How to Clean Your Jewelry Like a Pro
If you have old silver or gold/silver plated stainless-steel jewelry, they’ve probably lost some of the original sheen that made them so beautiful. Don’t throw them out just yet! It’s easy to get them looking good as new. This is one of the great pros of stainless steel jewelry, you can bring back it's original sheen. Not only do you need to know how to revive this type of jewelry but it's also good to know about daily maintenance in order to not to reach this point. (Daily maintenance is super simple and it will apply when you’ve used the jewelry or every once in a while to maintain its sheen).
In this article, we’ll give you tried and tested tips on how to clean your jewelry so you can continue wearing it and enjoying its beauty for a long time.
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A Bit About Silver and Gold Plated Stainless Steel, and Silver Jewelry
Sleek, lightweight, and glossy, stainless steel is a durable metal often used in wedding bands and fashion jewelry. It is sometimes plated with gold or silver to give it a different appearance.
Silver, on the other hand, is a delicate and versatile metal with a soft luster usually used in earrings and necklaces.
Although these metals are usually resistant to corrosion and rust, scratches and the accumulation of dust can make them dull and drab over time.
How To Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry
Let’s look at some easy ways to clean stainless steel jewelry, whether your cleaning your necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings or anklets.
Microfiber Cloth Method
Things you’ll need:
- Lint Free Soft Microfiber Cloth
The best way to clean Stainless steel is with a microfiber cloth. It can be either dry or damp. Stainless steel can be prone to soap or water marks therefore try first to clean it with a dry microfiber cloth. Although stainless steel is difficult to scratch, we do recommend you pass the microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain.
What do do:
- Grab a soft microfiber cloth
- Gently pass the microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain to remove dust or debris.
- If debris is not removed easily then you can dampen the cloth for more easability.
It is always advisable to clean your jewelry after every use. Store in a pouch or in a jewelry case. Prevent jewelry pieces of rubbing against each other to prevent scratching.
Soap and Water Method
Things you’ll need:
- Two large bowls
- Warm water
- A few drops of mild soap
- A lint-free microfiber cloth
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- A dry cloth or paper towel
What to do:
- Fill two large bowls with warm water and add 2 to 3 drops of mild soap in the first bowl.
- Dip the corner of a microfiber, lint-free cloth into the soapy water and gently scrub the jewelry with it.
- Rub it along the grain and not across it to prevent scratches. You can also use a SOFT-bristled toothbrush to rub the excess dirt and grime away.
- Rinse off any soapy residue by dipping the stainless-steel jewelry into the second bowl. Wipe away any excess water using a soft dry cloth.
Do not use toothpaste, paper towel or polishing cloths as you may damage the jewelry.
Maintenance Tips for Stainless Steel Jewelry
If you want your stainless-steel jewelry to look good for as long as possible, keep the following tips in mind:
- Keep your jewelry away from bleach and chlorine. They can stain and eventually corrode the steel’s surface.
- Avoid using a commercial jewelry cleaner.
- Store your stainless-steel pieces in soft cloth pouches, and ensure minimum contact with other jewelry pieces, especially metal ones and other sharp objects.
- Do not use toothpaste, paper towel, ammonia cleaners, baking soda or polishing cloths as you may damage the jewelry. It is always best to try the methods described above in a small area of the piece before cleaning the whole set.
How To Clean Silver Jewelry
Silver Jewelry can be cleaned the same way as stainless steel. Using a soft lint-free microfiber cloth is best. Silver is more prone to scratches than stainless steel so it is always advisable to rub against the grain and rub lightly.
There are various other methods such as the baking soda and water method, hand sanitizer method, baking soda and aluminum foil method, toothpaste method and lemon and salt and olive oil method, white distilled vinegar and baking soda method. We do not recommend any of these methods. Simple is better.
Maintenance Tips for Silver Jewelry
Keep your silver jewelry looking as beautiful as the day you bought them with these maintenance tips:
- Limit exposing your silver jewelry to heat, humidity, and moisture.
- Store your silver jewelry in a soft, microfiber pouch or bag and keep it in a cool dark place.
- Place a piece of chalk or silica gel sachet in the bag to help remove moisture.
- Never leave your jewelry in the bathroom.
- Never wear your silver jewelry while showering or swimming in chlorinated pools.
- Wear your jewelry only after your moisturizer, lotions, and perfumes have had time to sink into your skin.
- Don’t let your jewelry touch each other as it can lead to scratches.
- Clean your jewelry with hot, soapy water immediately after use. This can help maintain its shine for a long time.
Cleaning Your Jewelry? Let Us Count the Ways…
As you can see, there are so many ways you can clean stainless steel and silver jewelry. You’ll have no excuse now for keeping your accessories lackluster and tarnished!
Although you can always have them professionally cleaned, these homemade solutions are far more rewarding and cost-effective.
For gorgeous pieces of silver and gold/silver plated stainless-steel jewelry, be inspired by the wide selection that Artizan Joyeria offers. Their jewelry is low maintenance, hypoallergenic, non-reactive to sensitive skin, and resistant to rust and corrosion.
To maintain their shine, all you need to do is store them in their original pouch and keep them away from harsh chemicals and heat. Always, rinse your stainless steel jewelry after expose to water.
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