Silver anklets are very elegant accessories both for traditional or every day looks. But with time, these accessories may lose their shine and become dark or blackish. It occurs due to the reaction of silver with certain substances from the environment and its contact with sweat, moisture, perfumes, lotions, and so on.
However, it should be noted that there is no need to take your anklets to professionals to polish them. In some cases, you can clean them at home using just a few household things and special techniques.
In this article, we are going to consider how to clean silver anklets at home, what methods are suitable, what should be avoided and how to make silver anklets shining longer.
Why Do Silver Anklets Turn Black?
It is necessary to know what makes silver anklets dirty before we learn how to clean them.
Pure silver does not get rusty easily; however, jewellery is usually made of sterling silver or silver alloy. This metal forms a thin layer of dark color in reaction to sulfur compounds and moisture in the air.
Common reasons for tarnishing include:
- Exposure to sweat and oils from the body
- Moisture in the air
- Perfumes, lotions, and makeup
- Contact with household chemicals
- Improper storage conditions
- Long periods without cleaning
Tarnish doesn’t imply damage on your silver anklet at all; in fact, it’s possible to restore most of the brilliance through proper cleaning.
How to Clean Silver Anklets at Home
There are quite a few ways of cleaning your silver anklets. It all comes down to what kind of jewelry you have.
1. Clean Silver Anklets With Mild Soap and Water
Cleaning Your Silver Anklets With Soap and Water Solution
One of the safest methods of cleaning on a frequent basis.
What you need:
- Lukewarm water
- Drops of mild liquid soap
- Microfiber cloth
- Soft toothbrush
Steps:
- Add drops of mild soap in lukewarm water.
- Submerge your silver anklets in the above solution for a few minutes.
- Clean it with a soft toothbrush.
- Special attention needs to be given while cleaning small sections of it that could become dirty.
- Rinse well with water.
- Dry with soft cloth.
- Never use hot water since it may harm some types of jewel finishes and gems.
2. Use Baking Soda Carefully
The popular method of using baking soda for cleaning of silver items that are tarnished is prevalent. It is quite an abrasive substance, and therefore caution should be exercised when using it, especially on jewelry. You can also explore Men's Silver Jewelry and Women’s Silver Jewelry for different silver jewellery options.
Baking soda should be mixed with water to form a thick paste. The process should be done with gentle pressure on the surface of silver using a soft cloth.
This method can prove effective for those anklets which lack intricate designs and soft stones in them.
3. Try a Baking Soda and Aluminium Foil Method
If the tarnishing of your silver anklet is quite severe, you may want to try eliminating the tarnish from the anklet by utilizing an aluminum foil through a chemical process.
You will need:
- Aluminum foil
- A bowl
- Warm water
- Baking soda
- Soft cloth
Cover your bowl with the aluminum foil with the shiny side facing up. Add warm water and baking soda into the bowl and place the silver anklet into the bowl.
Let it stay for a few minutes, and then take out the anklet, wash it properly, and dry it using the soft cloth.
Take care while using this method. This method is not suitable for all kinds of silver jewelry. Particularly, this method is not recommended if your jewelry contains oxidized parts or delicate gems/pearls, glued ornaments, etc.
4. Use a Silver Polishing Cloth
An effective method for cleaning the silver anklet without soaking is through the use of the silver polishing cloth.
In this process, one should rub the silver polishing cloth gently without applying pressure to the silver.
This would come in handy to keep your anklet clean in between the cleans.
How to Clean Silver Anklets With Intricate Designs
The traditional silver ankle bracelet often comes adorned with bells, chains, engravings, beads, and other ornamentation. The dirt can easily settle itself in these areas.
To clean complex jewelry, try soapy water along with a very gentle toothbrush.
Remember to rinse your piece after cleaning and make sure no traces of water remain inside any crevice.
If you have an anklet which is set with precious stones or pearls or enamel or glue ornaments, do not attempt any of the cleaning methods yourself; consult a jeweler instead.
What Should You Avoid When Cleaning Silver Anklets?
All home cleaning tips will not be useful in cleaning silver jewelry because some might scratch the surface, damage the finish, or damage decorations.
Avoid:
- Chemical detergents that are harsh
- Bleaches and chlorine-containing detergents
- Abrasive brushes
- Steel wool or rough cleaning pads
- Frequent scrubbing
- Very hot water
- Acids that are strong
- Toothpaste as a cleaner
While toothpaste may be suggested as a way of cleaning your silver, most toothpastes have abrasive components which will scratch your silver. It would therefore be wise to use a jewellery polishing cloth or just regular soap instead.
How Often Should You Clean Silver Anklets?
This will depend on how frequently you use your anklets.
However, should you wear them regularly, make sure to clean them softly by using a soft cloth after taking them off. It will be necessary to do the cleaning only when there is some sign of buildup of dirt on them.
If you wear them infrequently, clean them before storing them away.
How to Keep Silver Anklets Shiny for Longer
Cleaning is one of the many things that can help maintain silver jewelry. Proper storage of silver jewelry can prevent tarnish.
Store Them in a Dry Place
It is said that moisture can speed up the process of tarnishing. It is best to keep silver anklets in a dry jewelry box.
Keep Them Away From Chemicals
It is recommended that you take off silver anklets before applying perfumes, lotions, hair sprays, or other similar cosmetics. Let the products dry before wearing the anklets.
Avoid Wearing Them During Bathing
Even though water does not harm silver, soap, shampoo, or the chemicals present in water may leave deposits that lead to tarnishing. Therefore, you must not wear silver anklets when bathing.
Wipe Them After Wearing
It is advisable to wipe off the sweat and oils from the anklets after wearing them using a clean and soft cloth.
Store Pieces Separately
Silver anklets should be kept away from other jewellery items that may scratch them. Separate pouches or compartments would do.
When Should You Visit a Professional Jeweller?
General cleaning may be appropriate for most silver anklets without any adornments; however, there are times when professional cleaning will be necessary.
Consider visiting a jeweller if your anklet has:
- Jewelled with precious stones
- Pearl made
- Enamel decorated
- Delicate chains included
- Antique/vintage finish
- Heavy oxidization
- Insecure clasp
- Special finish
Professional personnel will be able to determine the type of metal and surface finishing before recommending an effective cleaning procedure.
Understanding how to clean your silver anklets at home is one way of ensuring that they keep shining without having to purchase sophisticated cleaning equipment. The process of cleaning can involve the use of soap, warm water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and microfiber cloth, which are easy to obtain if the silver anklets are suitable.You can also explore Mens Silver Rings for more silver jewellery options.
There are other ways of cleaning silver anklets, such as using baking soda and aluminum foil, which may be effective but need to be handled with caution since not all silver anklets have the same finishing.
More importantly, avoid using chemicals and rough handling. Cleaning and storing the anklets properly will ensure that they shine for many years. If you are looking for elegant jewellery options, you can also explore Silver Rings Women.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can silver anklets be washed in soapy water?
Yes, they can be. Warm water and gentle soap is a very gentle method of washing silver anklets.
2. How to get rid of black spots from silver anklets?
There is a possibility to use a polishing cloth or try using the baking soda method for silver anklets made of pure silver. However, for sensitive and decorated anklets, it is recommended to address a professional.
3. Can toothpaste be used to clean silver anklets?
Toothpaste cannot be used because it is very abrasive and can scratch silver. Thus, it is advisable to use polishing cloth or soak in soapy water.
4. Is it possible to use baking soda for silver anklets?
You can use baking soda to clean plain silver anklets. However, it is not recommended to use it on delicate, decorated finishing, stones, pearls or specially oxidized silver without the approval of a manufacturer or jeweler.
5. Why does my silver anklet become black so quickly?
The reason why your silver anklet becomes black is a reaction of this metal to sulfur substances, moisture, sweat, makeup products, etc.
6. What is it possible to do to protect my silver anklets from turning black?
Keep it dry and wipe your anklet after wearing it. Also, it is important to avoid contacts with perfumes, household chemicals and keep it separately in dry jewelry boxes or pouches.
7. Can I wear my silver anklets during showering?
No, it is better to remove it before showering due to the risk of accumulation of the chemical residues and water on your anklets.
8. Do I need to clean my silver anklets every day?
It is not necessary to clean your anklets every day. It is enough to just wipe it and clean in case if some spots appear.
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