Remove Tarnish From Jewelry in Minutes
Did you know that you can remove tarnish from jewelry in 5 minutes without spending a dime?
Over time, even the most high-quality pieces of silver jewelry can start to tarnish. Instead of spending a lot of money on a fancy cleaner or using harsh chemicals and silver polish, I love to use this easy method to clean my silver jewelry at home! Restore the shine and luster of your favorite pieces at home without breaking a sweat! Plus, you likely have all the “ingredients” for this simple and easy method in your pantry!
Why Does Silver Jewelry Tarnish?
Even the most durable silver and sterling silver jewelry can tarnish over time. When it comes in direct contact with sulfur and oxygen in the air, silver discolors. This exposure causes “silver sulfide,” and your silver will form layer of tarnish. Just like you would clean and polish your silverware, your silver jewelry requires the same upkeep. This does not have to be complicated though!
A Simple, Fool-Proof Technique:
Jewelry care does not have to be complicated! I have taken my tarnished pieces to the jewelry store, but this method gives you the dame results at home! Some at home methods require a long list of ingredients like vinegar, salt, ketchup, lemon juice, mild dish soap, and even hairspray. This method only requires baking soda, aluminum foil, and hot water. The tarnish removing technique works by causing a chemical reaction (oxidation) that transfers the tarnish from the jewelry to an aluminum pan.
How Can I Remove the Tarnish From My Favorite Piece of Jewelry?
Start by placing aluminum foil in a bowl or aluminum pan. Add your jewelry on top of the aluminum foil, and sprinkle liberally with baking soda- I usually use a couple of tablespoons. Next, pour your boiling water on top and let the mixture sit for five or so minutes. Rinse your jewelry with cool water or warm water, and blot it off on a soft cloth, removing any moisture.
Do I Have To Scrub My Silver Jewelry?
Absolutely not! Scrubbing your silver jewelry with an old toothbrush or abrasive cloth can cause scratches. The oxidation process does all the heavy lifting for you, so all you need to do is follow it up with a polishing cloth or soft rag!
Watch Me Remove Tarnish From My Silver Jewelry:
I would love to hear from you in the comments if you try this. Tell us what you cleaned and how it turned out. Send pics if you’d like:-) As always, thanks so much for stopping by. Be blessed, and stay savvy!!!
Thank you!!!
“Great insights! This was really helpful.”
I got a piece of jewelry from my great-grandmother and she said her sister had made it. I started off with this and it helped alot, but I missed the piece of tinfoil so did it again, scrubbing each time with a gentle fingernail brush. Then decided why not and did baking soda and vinegar. This post lead me down a rabbit hole but my jewelry is like new so I’m not complaining
So happy to hear, Sondra!!!
Thank so much for this post. I was in a pool with too much chlorine and all of my bracelets tarnished. I was devastated, as I was wear all high end pieces. I found your post and of my pieces are good as new. Thank you, thank you!!!
Thank you so much!!!! This tip has been super helpful to me with all my sterling:-)
Great share! For those who have jewelry pieces losing their shine, this post shares a simple at-home fix. Keep sharing useful stuff like this!
Hi Dora! I am so glad that you found it helpful!!!! Thank you for letting me know!!!!
Wow!! It worked. I had a few pieces that I had bought and within a couple of months all tarnished. I followed the directions you provided and they are like new. Thank you.
I’ve heard that toothpaste works for some jewelry!!! Good to be reminded!!
Great tips. I always used toothpaste to remove spots from jewels, but will give this a try. Thanks for sharing!
Oh Deb, I am so happy this simple solution made the medal like new!!!! Great news!!!!
I love this quick and easy hack! My son’s St. Christopher (athlete) medal got tarnished so much, you couldn’t even read the wording. Now it’s clean as a whistle!
Hi Marylou, I am so happy you were able to use this easy, inexpensive hack!!! I use it when my cross necklace and pearl/silver bangles tarnish. It is awesome!!!!
Omg!!! Thank you so much. I’ve had a necklace, ring and erring set that I was going to take into the jewelers to have the opals taken out because they were so badly tarnished. I haven’t worn them in a good 5 years. I tried cleaning with regular jewelry cleaner and it did nothing. And when sorting through my jewelry today I discovered my favorite opal bracelet was very tarnished as well. They all look brand new!! I’m so excited. Thanks, Marylou