If you have 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.
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.
How to clean stainless steel jewelry
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.
Step 1: Organize your jewelry
First, put all your jewelry into groups. Keep your necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings or anklets separate. This makes it easy to clean each one without them getting tangled or scratched.
Step 2: Use a microfiber cloth method
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 watermarks therefore try first to clean it with a dry microfiber cloth.
Things you’ll need: Lint free soft microfiber cloth
Although stainless steel is difficult to scratch, we do recommend you pass the microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain. Here's what to 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 usability.
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.
Step 3: Soap and water method
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 not to reach this point.
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:
| Dos | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Follow the “Last on, First off” rule. Make it a habit to put on your jewelry right before heading out and remove it as the first step when returning home. | 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. |
| Avoid using a commercial jewelry cleaner. | Keep your jewelry away from bleach and chlorine. They can stain and eventually corrode the steel’s surface. |
| Store your stainless-steel pieces in soft cloth pouches, and ensure minimum contact with other jewelry pieces, especially metal ones and other sharp objects. | Don’t pile pieces together or store in humid places (like bathrooms), this accelerates tarnishing and damage. |
As you can see, there are so many ways you can clean stainless steel and silver jewelry. 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.
