How to Clean a Sterling Silver Neck Cross

Sterling silver requires frequent cleaning to keep it shiny and beautiful. Sterling silver tarnishes easily from the interaction of the silver with sulfides in the air. Other elements that will diminish the quality of sterling silver include perspiration, soap, chlorine in pool water and salt water. Cleaning your already tarnished sterling silver cross or other jewelry is quick and easy with supplies readily available that are not as harsh as commercial silver polishes.

Instructions

1

Rub your sterling silver cross with a soft cotton cloth. Try to remove as much of the tarnish as you can manually.

2

Line a small bowl with foil.

3

Pour 2 cups of hot water into the bowl.

4

Add 1 tbsp. Arm & Hammer washing powder (not liquid) and stir until it is mixed well.

5

Place your sterling silver in the solution for about a minute. The boric acid from the washing powder bonds with the aluminum foil causing a reaction that will remove tarnish.

6

Remove your sterling silver from the solution and rinse it in cold water. Let the cross air dry.

7

Place your cross in a bowl of warm water and dish washing liquid overnight if there is still a build up of dirt on your jewelry.

8

Brush with a soft toothbrush to remove any more debris.