How do you clean silver jewelry?

When your silver jewelry loses its shine or develops dark discoloration, many people ask themselves the question: How do you clean silver jewelry?

Silver is a timeless, elegant material – ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions. But it requires regular and gentle care to maintain its beautiful appearance. Fortunately, cleaning silver jewelry at home is neither difficult nor time-consuming. With simple techniques, you can easily make your favorites shine again – and significantly extend their lifespan.

What is tarnishing – and why does it happen?

Even high-quality silver will tarnish over time. This means that the surface of the jewelry becomes dark or black due to a natural chemical reaction with sulfur compounds in the air. In fact, it is a sign that the piece is made of genuine silver.

The good news is that tarnishing can easily be removed with the right cleaning – and prevented with correct storage and care. At Viclara, we recommend that you:

• Remove your jewelry before bathing, sleeping, cleaning, or exercising
• Store your silver jewelry in a closed box or airtight bag when not in use

How to clean silver jewelry at home

There are several effective and gentle methods for cleaning silver – depending on the degree of tarnishing and the design of the jewelry. Here are Viclara’s best tips on how to clean your silver jewelry gently and effectively.

1. Light cleaning with mild soap

For daily maintenance or light dirt, a gentle cleaning with mild soap and water is recommended.

• Mix a few drops of fragrance-free, mild soap in a bowl of lukewarm water
• Soak the jewelry for 10–15 minutes
• Use a soft toothbrush or cloth to gently clean details and crevices
• Rinse thoroughly in clean water and pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth

Note: Avoid this method on jewelry with porous gemstones or pearls, as they may be damaged by water.

2. Remove black spots with baking soda and aluminum foil

For more noticeable tarnishing, you can use a simple method without chemicals – based on baking soda and aluminum.

• Line a bowl with aluminum foil (shiny side up)
• Place your silver jewelry in the bowl
• Sprinkle 1–2 tbsp. baking soda over the jewelry
• Carefully pour boiling water over, so the jewelry is covered
• Let it sit for 5–10 minutes
• Rinse in cold water and dry with a soft cloth

This method utilizes a chemical reaction between silver, aluminum, and baking soda, which draws the tarnish away from the surface. Repeat if necessary for significant improvement.

3. Use silver polish for extra shine

If you want a shinier result, you can use silver polish – a special product designed for genuine silver.

• Choose a suitable silver polish for genuine silver (not silver-plated metal)
• Apply a small amount to a soft cloth
• Gently polish the jewelry using small circular motions
• Wipe off with a dry cloth to remove product residue

Do not use polish on jewelry with porous stones or special surface treatments. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions.

When should you choose professional cleaning?

Although home cleaning is often sufficient, there are cases where professional hands are necessary – for example, if:

• Gemstones are loose or damaged
• The surface of the jewelry has many scratches or appears dull
• The design is detailed and difficult to clean thoroughly yourself

At Viclara we offer professional jewelry cleaning, where gentleness and quality are paramount. Contact us here for advice or to book an appointment.

Good advice for maintaining silver jewelry

Prevention is key to preserving the beauty of your jewelry. Follow these tips to reduce tarnishing and wear:

• Regularly use a special cloth with a light polishing effect
• Store your jewelry in airtight conditions – e.g. in a pouch or box
• Avoid contact with perfume, creams, hairspray, and cleaning agents
• Remove jewelry when bathing, swimming, exercising, and before bedtime

With these simple habits, you can ensure your jewelry a long and lustrous life.

Give your silver jewelry a long and radiant life

At Viclara, we believe that jewelry should be worn with joy – and cared for with attention. Silver is a versatile and stylish metal which, with the right maintenance, can be with you for many years.

Next time you ask: How do you clean silver jewelry? – you know that it can easily be done at home with just a few supplies. If you need professional help, we are always ready to guide you both online and in the store.

See our selection of care products here and give your jewelry the attention it deserves – so it can shine again as if it were new.