How to Get a Silver Necklace Looking New Again

Over time, silver jewelry is prone to tarnishing, a natural darkening that occurs when the metal is exposed to air and certain gases. This unwanted coloring makes your once awesome bling look dull, drab and in serious need of a major cleaning. Bring the shine back by cleaning it at home with a few inexpensive products that restore its shimmer, and then show off your work on a sweet night out with your friends.

Line a plastic container with aluminum foil. Lay the silver necklace flat on the foil, so the foil and silver are touching. Set the basin aside.

Fill a medium-sized saucepan with 1/2 cup water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add 1/2 cup baking soda. Stir the water until the baking soda is completely dissolved and incorporated.

Pour the mixture directly over the tarnished necklace. To be effective, the silver must be completely submerged. Soak the necklace for 10 to 15 minutes. Silver that is only lightly tarnished will come clean after a few minutes.

Remove the silver and rinse it under a cool tap. If it's still badly tarnished, repeat pouring the 1/2 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup baking soda mixture over the necklace in the lined basin. It might take several treatments to completely eliminate the tarnish from severely tarnished necklaces.