Different DIY Methods For How To Clean Silver, Gold, Gold Vermeil, Stainless Steel Jewellery & More
Keeping your jewellery clean is essential to maintain its shine and beauty. Different types of jewellery require different cleaning methods to ensure they stay in top condition.
We all know that jewellery is personal. It’s hand-picked, intentional and represents your one-of-a-kind love or self-love. As you stare lovingly at those emblematic beauties, you notice the sparkle begins to dull slightly.
You know what that means—it’s time to clean your jewellery. To help make this process easier, we’re covering the different ways of how to clean jewellery at home. Whether you’re wearing silver, gold, rose gold, yellow gold or stainless steel, you’ll have the solution you need that’ll keep your favourite jewellery bright and sparkly.
How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewellery
To clean sterling silver jewellery, create a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Soak the jewellery in the solution for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent tarnishing.
The Most Effective Solution: Polishing Cloth
Polishing is the most effective solution when tarnishing is not too severe. Since silver has potential to easily scratch, it’s important that you polish with a special silver cloth. Other options are a lint-free flannel, microfiber or a soft, nonabrasive cloth. You should definitely stay away from paper towels or tissues because they contain fibers that scratch silver.
Use back-and-forth motions that mirror the pattern of the silver jewelry and switch to different sections of the cloth to avoid re-tarnishing the silver. For those hard-to-get areas, use Q-Tips.
Everyday Cleaning: Warm Water & Mild Dishwashing Soap
The easiest way to learn how to clean sterling silver jewelry is with simple ingredients at home. To start, add a few drops of liquid dish soap to warm water. Mix until bubbles form and then soak the jewelry for 5-10 minutes.
After soaking, use a soft-bristle brush to clean any crevices. Rinse the jewelry in the warm water and then dry with a microfiber towel or silver cloth. Note: this is also an excellent way to clean gold jewelry.
Removes Tarnish: Baking Soda & Water
Make a paste using baking soda and water. To apply, use a pea-sized amount of the paste on your silver and polish. If you’re cleaning sterling silver that has more detail, thin your paste out with more water and use a soft-bristled toothbrush for cracks and crevices.
Next, run the piece under warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
Removes Heavy Tarnish: White Vinegar & Baking Soda
If you’re wondering how to clean your silver ring, this combination is an excellent gentle cleaner that removes heavy tarnish. Soak your tarnished jewellery in a ½ cup of white vinegar with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Warning: this mixture fizzes. Keep your sterling silver in this solution for two to three hours, rinse and dry
Olive Oil & Lemon Juice
Mix ½ cup lemon juice with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large bowl. Then, use a small microfiber cloth and dip it in the solution. Use this cloth to polish your sterling silver, rinse and dry.
How to Clean Gold Jewellery
For gold jewellery, mix a small amount of ammonia with warm water. Soak the gold pieces for about 15 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft brush. Rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the gold.
Simple Solution: Warm Water & Washing Liquid
The simplest way of how to clean any gold jewelry is to wash with warm water and washing liquid. Leave the jewelry to soak in a bowl for approximately 10-15 minutes. Then, use a paintbrush or soft-bristle brush to loosen any stubborn dirt in the settings or details of the jewelry.
Once brushed, rinse under the water and gently pat dry with a kitchen towel.
Deep Cleaning: Ammonia
If it’s been awhile since you last cleaned your solid gold jewelry, ammonia may be a good option for deep cleaning. It’s important to not clean too often with this substance since it can be damaging to the metal. Also, ammonia is not recommended for use on platinum or pearls.
To deep clean, add one part ammonia to six parts water and stir gently. Next, soak the jewellery in the solution for a max of one minute. Remove with a kitchen strainer and then rinse thoroughly under running water. Dry your jewelry gently with a soft polishing cloth.
How to Clean Gold Vermeil Jewellery
To clean gold vermeil jewellery, use a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Gently scrub the jewellery with a soft brush to remove any dirt or residue. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Avoid using polishing cloths or abrasive cleaners that can wear down the gold plating.
Lukewarm Water & Soft Liquid Soap
With gold vermeil, make sure you don’t submerge the jewellery in liquid. Instead dip a lint-free, soft, non-abrasive cloth or jewellery cloth in a warm water and soap combination. Gently rub your piece and then rinse with another cloth dipped in plain water. Once washed, carefully dry and place it in a jewellery box wrapped in a soft cloth. Avoid using a silver cloth as it will remove the gold plating!
How to Clean Stainless Steel Jewellery
Stainless steel jewelry can be cleaned with a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth to gently scrub the jewellery, then rinse with clean water. Dry the stainless steel pieces thoroughly to prevent water spots or residue from forming.
The Best Method: Water & Soap
This easy cleaning recipe requires two small bowls with warm water. Then, add 2-3 drops of mild dish soap in bowl 1. Dip the corner of the cloth into the mixture and rub it along the jewelry.
After, use a soft-bristle toothbrush and rub any excess dirt. Wash the jewelry in the second bowl and rinse. Use a dry cloth to wipe away any remaining water and then use a polishing cloth.
Water & Baking Soda
To learn how to clean stainless steel jewelry, you’ll need a large glass bowl, 1 tbsp baking soda, ½ tablespoon water, a soft bristle toothbrush, and a kitchen towel.
Combine the baking soda and water in the large bowl with a 2:1 ration. Then, dip the toothbrush into the mixture and scrub the jewellery. Rinse the jewellery with warm water and use a soft towel to dry. Let the stainless steel jewellery sit for a few minutes to completely dry before putting your jewellery away.
How to Clean Costume Jewellery
Costume jewellery should be cleaned with a soft cloth dampened with water and mild soap. Gently wipe the jewellery to remove any dirt or grime. Avoid soaking costume jewellery or using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the materials. Dry the jewellery thoroughly before storing it.
Gentle Cleaning Solution: Baby Shampoo & Water
To learn how to clean costume jewelry, mix one drop of baby shampoo and water. Then, use a soft toothbrush or Q-Tip for those hard-to-reach areas.
Immediately rinse off this solution in cool water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Use a hairdryer (on cool) to ensure the piece is entirely dry.
Summary
By following these expert tips, you can keep your jewellery looking its best for years to come. Remember to clean your jewelry regularly to prevent tarnishing and maintain its sparkle. With the right care and maintenance, your favorite pieces will continue to shine bright.
Now that you know the ins-and-outs of cleaning different types of jewellery, shop our authentic Jaiyen Jewellery Collection
