Alcohol-free Sanitisers Sterling silver is most at risk from these sanitisers, with the chlorine-based compounds being likely to tarnish the metal. If you can only use alcohol-free hand sanitisers, we recommend that you remove your ring when applying the cleaning agent.
However, non–alcohol-based hand sanitizers typically use chlorine-based compounds as germicides. These chlorine compounds could react with water and release free chlorine. Free chlorine radical is very reactive and could cause tarnishing of jewelry, especially if it is made of sterling silver.
Alcohol-based hand sanitisers will have a negligible effect on rings, as they target germs. Non-alcohol-based hand sanitisers, on the other hand, should be avoided because of the release of reactive free chlorine. This component steals the sparkle and eats up the ring's metal layer.
Sterling Silver:
This is one metal that you need to be super cautious about. Use of sanitizer while wearing sterling silver jewelry may lead to the rapid tarnishing of the metal. Once the erosion begins, the prongs holding the stones might loosen and may eventually cause the gems to fall-off (if not spotted on time).
For instance, some hand sanitizers are made with bleach and chlorine that with excessive use, may start to tarnish certain precious metals, such as sterling silver. These chemicals can also cause any rhodium plating to wear off quicker.
Rubbing alcohol is one of the lesser-known silver cleaning solutions. It can be used to remove spots, smudges, or tarnishing. This is also a great way to disinfect sterling silver body jewelry. The chemicals in rubbing alcohol can be damaging to certain metals and gemstones like emeralds and opals.
If you have any jewelry that's made from a real precious metal such as silver or gold, you can clean it safely with alcohol. As long as your jewelry is made from these metals, the jewelry won't be damaged, whatever its karat or quality.
Baking soda and aluminum foil.
This is one the best methods to use at home to clean your silver rings. All you need to do is line a bowl with aluminum foil, pour some boiling water in and add baking soda (Use 1 tablespoon of baking soda for a cup of water). Add in your silver rings and leave for up to 3 minutes.
Combine Vinegar and Baking Soda: Mix 1/2 cup white vinegar and 2 Tbsp. baking soda together, then let your silver jewelry soak in the mixture for two to three hours before rinsing and polishing.
With sterling silver, you have to be especially cautious of alcohol-free hand sanitizers. Instead of alcohol as a primary agent, these sanitizers contain chlorine-based chemicals and compounds. While they still kill germs and bacteria, they contain harsh compounds that tarnish sterling silver.
You should avoid harsh chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, bleach and acetone, as these can break down the base metal in your ring and compromise the structure.
"If possible you should avoid rubbing hand sanitizer or harsh cleaning products directly onto your ring," they explained. "The best option is to remove your ring, apply hand sanitizer, let it dry, and then put your ring back on."
Hand soap tends to be gentler than body wash, allowing you to clean your hands and the surface of your ring without damaging the precious metal. If you use stronger hand soap with a scent, play it safe and remove the ring before washing or swap to a gentle soap.
Yes! To clean your jewelry using isopropyl rubbing alcohol, fill a small bowl with it—just enough to fully cover the piece you wish you clean. Leave the jewelry to soak in the bowl for a few minutes. Alcohol dries completely clear on metal surfaces so there is no need to rinse it off with water.
Polishing silver once a year should be enough to keep it in good condition. But, if once a year doesn't satisfy your cleaning compulsion, an easy way to maintain the shine of your silver is to wash it with good old water. You can safely do this as often as 2–6 times in a year.
Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver. In this form the metal is beautiful and suffers from minimal tarnish, but it's generally too soft and malleable for many uses, including making most silver jewellery. Instead fine silver is alloyed with copper to create sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper.
Silver articles, when exposed to air become black after sometime. This is because the silver metal reacts with sulphur present in the atmosphere and forms silver sulphide. Thus, a layer of silver sulphide is formed on the surface of silver articles, because of which they appear dull and black.
To keep it looking its best, it's a good idea to clean it from time to time. Silver tarnishes over time as a result of a chemical reaction between the metals in the material and moisture. Sulphur that's naturally present in the air can also discolour it, as can some cosmetics, perfumes and sunscreen.
Strong chemicals, sulfur, sweat and perspiration, chlorine, and harsh sunlight can tarnish and corrode the brilliant shine you love in your silver. Don't take your chances. Preventative care is significantly easier than dealing with damaged jewelry!
Sterling Silver will generally tarnish quicker in high humidity climates and places with high levels of air pollution. Things like perfume, hairspray, deodorant and moisturisers can all contribute to further tarnishing of your silver due to the chemicals reacting with the silver.”
OL: “Soap and most hand sanitizers will be completely safe for both gold and silver jewelry as long as they do not contain abrasives! In terms of abrasives, we recommend staying away from soaps and sanitizers that have small, fibrous materials that are intended to exfoliate the skin.