How To Clean Sterling Silver Chain

Introduction

If you’re wondering, “How do I clean my silver chain at home?”, read on. Keeping sterling silver chains at their most sparkling is simple. A little regular care and cleaning is all it takes! There are several different time-tested methods for cleaning your permanent jewelry chain and the experts at Forever Golden are here to break each one down.

Sterling silver chains can become tarnished after being exposed to certain chemicals like chlorine or those found in cleaning materials. Salty air, humidity, even the oils in your skin can take the shine off your silver chain over time. There are commercial cleaning solutions you can use, but there are easy natural ways that people have used for decades to clean sterling silver chains.

Why Sterling Silver Chains Tarnish

Sterling silver, like the kinds Forever Golden uses in our permanent welded jewelry, is durable in that won’t rust or corrode the metal. But it can tarnish, which only affects the surface and can be removed with some care and polishing. Tarnish happens when sterling silver is exposed to sulfate gases, such as those found in polluted city air or the humid, salty air of a coastal area. You’ll also see tarnish form when sterling silver chains meet chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and the like.

Oddly enough, while the oils in skin can sometimes cause tarnish, wearing your sterling silver chain more often allows those oils to build a barrier that blocks the impact of sulfate gas. That’s one reason permanent jewelry can stay looking so good!

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

There are several ways to clean sterling silver chains. While they’re simple, they may require certain items and ingredients which you’ll need to first prepare. Several methods utilize baking soda. One requires aluminium foil, while another needs fresh lemon juice and salt. You may need to boil water, or get your hands on a commercial silver cleaning solution. Depending on which method you choose, assemble these items.

Because humidity and moisture can lead to tarnish, ensure you have a towel or soft cloth handy to thoroughly wipe down your newly-cleaned sterling silver chains. Also, consider where and how you’ll store your chains; it’s best to keep them somewhere with no humidity or sunlight, and to keep them separated from other metals.

Cleaning Methods for Sterling Silver Chains

There are effective methods for cleaning silver and sterling silver chains that date all the way back to the 17th and 18th centuries. One old-fashioned method included dunking the silver in a pot of water used to boil potatoes, letting it sit, then using a soft toothbrush to polish it up. Since then, many tried-and-true cleaning methods have been used, from making a baking soda paste to using lemon juice and salt. Of course, there are also commercial silver polishes that work beautifully.

Unlike damaging rust, tarnish only affects the surface of the metal, so the piece keeps its integrity. None of these cleaning methods take very long, so make them a regular routine to keep your sterling silver chains looking their best.

Method 1: Mild Soap and Water

In a glass dish, mix several drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Use a microfiber cloth or soft toothbrush to removing any dirt or grit. Thoroughly rinse your sterling silver chain with clean water, then use a soft cloth or towel to thoroughly wipe your chain dry.

Method 2: Baking Soda and Water Paste

Make a paste from a half-box of baking soda mixed with some water (ensure it’s wet but not runny). Apply the paste with a soft cloth; the paste has a slightly abrasive effect to remove dirt, oil, and tarnish. Wait about 30 seconds, then rinse clean. Dry your sterling silver chain thoroughly.

Method 3: Lemon Juice and Salt Solution

Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a glass bowl, then add 3 tablespoons of salt and some hot water. Place your sterling silver chain into this cleaning bath for about 5 minutes. For heavily-tarnished silver, you can let it sit overnight. Remove it, then wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

Method 4: Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda Bath

Line a bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side on the bottom. Mix hot water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Let your sterling silver chain soak for up to 30 minutes, depending on the amount of any tarnish. Rinse with water, then thoroughly wipe it dry.

Method 5: Commercial Silver Cleaners

There are many easy-to-use commercial silver cleaners; read instructions first. Liquid silver cleaner is easiest for cleaning a sterling silver chain; pour some into a non-metal dish then let the chain soak for anywhere between 10 and 30 seconds. Rinse with soapy water, then clear water. Thoroughly wipe dry.

Preventative Care and Maintenance

A few simple steps can keep your sterling silver chains looking their most beautiful and lasting for years. Sterling silver is very durable, but it can be prone to tarnish, depending on a few factors such as weather, exposure to chemicals, and the like. You can reduce the likelihood of tarnish and dullness by storing your chains away from moisture and humidity. Make it a habit to give your sterling silver chains a regular cleaning to remove skin oils, dirt, and other elements that can dull its beauty. In between, rinse them of any chlorine or salt water, then wipe them dry.

There are many simple ways to clean your sterling silver chains at home, but there are professional cleaning options available as well.

Proper Storage Solutions:

Store sterling silver chains in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Those little silica gel packs are good for absorbing moisture in humid environments. Be aware of any adhesives in the container that may release tarnish-triggering chemicals. Keep sterling silver pieces from touching each other, as well as other jewelry pieces.

Daily Wearing Tips:

Wearing a permanent jewelry chain is designed to fit in with daily life. However, keep your sterling silver chains away from chemicals like cleaning items. If you swim, rinse the piece with fresh water and dry it thoroughly. And be sure to not tug, pull, or snag the chain too much.

Routine Cleaning Schedule:

If you wear your sterling silver chain frequently, clean it every other month. For pieces you only wear occasionally, cleaning them a few times a year should do. If your sterling silver chain has come into contact with chlorine, salt water, or cleaning chemicals, rinse it with fresh water and dry it completely.

Professional Cleaning Options

There are many ways to get professional results when cleaning your jewelry, especially sterling silver chains. You have plenty of options from modern chemical liquids and silver pastes, to old-fashioned DIY methods that will make them shine. Ultrasonic cleaners are the latest invention for cleaning, with technology that can penetrate tiny crevices and designs.

It’s become increasingly easy to clean your sterling silver jewelry and maintain its beauty. The main thing is to stay ahead of tarnish with a regular routine of maintenance. But for pieces that are exceptionally discolored, it may take another level of care. Professional jewelers know how to handle intricate or valuable pieces without damaging them. They can expertly clean and polish them, bringing them back to beautiful life.

FAQs about Cleaning Sterling Silver Chains

“How can I clean my sterling silver chains at home?” Keep reading, because it’s a lot easier than you think. There are many high-tech or commercial products out there that make cleaning and polishing your silver jewelry a snap. Plus, there are plenty of old-fashioned DIY methods that your grandmother probably used that also work very well. In short, you’ve got no excuse for not making your sterling silver chains look their very best at all times. The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you wear the piece: for something you wear a lot, clean it every other month.

Make cleaning your silver jewelry at home a regular routine. It doesn’t take long and it will always shine and look its best.

Conclusion

When it comes to keeping your sterling silver chains clean and in peak form and brightness, there’s really no excuse for not doing it. Whether it’s using old fashioned toothpaste or a high-tech ultrasonic machine, there are so many easy ways now to maintain the brilliance of your jewelry. The main thing is to be consistent in caring for your jewelry, including your sterling silver chains; create a schedule and stick to it over the year. It really takes no time at all.

At the end of the day, the tiny amount of time and effort that it takes to polish and clean things up will pay off in months of eye-catching style. Your sterling silver chains will never fail to dazzle!