Cleaning Silver Jewellery – How to Do It Easily and Correctly

Have your silver jewellery become dark, dull or discoloured? This is completely normal. Silver naturally reacts with sulphur and moisture in the air, which causes oxidation and makes jewellery lose its shine over time.

In this guide, we show you how to easily clean silver jewellery at home using common ingredients such as bicarbonate of soda, aluminium foil and washing-up liquid – things most people already have in their kitchen. You’ll also find tips on how to best care for your jewellery to keep it looking shiny for longer.

How do you clean silver jewellery at home?

There are several ways to clean silver jewellery at home, depending on how severe the discolouration is and whether the jewellery contains stones or other delicate details. For light oxidation, gentle cleaning may be enough, while darker tarnish often requires a more effective method. Below, you’ll find two of the most popular methods for cleaning silver jewellery and restoring its shine.

Method 1: Bicarbonate of Soda and Aluminium Foil

Bicarbonate of soda and aluminium foil are a classic home remedy that can effectively remove oxidation from silver. The method relies on a chemical reaction that breaks down silver sulphide and restores the silver’s natural lustre without the need for vigorous scrubbing.

You will need:

• 1–2 tbsp bicarbonate of soda

• Aluminium foil

• Boiling water

• A glass bowl or another heat-resistant bowl

How to do it:

1. Line the bottom of a glass bowl with aluminium foil.

2. Place the silver jewellery directly on the foil. It is important that the silver is in contact with the foil for the reaction to work.

3. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the jewellery so that it is lightly covered.

4. Carefully pour in boiling water until the jewellery is covered.

5. Leave the jewellery in the solution for 10–15 minutes, or until the water has cooled.

6. Remove the jewellery and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

7. Dry with a soft cotton cloth and gently polish for extra shine.

How long should silver jewellery sit in bicarbonate of soda?

For most silver jewellery, 10–15 minutes is enough. If the discolouration is severe, you can leave the jewellery in the solution until the water has cooled completely. Avoid leaving the silver in the solution for significantly longer than necessary.

Important: Do not use this method on silver jewellery with stones, pearls or glued details, as the heat and chemical reaction may damage the materials or cause stones to come loose. The method should also not be used on jewellery that has been intentionally oxidised as part of its design, as the dark finish may disappear.

Method 2: Clean with Washing-Up Liquid

If your silver jewellery is mainly dirty rather than heavily oxidised, washing-up liquid is a simple and gentle solution. This is also the safest method for silver jewellery with stones, pearls or other delicate details, as it does not involve strong chemical reactions or high temperatures.

You will need:

• Mild washing-up liquid

• Lukewarm water

• A soft toothbrush

• A cotton cloth or soft microfibre cloth

How to do it:

1. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a drop of washing-up liquid.

2. Place the jewellery in the water and leave it for around 5 minutes.

3. Gently brush it with a soft toothbrush, especially in small crevices where dirt can easily collect.

4. Rinse the jewellery thoroughly under clean, lukewarm water to remove all traces of soap.

5. Dry the jewellery thoroughly with a soft cotton cloth.

Important: Make sure the jewellery is completely dry after cleaning. Remaining moisture can speed up oxidation and cause the silver to darken again more quickly. For the best results, you can leave the jewellery to air-dry for a few minutes after wiping it before putting it away.

Why does silver jewellery turn dark?

If your silver jewellery has become dark or developed a grey-black surface, it is usually the result of a completely natural process. Silver reacts with oxygen and sulphur compounds in the air, forming a substance called silver sulphide. This is the coating that makes the jewellery look discoloured and causes it to lose its original shine – a phenomenon often referred to as oxidation.

All silver jewellery is affected by this over time, including jewellery made from 925 sterling silver. Oxidation is therefore not a sign that the jewellery is of low quality, but rather a natural characteristic of genuine silver. How quickly the process occurs varies depending on how the jewellery is worn and stored. Factors such as perfume, skincare products, hair products, sweat and high humidity can speed up discolouration.

What should you avoid to keep silver jewellery shiny for longer?

Although cleaning silver jewellery is easy, it is even better to prevent oxidation in the first place. With a few simple habits, you can reduce the risk of discolouration and keep your silver shiny for significantly longer between cleanings.

Avoid moisture and chemicals

Silver reacts more quickly when exposed to moisture, chemicals and various substances found in everyday life. Therefore, it is a good idea to remove your silver jewellery when you:

• Take a bath or shower

• Work out at the gym or sweat heavily

• Work in the garden

• Clean or use cleaning products

Chlorinated pool water and salt water from the sea can be particularly harsh on silver and may both speed up oxidation and negatively affect the surface of the jewellery.

Put your jewellery on last

Perfume, sunscreen, skincare products, hairspray and other beauty products can leave residue on silver, causing it to darken more quickly. To minimise contact with these substances, always apply your products first and put your jewellery on as the final step when getting ready.

Store silver jewellery correctly

How you store your jewellery has a significant impact on how quickly it oxidises. Silver stays in the best condition in an environment with as little air and moisture as possible.

For the best protection, you should:

• Store your jewellery in a dark, dry and cool environment

• Avoid leaving it out on the bathroom shelf, where humidity is often high

• Store it in a closed jewellery box or an airtight bag

• Keep different pieces of jewellery separate to reduce the risk of scratches

By protecting silver from moisture, air and chemicals, you can extend the time between cleanings and keep your jewellery looking shiny for much longer.

Silver jewellery with stones – what to keep in mind

When cleaning silver jewellery with stones, it is important to choose a gentle method. The bicarbonate of soda method with hot water should be avoided, as the heat and chemical reaction can affect the adhesive holding the stones in place and, in the worst case, cause them to come loose. Some stones are also porous and sensitive to moisture, including pearls, opals and turquoise, which can become discoloured or lose their lustre if cleaned incorrectly.

For silver jewellery with stones, the safest method is lukewarm water, washing-up liquid and a soft toothbrush.Gently brush around the setting and rinse thoroughly. Avoid leaving the jewellery in water for longer than necessary.

Discover our silver jewellery at Cay Collective

With the right care, silver jewellery can retain its shine and beauty for many years. At Cay Collective, you’ll find handmade silver jewellery in 925 sterling silver, created to be worn and appreciated for a long time. Perhaps you’ll find your next everyday piece of jewellery or a new timeless favourite to wear for years to come.