How To Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry At Home

Are you trying to figure out how to clean your sterling silver jewelry at home? There are only a few products out there that seem to work safely. But after reading this article, within a few minutes time your silver should be as good as new.

Supplies needed to clean sterling silver jewelry:

• Baking soda
• Toothpaste
• WD-40
• Water
• Toothbrush

1. Lay your sterling silver out on a flat surface. On the counter next to the sink may be the most convenient surface to use. Guard your jewelry by plugging the drain. You don't want your favorite sterling silver necklace or ring falling down the sink into the drain.
2. Baking soda and toothpaste are great for general cleaning. General cleaning of jewelry would include your everyday dirt and grime that can get caught in the metal. Your sterling silver will lose its shine and become dull. Choose which one of these products is more convenient for you to use. Both are used with a little bit of water. You will get the same beautiful jewelry cleaning results with either product and your silver will regain the shine you missed.
3. For tougher jewelry cleaning you should use a stronger jewelry cleaner. Believe it or not, WD-40 has more uses than fixing squeaks. It works awesomely as a jewelry cleaner. Sterling silver or gold can be tarnish free when you use WD-40. Dirty metal will look brand new again and shine like it did when you first walked out of the jewelry store.
4. Apply the jewelry cleaner of your choice directly to the sterling silver piece and have your toothbrush ready. Dip your toothbrush in water (there is no water necessary when using WD-40) and in a circular motion scrub your silver. It only takes a few minutes to clean the dirt and tarnish from your favorite sterling silver.
5. Rinse the jewelry in clean water. Double check that the drain in your sink is plugged. Turn on the water to rinse off your cleaning product. With your sterling silver jewelry in your hand, put your hand under the water and watch for the lustrous shine to return.