Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Grandma's Simple Jewelry Cleaner



We got a phone call yesterday from a lovely lady in a part of Texas that we didn’t even know existed. She was kind enough to share an old fashioned recipe for cleaning silver jewelry. Now that is a sweetheart!



Her grandmother had a step by step approach that is pretty simple and definitely eco-friendly:



*Get a little bit of salt and a little bit of baking soda.

*Add a little water to make a paste.

*Use an old toothbrush and scrub it on.

*Rinse.


That’s what I love about Grandma. Pretty basic, and a little elbow grease. Don’t know about using with pearls, opals, or other soft stones, but it works just fine with Broken China Jewelry charms and the like.


Of course, wearing it frequently is the best way to keep tarnishing away!


What’s your favorite way of cleaning your jewelry?

15 comments:

  1. for silver jewelry with no stones, or silverware or serving dishes.
    take a piece of alumium foil, cruch it up and then flatten into the bottom of a stainless steel baking pan or frying pan (must be non reactive). add enough water to cover tarnished silver items, mix in a teaspoon or so of cream of tartar. Place on stove burner at lowest heat possible. As the water heats, the tarnish jumps from the silver to the aluminum foil. It's like a magic trick!
    Pat
    Patricia Rose-A Potpourri of Fabric, Fragrance and Findngs
    www.patriciarose-apotpourri.com
    www.patriciarose-apotpourriof.blogspot.com

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  2. Pat, that is sooo neat! All stuff we have around the house so you can't beat that. Thank you!

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  3. Kim ~ I just love natural recipes for cleaning. What a fantastic post!

    lisa

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  4. Hi Kim,,, I cant wait to try this out! Thanks for sharing it with us. How have you been? I love seeing all of the new projects posted here on your blog. You have really been busy:) I am busy but its a good feeling. I hope its cooled off there, its miserable here still. I hope you have a pretty week. Happy creating,, hugs, gail

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  5. Love the pics and your story. Use liquid jewelry cleaners (Touch of purple not good for coral though), or toothpaste and warm water. Rinse and dry. Store in individual containers or hang. Try not to let your metals touch each other as it can cause oxidation on the silver. For antique metals there is no cleaning needed, just a damp wipe with a soft cloth. Please do not use polishing cloth on brushed metal. That is my cleaning advice - hugs sassy gail

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  6. Kim, sometimes Grandma did know best, I think these old recipes should be treasured and I will certainly be using this one.

    Thank you for sharing take care

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  7. Hi Kim! Back to basics is the best way. Great recipe and your bracelet shown is 2die4.
    Pink hugs,
    Susie, The Polka Dot Rose

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  8. Great recipe. I will have to try that. Isn't it wonderful when someone is so kind just because?
    jennifer

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  9. I am so glad that I have lots of smart friends. I buy the jewelry cleaner from my jeweler and put it in the jar for a bit and take out. LOL
    Thanks for all the tips I won't be buying it anymore.. Kath'

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  10. Kim, Thanks so much for sharing. I knew that you clean copper with half of a fresh lemon and salt. Now I know how to clean silver! Hugs, Tedi www.PetiteBookstore.com/blog

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  11. Anything natural is fabulous with me. Great tips from everyone! Thanks!
    bunny hugs,
    shell

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  12. You are all fantastic! Great ideas!!!

    Ask your Mom/Grandma/Aunt if you can for some more great ideas. I know that we are forgetting more really good ones...

    Kim
    http://www.roseblossomcottage.com

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  13. Thank you so much for sharing! I love your jewelry!

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  14. In design mode this is looking pure and so healthy.
    silver jewelry

    exporters

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  15. Does anyone know where I can find containers with a tray inside (like store bought jewelry cleaners) so I can make my own cleaner and give it as gifts?

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