How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver is beautiful, timeless, and durable, but over time, it can lose its shine and develop tarnish. The good news? It is easy to bring it back to life with a few simple techniques. Useful video here.

Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Sterling silver is made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. That small amount of copper reacts with moisture and sulfur in the air, causing the silver to darken over time. While tarnishing is a natural process, regular care can help slow it down and keep your jewelry looking its best.

Safe and Easy Ways to Clean Sterling Silver

1. Use a Polishing Cloth
A polishing cloth made for sterling silver is one of the safest ways to clean your jewelry. Gently rub the cloth over your pieces to remove tarnish and restore their original shine.

2. The Baking Soda Trick

Line a bowl with aluminum foil, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda, a pump of dish soap (I use Dawn), and pour in boiling water. Place your jewelry in the solution for 2–5 minutes, depending on the extent of its tarnish. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth. Useful video here.

3. Use a Silver Polish Liquid
For more stubborn tarnish, a commercial silver polish can help. Following the product’s instructions. Our favorite is Hagerty.

4. Professional Cleaning
If your piece is especially delicate or heavily tarnished, consider taking it to a local jeweler for a professional cleaning.

How to Prevent Tarnishing

Once your jewelry is clean, storing it correctly makes a big difference. Keep your sterling silver in airtight containers—like ziplock bags, tupperware, or pouches made with anti-tarnish fabric. Less exposure to air means less tarnish.

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