How to clean 925 Sterling Silver jewelry at home
August 23, 2022
With this article I want to give you some advice on how to clean a 925 Sterling Silver jewel at home to keep it shiny and as new as long as possible, whether you already own it, or that you have just purchased it on my e-Store.
This operation is really simple: some commonly used objects are sufficient, such as a microfibre cloth, dishwashing detergent or baking soda.
However, even if some jewels can be easily cleaned at home, in the case of antique silver, a fragile jewel or in the presence of precious stones, it is advisable to contact a professional .
In my laboratory I also deal with professional cleaning, restoration and repair of jewelry.
You can find the detail on all our services by visiting our Officina del Gioiello .
If you have decided to clean silver at home, you can start using:
- water and soap,
- bicarbonate,
- dish soap;
if the jewel is not yet as shiny as you wanted, you can pass:
- toothpaste,
- to a bathroom with salt, bicarbonate and aluminum.
Water and soap
- Use a non-scratching cloth .
On sale there are cloths specially formulated to clean metals, but you can also use a common one in microfiber. This way you won't run the risk of scratching your jewel, as normal paper or fabric handkerchiefs could do.
If you need to reach small hidden areas, you can try using a cotton swab.
- Start with a few drops of soap .
If the silver is moderately oxidized, a little dishwashing detergent may be sufficient. Pour a few drops into a cup full of hot water, then mix and soak the cloth to start cleaning the jewel.
- Rub the jewel following the grain of the metal .
Do not make circular movements , you would risk scratching it! It is best to rub it back and forth, making sure to do it in the direction of the metal grain to reduce the chance of scratching.
- The links should be rubbed gently between two fingers using the cloth.
- Occasionally switch to a clean section of the cloth so as not to bring the oxide back onto the metal.
- If there are areas with particular details, you can use a brush with soft and clean bristles , being careful not to rub too hard.
Other products
If the jewel is very oxidized, you can try using one of the following alternatives:
- Create a paste with water and baking soda to gently rub on your jewelry to clean it.
- Another option would be to create a cleansing solution by mixing 120ml of lemon juice with a spoonful of olive oil .
- You can also use toothpaste .
Some toothpastes contain an ingredient, called "hydrated silica", that is, a compound of silicon that acts as an abrasive agent on the surface of the teeth. The same action also occurs on silver. First of all, look for a toothpaste that contains this ingredient generally more common in those with anti-tartar action.
However, what you normally use to brush your teeth should also be good for cleaning silver; only gel toothpastes are not indicated .
- Apply the compound you have chosen .
Put a small amount on the jewel. If it is a jewel adorned with precious or semi-precious stones, this method is not the most suitable , but you can still use it to clean the parts without decorations.
An amount equal to the size of a pea should be sufficient, you can always add more if necessary.
- Rub the silver .
For this initial part, you can only use your fingers if you prefer, but only if you are using harmless ingredients for the skin, such as baking soda, lemon juice or toothpaste; otherwise, it is essential to use a microfibre cloth. Rub the cleaning agent over the silver.
The method is the same as described in the first of the email where dishwashing detergent was used, only the product used changes. Again you can opt for a brush with soft bristles ( not the one you use to brush your teeth! ), But be careful not to rub too hard otherwise you will risk scratching the metal.
- Rinse the jewel.
When the oxide patina is almost completely gone, rinse the jewelry with cold water.
Carefully remove all residues of the substance used for cleaning.
If the silver is still not as shiny as you wanted, you can repeat the process.
Use a bath with salt, bicarbonate and aluminum
- Prepare everything you need
You need an aluminum baking tray or a boule lined internally with aluminum foil. Pour a spoonful of salt and a spoonful of baking soda into it.
Although some people usually use this method to clean jewelry with precious or semi-precious stones , the latter could be damaged , so it is better not to risk if it is a valuable jewel. For the same reason it is better to use a different method since it is antique or delicate silver.
This process will completely eliminate the oxide patina, even from areas that have been darkened for decorative reasons or to create a design.
At this point you can also add 120 ml of white wine vinegar. In this case, remember that the latter reacts in contact with the bicarbonate generating carbon dioxide, so pay attention to the doses so as not to risk that the liquid overflows.
- Create the bathroom .
Add hot water to the aluminum container, a glass (250 ml) should suffice. The water must be close to boiling, but there is no need to reach the boiling point.
Stir for as long as necessary to completely dissolve the salt and baking soda.
- Soak the jewel .
When everything is ready, dip the jewel in the solution that will serve to remove the oxide patina.
It must be in contact with the bottom of the container, so that the oxide can pass from silver to aluminum.
Leave the jewel to soak for a couple of minutes. You can wait a few more moments if it is very oxidized.
- Remove the jewel from the water.
Use a fork or kitchen tongs.
Now rub the spots that need further cleaning. Proceed very gently, especially in the most fragile parts.
When finished, dry the jewel and put it in the jewelry box.
Useful tips!
Protect silver jewelry from chemicals contained in creams (also tanning), perfumes and make-up products, since they further oxidise the metal. Do not spray or apply them on your body when wearing jewelry.
If you have an antique or delicate jewel, the best solution is to have it cleaned by a professional so as not to risk ruining it.
In my goldsmith workshop I also deal with professional cleaning, restoration and repair of jewelry.
You can find details on all the services offered by visiting my Officina del Gioiello page.
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