Silver is an amazing metal that is comfortable and a safe choice when it comes to kids jewellery. They are quite versatile, and their shiny sheen gives the kid’s outfit an attractive look. When you buy silver jewellery, you also need to consider its upkeep and care as silver tends to lose its lustre after a while. Below we have listed down some of the tips for silver jewellery care. But, before that, let’s first look at the reasons why silver tarnish.
A. Why Does Silver Jewellery Tarnish?
Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that starts coating itself on the outer layers protecting the inner layers. It happens due to a chemical reaction that takes place between the silver sulphide of the metal reacting to moisture and other sulphide compounds. This may also be the reason why silver tarnishes quickly in humid locations.
Pollution and the use of products like hairspray, perfume, and moisturisers can also tarnish silver as they have chemicals in it. This discolouration simply dulls the shade of silver, which can be restored with proper silver jewellery care and cleaning.
B. How to Clean Silver Jewellery at Home: Different Ways
Here are some quick and efficient ways to clean silver jewellery at home.
1. Use Soap and Water:
The most basic and easy way to clean your kids silver jewellery is to use soap and water. It is the first method that many people try due to its ready availability. Also, soaps are mild cleaning agents that do not generate any harsh chemical reactions, which makes them an ideal solution to clean silver jewellery at home. You can also use dish-washing soap & water to remove black tarnish off silver.
2. Use Baking Soda:
One of the most used techniques, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean silver jewellery.
- You would require two parts of water and one part baking soda.
- Carefully mix this into a paste.
- Use an old toothbrush to apply this paste to the jewellery.
Another way is to place the silver jewellery in lukewarm water and then use baking soda to gently brush off the tarnish. Next, place the jewellery in lukewarm water again (for 10 minutes) and gently wipe it with a clean, soft cloth.
Many people also use toothpaste to scrub out tarnish, but this could damage your silver jewellery as the toothpaste contain many other ingredients.
3. Mixture of White Vinegar and Baking Soda:
This method is ideal for removing heavy tarnishing.
- Take 1/2 cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl. Add lukewarm water to it.
- Mix these ingredients and let the silver soak in for a couple of minutes.
- Next, rinse with cold water and let it dry.
4. Salt Water Method:
If you are wondering how to clean silver jewellery at home, then this is another simple way that you can try it out right now.
- Take a cooking pan or a large plate and cover it with an aluminium sheet.
- Place the silver jewellery you want to clean on it.
- Take a bowl and add hot water, one tablespoon of baking soda, one tablespoon of salt and 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
- Mix all contents and pour them on the pan over the pieces of silver jewellery.
- After a few minutes, you would notice some bubbles. Let the mixture sit in for ten more minutes.
- Next, rinse the silver jewellery in cold water and wipe it with a clean, soft cloth.
5. Professional Silver Jewellery Cleaner:
Using a professional silver cleaner for your jewellery can bring back the lustre even from harsh tarnishing. As a professional, they would provide the best results, effectively removing tarnish without damaging the metal.
C. How to Prevent Tarnish on Silver Jewellery?
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Clean Silver Jewellery Periodically
Over time mud, dirt, skin oils can get accumulated on the jewellery covering the outer layer of the metal, thereby causing tarnish after a while. The best way to preserve your kids silver ornaments from tarnish is to clean them periodically. The most effective way is to clean the jewellery with a soft cloth and water after every use. This would wipe off all the dirt/sweat/grime from the metal, preventing tarnish. Proper cleaning before storing the jewellery can also help reduce damage.
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Store Them Separately From Other Metals
The simple answer to the question – how to store your jewellery – would be to keep them in separate boxes. This would help prevent damage and discolouration. Whether they are kids gold bracelets or silver earrings for girls, you need to store them separately in their own boxes. Or place them in a zip-lock bag to keep moisture away. To prevent silver from tarnishing quickly, it is best to place them in a dry and dark place, away from direct sunlight.
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Keep Them Dry
Silver has many properties that lose its lustre after coming in contact with moisture. It can cause tarnish and lead to oxidisation. On a regular basis, you need to remove your silver jewellery before showering, doing household chores, or entering a swimming pool. Although pure water does not affect it, various other chemicals present in tap water can cause tarnish and dulling of silver. So keep them dry at all times to improve the longevity of their sheen.
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Remove After Use
Even though kids look adorable while wearing dainty jewellery, always remove it after their use. Wearing delicate silver jewellery daily could affect its shine, making them lose its soft glow quickly. Tarnish could also impact its durability. So, ensure to remove it and store it separately for long-lasting use.
Further reading: Turn Your Kid’s Drawing Into Unique Gold & Silver Jewellery
Conclusion
Be it gold jewellery or silver jewellery, taking care of kids jewellery is important to prevent damage and maintain its shine. At Doodle, we offer customised gold and silver jewellery options for kids. We ensure to provide high-quality, durable metals that are safe for kids and offer lasting value.
