How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewellery at Home

How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewellery at Home

Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Sterling silver (925) is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Over time, the copper reacts with sulphur compounds in the air, on your skin, and in everyday products like perfume and hairspray — producing the dark, dull layer we call tarnish. The good news? It's entirely reversible, and you don't need expensive products to do it.

Curious about why tarnish forms in more detail? Read our guide: Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish? (And How to Slow It Down).

What You'll Need

You likely already have everything you need at home:

  • Warm water
  • Mild washing-up liquid
  • Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
  • A soft, lint-free cloth or microfibre cloth
  • A soft-bristled toothbrush (for intricate pieces)
  • A small bowl or dish

Avoid paper towels or rough cloths — these can scratch the surface of your silver.

Step-by-Step: The Everyday Cleaning Method

This method is safe for most plain sterling silver pieces — bangles, bracelets, chains, and pendants without porous gemstones.

  1. Mix your solution. Add a few drops of mild washing-up liquid to a bowl of warm (not boiling) water.
  2. Soak briefly. Place your silver in the solution for 2–3 minutes to loosen surface grime.
  3. Gently scrub. Use a soft cloth or toothbrush to gently clean the piece, paying attention to any engraved or textured areas.
  4. Rinse thoroughly. Rinse under clean, lukewarm water to remove all soap residue.
  5. Dry immediately. Pat dry with a clean, soft cloth — never leave silver to air dry, as water spots can form.
  6. Buff to a shine. Use a dry microfibre cloth to gently buff your piece to a bright finish.

For Heavier Tarnish: The Bicarbonate of Soda Method

If your silver is heavily tarnished, try this more intensive method:

  1. Make a paste by mixing bicarbonate of soda with a small amount of water until it forms a thick consistency.
  2. Apply gently to the silver using a soft cloth, rubbing in small circular motions.
  3. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a soft cloth.

Important: Use this method sparingly — it is mildly abrasive. For delicate or hallmarked pieces, the mild soap method above is always preferable.

Special Care: Pieces with Gemstones or Oxidised Details

Not all silver pieces can be cleaned the same way:

  • Porous gemstones (pearl, turquoise, opal, amber): Avoid soaking entirely. Wipe gently with a barely damp cloth and dry immediately.
  • Oxidised silver (intentionally darkened for effect): Do not use bicarbonate of soda or silver polish — this will strip the oxidised finish. A very gentle wipe with a damp cloth is all that's needed.
  • Cubic zirconia or faceted stones: The soap and water method is fine, but avoid scrubbing around the settings.

What to Avoid

A few common mistakes that can damage your silver jewellery:

  • Ultrasonic cleaners: Not suitable for all silver — can loosen stones and damage delicate settings.
  • Bleach or chlorine: These can permanently pit and damage silver.
  • Toothpaste: Often recommended online, but most toothpastes are too abrasive for silver and can cause microscopic scratches.
  • Rubber bands: Rubber contains sulphur and will accelerate tarnishing — never store silver with rubber bands around it.

Storage Tips to Slow Tarnishing

Cleaning is only half the battle — proper storage makes a significant difference:

  • Store each piece individually in a soft cloth pouch or jewellery box with compartments to prevent scratching.
  • Add an anti-tarnish strip to your jewellery box — these absorb sulphur compounds in the air.
  • Keep silver away from humidity (avoid storing in bathrooms).
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • For pieces you wear regularly, simply wearing them often can actually reduce tarnishing — the natural oils in your skin provide a gentle polish.

Shop Our Sterling Silver Collection

All of our pieces are crafted from hallmarked 925 sterling silver and presented in premium packaging, ready to wear or gift. Browse our collections below:

Every piece is fully hallmarked and backed by our commitment to quality. Questions? Get in touch with our team — we're always happy to help.