foil.
- Silver tarnish is comprised of silver sulfide (Ag2S) and the aluminum aids in removing the sulfides from the silver.
- Next boil at least 4 cups of water.
- Pour boiling water into the bowl or pan add ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of salt. Stir with a wooden or silicone spoon until thoroughly mixed.
- Always maintain the ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of salt to every 4 cups of boiling water ratio when preparing larger batches of the solution.
- Using a metal utensil to stir will change the chemical reaction. Make sure to use a wood or silicone implement to stir with.
- Place your silver jewelry into the solution, and let it sit for a maximum of 10 minutes. After soaking, remove the jewelry and rinse it with fresh water, and pat dry with a clean cotton or linen cloth.
If the jewelry is heavily tarnished, you can repeat the process a couple times, each time with a clean aluminum dish and a fresh batch of baking soda solution.
Baking Soda Paste
The same warnings of the prior baking soda solution method apply to this baking soda paste method. This method has more risk of scratching since you’ll be gently massaging the paste over the surface of your jewelry.
- To make the paste, mix 2 parts baking soda to 1 part water.
- After mixing, gently massage the paste onto your silver jewelry. Continue to gently work the paste over the surface of the jewelry for a minute or two, then rinse with warm water.
- Once the paste is completely rinsed off, dry your piece with a clean cotton or linen cloth.
These methods, if done carefully, will do a great job of removing the oil, dirt, and tarnish from your silver investment jewelry and everyday wear pieces.
However, if you have items that continue to show stubborn marks or tarnish, you’re welcome to send us a cleaning request at support@timio24k.com. You can also submit a Cleaning Service Request or a Repair Service Request.
