Fashion jewelry is a fun and affordable way to accessorize your outfits and keep up with the latest trends. However, it can lose its luster over time with wear, exposure to skin oils, perfume, hairspray, moisture, and dirt. Cleaning your fashion jewelry regularly will help keep it looking brand new for longer. Here are some tips on how to properly clean different types of fashion jewelry.
Precious Metal Jewelry
For fashion jewelry pieces made of precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum, it is advisable for you to avoid hazardous chemicals, because they may harm the finish of these fashion jewelry pieces. Therefore, the best way to clean them is with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush. Gently scrub each piece with the toothbrush to remove built-up dirt and skin oils. Make sure to get into crevices and under gemstones. Rinse thoroughly and then pat dry with a soft cloth. If you want to have a deep clean, you can soak the fashion jewelry pieces in warm soapy water for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing.
Avoid submerging precious metal jewelry in solutions containing ammonia, bleach, alcohol, or acetone as these can strip metals of their finish. Stay away from ultrasonic and steam cleaners as well. If your fashion jewelry contains gemstones, especially pearls, opals, turquoise, lapis lazuli, or coral, stick to the toothbrush scrubbing method only. Soaking can damage these softer materials.
Sterling silver fashion jewelry is prone to tarnishing. Use a good silver polish, silver dip, or make your own paste of baking soda, water, and salt to gently remove tarnish buildup. Rinse and dry thoroughly afterwards. Store precious metal pieces in a fabric-lined jewelry box or pouch to prevent scratches and tarnishing between wears.
Stainless Steel, Titanium, Tungsten Jewelry
Fashion jewelry made of stainless steel, titanium, tungsten carbide and similar alloys can stand up well to frequent cleaning. When necessary, wash them with warm water, light soap, and a gentle brush to restore gloss and get rid of dirt. You may also let them soak in warm, soapy water for 5 to 10 minutes for a more thorough washing. Make sure to rinse and dry thoroughly.
While they are scratch resistant, avoid using abrasive cleaners or materials like toothpaste or baking soda as these can damage the finish over time. You can also use a jewelry cleaning cloth or jewelry cleaner spray specially formulated for these metal types. Just spray the cleaner on a soft cloth and wipe down each piece.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry includes fun and trendy pieces made with materials like base metals, acrylic, resin, plastic, and glass. As these are often coated or plated, avoid getting them wet as moisture can cause corrosion, tarnishing, or damage to adhesives.
For light cleaning, wipe them down with a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove surface dirt and dust. If you need a deeper clean, use rubbing alcohol, vodka, or jewelry cleaner sprayed onto the cloth instead of water. Make sure not to immerse costume jewelry in liquid solutions. Use an old toothbrush dipped in alcohol to gently scrub fabric jewelry, beaded pieces, or textured surfaces.
Be very gentle during cleaning and storage to avoid chipping plating or prying loose any decorative elements glued onto the pieces. Lay costume jewelry flat in a fabric-lined box or on a soft cloth rather than piling pieces which could cause scratching or entanglement.
Pearl Jewelry
Pearls require special care as they are porous and prone to discoloration and damage from exposure to chemical solutions, perfumes, and even the natural oils in our skin over time. Never soak or scrub pearls. The safest way to clean them is using a microfiber cloth to gently wipe down each pearl, paying close attention to the spaces in between.
You can also purchase a polishing cloth specially made for pearls. Lightly buff the pearls according to the directions on the cloth package. This will remove buildup from environmental pollutants and skin oils to restore their natural luster. It’s best to take off your pearl jewelry when applying hairspray, perfume, or moisturizer. After wearing, gently wipe with a clean, soft cloth to absorb any oils. Store pearls away from other jewelry to avoid scratches.
Gemstone Jewelry
Amber, turquoise, opal, lapis lazuli, coral, malachite, and other gemstones are examples of somewhat soft, porous gemstones. When cleaning, use extra caution because moisture and chemicals can quickly harm them. Never submerge them in water or cleaning solutions. Simply use a clean, dry, soft cloth to gently wipe the stones and metal surfaces. A damp cloth may be used very lightly if needed to remove oil buildup.
Make sure to thoroughly dry gemstones after any contact with moisture to avoid trapping water in the stone which can cause cracking. Jewelry cleaner spray misted onto a soft dry cloth can help remove more stubborn dirt and oils. Use an old toothbrush and alcohol for textured gemstone jewelry. Store gemstones separately from other jewelry pieces to prevent scratching.
Leather, Wood, Shell Jewelry
Fashion jewelry made of natural materials like wood, leather, and shell or mother of pearl require gentler care. Simply wipe down with a clean, dry microfiber cloth when needed to remove dust and dirt. Do not use any moisture or cleaners. A very lightly dampened cloth may be used on leather or wood if they are very dirty, but be sure to immediately dry the piece thoroughly with a clean towel afterwards.
You can freshen up leather cords by rubbing them with a clean cloth dipped in leather conditioner or jojoba oil. For wood pieces, a touch of olive oil helps restore moisture and shine. Avoid hanging leather or wooden jewelry pieces as gravitational pull can cause them to warp or crack over time. Store them flat in a box lined with soft fabric instead.
By knowing the best methods and proper care for cleaning different types of fashion jewelry, you can keep your pieces looking like new for much longer. Regularly cleaning your jewelry also helps prevent skin irritation or allergic reactions from built-up dirt, oil, and germs. Caring for your fashion jewelry collection properly preserves quality and ensures you get the most enjoyment and use from your favorite fun, stylish pieces. They’ll shine on for many seasons to come with just a little TLC!
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