how to clean your sterling silver
There are countless methods to clean sterling silver jewelry. Internet searches will provide you with a plethora of techniques. I have listed a couple here as a guide to help you prevent tarnish and keep your work shiny.
Soap and Water: There is a gentleness to soap and water. Before trying anything else, a simple wash with gentle dishwashing soap. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to warm water. Mix until bubbles form. Soak jewelry in the solution for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a soft-bristle brush and clean any crevices. Rinse jewelry in warm water. Be sure to dry your work completely after washing. You can also get in the habit of giving your jewelry a quick wash using soap and water after each use. Be sure to pat dry your jewelry before storing it.
Baking Soda and Water: 2 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Make a paste from baking soda and water, apply a small amount on a cloth or toothbrush and scrub gently.
White vinegar and baking soda: ½ cup of white vinegar to 2 tbsp of baking soda. This gentle cleaning method is great for removing heavy tarnish. Soak your sterling silver for two to three hours. Rinse your jewelry and dry completely.
Saltwater method: Line a cooking pan with a large dinner plate with a sheet of aluminum foil. Combine 1 cup of boiling water with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of baking soda together. Pour the mixture into the pan or large dinner plate. Add ½ cup of vinegar to the mixture. Bubbles will surface. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes (use a spoon if needed for stirring). Rinse in cool water and dry off with a microfiber cloth.
Polishing Cloth: These can be purchased online and can be used to wipe down your jewelry after each time you wear it. Use one that is specifically created for sterling silver. Focus on maintaining long up and down strokes to clean your jewelry. Be sure to use different parts of the cloth to avoid spreading any tarnish. Do not use circular motions as it can actually make the tarnish worse. Be sure to avoid polishing any part of the jewelry that is intentionally oxidized.
Storing Your Jewelry
Keep your jewelry in a dark, dry place, and consider storing your piece with anti-tarnish strips or a piece of chalk to help absorb moisture. You can also use silica packs that you sometimes find in other items you purchase. Put them with your stored jewelry because they are great for absorbing moisture.