The other day while I was packing my suitcase
and choosing the perfect shoes for each outfit
along with the perfect jewelry
I looked at one of my favorite necklaces…
and shuddered.
Not because I don’t love it- I love it.
It is a charming silver heart on a beaded chain that my husband gave me several years ago
and that I wear all.the.time.
If you have seen me in person recently- I was probably wearing it.
and that I wear all.the.time.
If you have seen me in person recently- I was probably wearing it.
But it had a dark ring of tarnish all around it and it was kind of dreary and just plain…
no.
no.
Don’t get me wrong.
I love tarnish on some things.
I love tarnish on some things.
Like old silver pitchers and creamers and flatware.
But not so much on my jewelry.
I looked for my favorite silver polish but remembered
it was on the list to pick up at the store… and so since I was getting ready to take off on a trip
it was either wear that necklace and tarnish
leave it at home
or find a diy tarnish remover that worked.
it was on the list to pick up at the store… and so since I was getting ready to take off on a trip
it was either wear that necklace and tarnish
leave it at home
or find a diy tarnish remover that worked.
So, I googled it.
And this method from Martha Stewart popped up:
(quoted from Martha Stewart)
“A frequently recommended, nontoxic trick is to fill an aluminum pan (or one lined with aluminum foil) with hot water, add salt and baking soda, and stir to dissolve. When you add the silver pieces, a chemical reaction occurs, removing tarnish. It’s important to note that with this technique, the good tarnish (a desirable patina and the dark crevices in a pattern) may be removed as well, and pitting may result.”
And I had the foil and baking soda and the tarnished silver-
so thought why not try it.
I should note I left the salt out.
I’m thinking salt and silver don’t mix well- but that is just my opinion.
And after doing a little research on this method before trying it on a favorite silver necklace
I saw that others recommended leaving the salt out as well
as it can cause pitting.
I saw that others recommended leaving the salt out as well
as it can cause pitting.
Also –
this is another necklace I tried this method on for the photos since
this is another necklace I tried this method on for the photos since
I wasn’t thinking blog post at the time-
just thinking fix it and pack it.
Before-
You can see the dark tarnish tint to the silver.
I got the mixture ready and dipped half of the necklace in the water
and literally within a few seconds that half was brighter.
Another dip and it was all gorgeous again.
A quick rinse off and voila.
So, there you have it.
A simple diy tarnish remover that seems to be perfect in a pinch.
Thank you Martha.
Hope your weekend is off to a great start!
Disclosure:
I don’t know if it would be wise to use on very expensive antique silvers or jewelry.
Martha and many others seem to love it but please use at your own judgement and risk.
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Anonymous says
This is the absolute best trick for removing tarnish from silver. I have used this for years on all my sterling silver cutlery for the simple reason that it is non toxic and why would we clean cutlery that we use on our food and put in our mouths with harsh toxic chemicals? This works brilliantly and I swear by it for all my antique silver, having said that I do not know how it would affect silver plate. Have a great weekend 🙂
Courtney says
So great to know that you have used this method for years and with no issues. I am loving it so far! Thanks for stopping by!
Splenderosa says
I love it! And I haven't heard of it. I knew the Lemon/Salt mixture for brass cleaning but not this silver one. Thanks.
Courtney says
I hadn't either- but glad to know about it! 🙂
Katherine says
I love all of the flowers you share on your post – so pretty. What type of roses are the ones in this image – the ones with the white outer petals and inner peach petals. I love this type of rose.
Courtney says
I'm not sure what the name is but I can ask the grower next time I order.
cat says
i'd say David Austin roses – gorgeous things many different colours, i have about 30 different Austin roses and over 90 roses overall mostly old fashioned (apart from the new Austins all prior to 1920 some dating back to the time of Marie Antoinette)
Anonymous says
Love the photos!, Your necklace is so pretty. Thanks. For the cleaning tip. I wear a lot of silver because I can't wear yellow gold.
Marisa Franca @ Allourway says
Such a great idea. Now my problem is I have silver and turquoise that I love. Turquoise I don't think can be put in water. I'm trying to figure what I can use to get my beautiful jewelry wearable again. I'm getting ready to make my flower/plant list for my gardens. At the top of the list is my purple basil for my bouquets — I hope you can get it out your way. Once you plant it you'll be hooked on it. Smells just as good as the regular basil and absolutely beautiful.
Wild Oak Designs says
I once used this method, with the salt, sure enough, the piece was pitted….forever….
Never again will I use it….I just use the paste I trust and that is that….
Glad you left the salt out….good plan…
Nancy
wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com
lynn cockrell says
Your DIY silver cleaner worked beautifully. I can see why the necklace is a favorite as it is so pretty!
FABBY'S LIVING says
I wonderful tip for cleaning silver and I do have some ugly silver tarnished pieces of jewelry. That's why I wanted to ask you if this 'recipe' goes well for silver dishes too?
Thank you for sharing.
Enjoy your weekend.
FABBY
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Will have to try this…I have lots of Brighton jewelry that is not really silver, but it tarnishes….gonna give it a try and glad you were able to wear your fav necklace!!
Chris says
I have used this method without salt several times to cleans my thrift store finds. The lighter the tarnish, the better it works. Pieces that are nearly black with tarnish may take a couple of dips plus a follow up with silver polish.
girlofthehollow says
Toothpaste, not gel, is my favorite jewelry cleaner. It is always handy as I'm dressing and works wonders. I use a baby toothbrush, kept for this purpose.