Why does sterling silver tarnish?
Over time, sterling silver can oxidise and develop a slightly dull or darkened appearance. This is a natural chemical reaction that happens when silver is exposed to air, moisture, and certain chemicals often found in tap water, pools, or personal care products. Some people may also notice faster tarnishing due to the natural acidity of their skin.
It’s better to prevent than to clean
Like all precious metals, sterling silver jewellery needs a little maintenance to stay looking its best. While there are cleaning methods that can help restore its shine, they may not always bring back the original lustre completely. This is especially true for gold-plated pieces, where the delicate outer layer requires extra care.
That’s why taking preventative steps is so important. The best approach is to clean your jewellery regularly by gently buffing it with a soft, dry polishing cloth. Ideally, do this after each wear to remove dirt, sweat, and body oils that can speed up tarnishing. Learn more about tips to keep your sterling silver from tarnishing.
How to clean sterling silver jewellery with baking soda
At LYANG & CO., we’ve tested this simple method using one of our own pairs of 18K gold-plated sterling silver earrings, where the posts had become noticeably tarnished.
What You’ll Need:
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Aluminium foil
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Baking soda
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A small heat-safe bowl
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Recently boiled water
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A soft cloth
Steps: (full video tutorial here)
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Line the bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side facing up.
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Place your earrings inside the bowl.
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Add one teaspoon of baking soda on top.
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Carefully pour in freshly boiled water. You should see it start to fizz.
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Add another scoop of baking soda and give it a gentle stir.
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Let the earrings soak for 3 to 5 minutes.
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Rinse with clean water, then dry with a soft cloth.
And just like that, the tarnish is gone. We now have a pair of sparkling sterling silver earrings that look as good as new.
A quick note of caution
Some people may find this solution a little too harsh for gold-plated jewellery, as prolonged exposure can cause the gold layer to wear away. If you're unsure, try using a polishing cloth first. If you do use the baking soda method, limit soaking time to a maximum of 2 minutes, and avoid repeating it too often. That’s why we always recommend focusing on preventative care first! Regular gentle cleaning is the best way to keep your jewellery shining for longer.
