Sterling silver is a popular metal for jewelry and household items, but it can tarnish over time.
Luckily, toothpaste is a convenient and efficient ingredient that can help you in cleaning your sterling silver.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to use toothpaste to clean sterling silver as well as some tips and things to avoid to keep them in beautiful shape.
Let’s begin.
What You’ll Need:
- Toothpaste (non-gel, white paste preferred)
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Soft cloth
- Water
Steps:
- Start by mixing a small amount of toothpaste (non-gel, white paste preferred) with a drop of water to create a paste. Make sure to use non-abrasive toothpaste, as toothpaste that contains baking soda can be too abrasive for silver and can scratch or damage the surface.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the paste onto the silver, paying extra attention to any areas that are particularly tarnished. Be sure to use a soft brush to avoid scratching the silver.
- Rinse the silver thoroughly with water and dry it completely with a soft cloth. Make sure to remove any remaining toothpaste and water to prevent water spots and tarnishing.
How Often to Clean Sterling Silver:
You should clean your sterling silver with toothpaste about once a month, or whenever you notice tarnish starting to build up.
Things to Avoid:
- Do not use toothpaste that contains baking soda, as it can be too abrasive for silver.
- Do not use a toothbrush with hard bristles, as it can scratch the silver.
- Avoid exposing your sterling silver to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine and sulfur, which can cause tarnishing.
- Do not use abrasive materials like steel wool or scouring pads, as they can scratch the silver.
Tips for Keeping Sterling Silver Looking New and Clean:
- Store your sterling silver in a cool, dry place, such as a jewelry box or a tarnish-proof bag. This will help to prevent tarnishing and discoloration caused by humidity and air pollution.
- Keep your silver away from sunlight and heat, which can cause tarnishing.
- Use a silver polishing cloth to buff your silver and keep it shiny. These cloths are specially treated to remove tarnish and oxidation from silver.
- Consider using anti-tarnish strips or bags that neutralize tarnish-causing elements in the air.
- Handle your sterling silver with care and avoid exposing it to any harsh or abrasive substances.
Conclusion:
Cleaning sterling silver with toothpaste is a simple and effective way to keep your silver looking like new. Remember to be gentle when cleaning and to store your silver properly to prevent tarnishing.
With regular cleaning and proper care, your sterling silver will remain beautiful for years to come.
Did you know you can also use toothpaste to clean brass and gold? See How to Clean Brass with Toothpaste and How to Clean Gold Jewelry with Toothpaste to learn more.
Thanks for reading!
-Baking Soda Guy
Image by starbright from Pixabay
