DIY: Sterling Silver Cleaner

Since moving to the south, I've had trouble keeping my sterling silver from tarnishing.  Perhaps it's the humidity or the fact that I just don't wear it as often...regardless, it needs to be cleaned.  In the past I've used a recipe that included ammonia, which worked well, but I read that it can be damaging to your silver and actually turn it black!  So, I did some further research and found countless recipes using aluminum foil and baking soda or salt, so I thought I would give it a try.  One site actually called this "the natural and organic way to clean your jewelry."  I think it worked pretty well and plan to make this my new method for cleaning my silver.

What you will need:

-tarnished sterling silver

-small bowl

-piece of aluminum foil to cover bottom of bowl

-baking soda

-boiling water

-wooden or plastic spoon

-soft cloth for drying

STEP 1: Gather tarnished jewelry

(BEFORE)

STEP 2:  Line a bowl, large enough to hold your jewelry, with aluminum foil.

STEP 3:  Place jewelry on foil so it's not overlapping.

STEP 4:  Cover jewelry with boiling water.

STEP 5:  Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over jewelry.  The baking soda will begin to fizz and produce a sort of sulfur smell (that means it's working!).

STEP 6:  Gently "stir" with the end of a wooden or plastic spoon.

STEP 7: Let sit for about 1-2 minutes (depending on how tarnished).

STEP 8:  Rinse bowl and jewelry thoroughly with cool water (careful, it may still be hot!).

STEP 9:  Dry each pice of jewelry with a soft cloth.

STEP 10:  Enjoy your shinny silver once again!

(AFTER)