Recommended Silver Cleaning Products for Jewellery and Gifts
Silver jewellery and homeware are timeless in their appeal, but they need the right care to stay looking their best. At Hersey & Son Silversmiths, we often get asked which cleaning products are safe and effective for maintaining silver. Below, we share our top recommendations along with important advice on how to use them safely.
1. Use Silver Dip with Caution
Silver dip is a quick solution for removing tarnish, but it must be used carefully. It’s suitable for plain silver items but should never be used on jewellery with gemstones or oxidised finishes.
Important: Never leave silver jewellery in a silver dip for more than a few seconds.
Prolonged exposure can cause permanent discolouration and damage the surface finish.
After dipping, always rinse the item thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.
Recommended for: Plain silver chains, earrings, and small items with no stones or special finishes.
Avoid on: Antique silver, oxidised designs, and pieces with pearls or soft stones like opals or turquoise.
2. Our Top Pick: Silvo Silver Wadding Polish
We highly recommend Silvo wadding for everyday silver care. It’s a gentle polish that comes as a cotton wadding impregnated with cleaner, easy to use, long-lasting, and effective without being overly abrasive.
To use:
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Tear off a small piece of the wadding.
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Rub gently over the silver surface until the tarnish is removed.
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Buff with a clean, soft cloth for a bright shine.
Why we like it: Silvo is ideal for both light tarnish and deeper cleaning. It’s especially good for silver gifts, tableware, and larger jewellery pieces. Unlike dips, it won’t cause unexpected discolouration and gives you more control over the cleaning process.
3. Silver Polishing Cloths – Essential for Everyday Maintenance
A high-quality silver polishing cloth is a must-have. These cloths are infused with anti-tarnish agents and can be used regularly to keep silver bright without the need for liquids or dips. We will provide a small one with your purchase.
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Perfect for a quick clean after wearing jewellery.
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Safe for most types of silver, including delicate finishes.
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Long-lasting and ideal for travel or gift boxes.
We recommend keeping one in your jewellery drawer or box and giving your silver a quick polish before and after wearing. Please do not keep it in contact with your jewellery though as it may discolour the silver if left in contact for prolonged periods.
Final Tips for Silver Care
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Store silver in airtight containers or anti-tarnish bags to slow down tarnishing.
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Avoid contact with household cleaners, rubber, wool, and cosmetics.
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Clean gently and regularly to prevent heavy tarnish build-up.
Looking after your silver doesn’t have to be complicated. Warmer weather can accelerate tarnishing, especially when silver comes into contact with perspiration, sunscreen, and humidity. Regular cleaning and the right products can help protect your jewellery from discolouration and dullness.
Explore our recommended silver cleaning products to keep your jewellery, tableware, and gifts in pristine condition all year round. Need help choosing the right one? Contact us for expert advice from the Hersey & Son team.