Sterling silver jewelry is popular with good reason: it is beautiful, durable, and made to last generations. But due to its physical properties and the effects of air, humidity, and personal body chemistry, sterling silver tarnishes over time. The fix is easy. A few minutes of gentle cleaning restores the shine, and a few good habits keep it away longer.
Start With a Polishing Cloth
For light tarnish, you may not need to wash anything at all. A sterling silver polishing cloth, used with gentle strokes, removes the dull film and brings back the shine. Make this your first step, and save the washing method below for heavier tarnish.
5 Steps to Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewelry
- Mix a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid with 1/2 cup of warm water.
- Dip a plain, soft cleaning cloth made of 100% cotton into the water.
- Gently clean the surface of your sterling silver jewelry with the moistened cloth. No scrubbing, no heavy rubbing. Remember that sterling silver scratches easily.
- Rinse the jewelry in clean water.
- Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth and allow the piece to air dry completely before storing. Trapped moisture is one of the fastest routes to new tarnish.
IMPORTANT: For any sterling silver jewelry purchased from the Catholic Faith Store, DO NOT use commercial silver dips or caustic silver cleaners. Our sterling silver pendants are coated with a protective finish, either a lacquer or high-polished rhodium, that slows tarnishing. Harsh dips and abrasive cleaners will erode that finish and leave your jewelry worse off than before. The same warning applies to any gold plated or rhodium plated piece: a soft cloth and mild soap are all you ever need.
Keep It Clean Longer: Everyday Care Tips
These habits apply to nearly all fine religious jewelry, and they will more than double the time between cleanings:
- Avoid exposure to perfumes, lotions, sunscreen, hair products, and makeup. Put your jewelry on last, after your personal care routine
- Remove your jewelry before showering, bathing, swimming, or washing dishes
- Remove it before exercising, sleeping, or doing physical labor
- Keep it away from harsh chemicals, household cleaners, and chlorine
- Store it in a cool, dry place, ideally in an airtight bag or container, and store pieces separately to prevent scratches and tangling
- Wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth after each wear
A Quick Word About Tarnish
Why does silver change color at all? Tarnish is a natural reaction between the metal and elements in the environment: air, moisture, skin oils, perspiration, chemicals, and even certain medications. It is a normal characteristic of sterling silver, not a manufacturing defect. If you want the full story of the chemistry behind it, read Why Is My Sterling Silver Jewelry Black and Tarnishing?
If you are still having trouble with jewelry purchased through the Catholic Faith Store, please contact us at (800) 625-4610. We are happy to help you bring a beloved medal back to life.
God bless,
Rich and Caroline King
Catholic Faith Store
