From time to time, even fine jewellery can tarnish due to a reaction with moisture or chemical compounds in the air. To learn more about why fine jewellery tarnishes, refer to our post on “Why Does Jewellery Tarnish?“.
Luckily, this is easily reversible, with the aid of an anti-tarnishing polishing cloth or silver cleaner. If you don’t have access to either, you can also create your own jewellery cleaner with household products.
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon white salt
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 sheet of aluminium foil
- A bowl
- Salad tongs or nitrile gloves
- A soft clean cloth
Method:
- Line your bowl with the aluminium foil, shiny side up.
- Add your baking soda, salt, vinegar and boiling water to the bowl and stir the solution to allow the baking soda and salt to dissolve. It is important that the solution is dissolved so the baking soda/salt granules don’t scratch your jewellery.
- Gently place your jewellery on top of the foil ensuring all pieces are covered by the solution.
- Leave for about 5-10 minutes, flipping the jewellery with salad tongs halfway through.
- Once the tarnish has disappeared, remove your jewellery carefully from the bowl using tongs or nitrile gloves (not rubber gloves, which contain sulfur.)
- Rinse your jewellery in clear running water and dry carefully with a soft cloth.
Note: If your jewellery contains natural pearls or gemstones, try using an anti-tarnishing polishing cloth to remove tarnish from your jewellery as this solution may damage your stones.
