Sterling silver is a beautiful precious metal that needs a little extra care to keep it shining. While not quite as soft as gold, this metal scratches and bends easily. Exposure to air alone can cause it to oxidize and tarnish.
Cleaning sterling silver is an easy task that won’t take much time and gives instant results.
There are several methods and even commercial products that boast the ability to make it shine instantly, but beware as many of these products use harsh chemicals that will eventually be harmful to the metal. Simple household products are the safest bet for cleaning sterling silver.
Baking soda
Mix equal parts baking soda and water in a dish until a paste is formed.
Apply the paste to the sterling silver with a soft clean cloth. Coat the metal completely.
Rinse the sterling silver in warm running water with a soft clean cloth to remove all of the baking soda.
Dry the silver with a separate dry clean cloth and buff to shine.
Toothpaste
Apply white toothpaste, not the gel kind, to the sterling silver. Cover it completely.
Rinse the toothpaste away with warm running water and a soft clean cloth.
Dry the silver with a separate dry clean cloth and buff to shine.
When cleaning sterling silver never wipe in a circular motion, only up and down to avoid scratching it.
Never clean sterling silver near or with stainless steel. A chemical reaction will occur that can leave ugly black spots on the silver. (eHow)
