Stainless steel jewelry is very popular because it is light and trendy. If you take good care of it, your jewelry will last a long time and always look like new. Over time the jewelry will become dirty and will need to be cleaned. There are several simple methods you can use to clean stainless steel jewelry. Keep reading.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Soap and Water
Step 1. Fill two bowls with warm water
One of the bowls will be used for washing the jewelry and the other for rinsing it. Choose a bowl large enough so that the jewelry is completely submerged.
Step 2. Add 2 to 3 drops of mild dish soap to the first bowl
If the jewelry is very dirty, use dish soap that has a "fat-free" label on the package.
Step 3. Dip the corner of a soft, lint-free, non-abrasive cloth in the soap solution
Choosing the right cloth is important in the process of cleaning jewelry, especially those decorated with gemstones because it will prevent scratches. If possible, use a microfiber cloth as it is soft, non-abrasive, and lint-free.
Step 4. Rub the jewelry with a cloth
Make sure to follow the direction of the grain of the metal, not in the opposite direction. Otherwise, you run the risk of scratching the jewelry.
Step 5. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove dirt in the cracks and holes
Again, follow the direction of the metal grain, not in the opposite direction, when brushing. Make sure you use gentle pressure and don't brush too hard. Avoid brushing gemstones so they don't scratch.
Step 6. Rinse the jewelry
Dip the jewelry into a second bowl of water to rinse it off. Shake gently to remove all soap residue. If necessary, change the water after it gets dirty. Continue the rinsing process until no soap residue remains.
Step 7. Use a clean cloth to dry the jewelry
Try to absorb as much excess water as possible. Water left on the surface of the jewelry will cause water stains.
If the jewelry has a lot of detail, wrap it in cloth for a few minutes. That way, the cloth will absorb any excess water
Step 8. Polish the stainless steel jewelry
If necessary, you can polish the jewelry with jewelry polishing liquid or a polishing cloth. Make sure the products used are safe for stainless steel. Do not use liquid to polish silver as it will stain. When polishing jewelry, make sure to follow the direction of the grain of the metal, not in the opposite direction.
Step 9. Done
Your stainless steel jewelry is now clean.
Method 2 of 3: Using Baking Soda and Water
Step 1. Take a small bowl, mix baking soda and water in a 2:1 ratio to form a paste
The amount needed depends on the size of the jewelry to be cleaned. Most jewelry requires 1 tablespoon of baking soda (15 g) and tablespoon of water (7.5 ml).
Step 2. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into the mixture
Make sure that only the tip of the brush is coated with the paste. You only need a small amount of paste to start cleaning your jewelry. Make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush so you don't risk scratching your jewelry. Toothbrushes for babies usually have the softest bristles.
Step 3. Start carefully brushing the jewelry with a toothbrush
Do this in the direction of the grain of the metal and don't press too hard. If you brush against the grain of the metal, there is a chance that the jewelry will be scratched. Pay special attention to crevices and engravings and do not brush the gemstone parts.
Step 4. Close the sink drain hole, then rinse the jewelry with warm water
You can also fill a bowl with warm water and dip the jewelry until all the baking soda is removed.
Step 5. Dry the jewelry gently with a soft towel
If the jewelry has intricate details, such as a brooch or necklace chain, wrap it in a towel and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the towel to absorb any excess water.
Step 6. Polish the jewelry, if necessary, with a jewelry polishing liquid or polishing cloth
Use polishing products that are safe for stainless steel. Do not use polishing products for silver as they can stain the jewelry. Be sure to follow the direction of the grain of the metal when polishing, not in the opposite direction.
Step 7. Done
Your stainless steel jewelry is clean and ready to wear again.
Method 3 of 3: Using Toothpaste
Step 1. Choose a white, unflavored, silica-free toothpaste
Don't use gel toothpaste, as it doesn't contain the cleaning powder commonly found in white toothpaste. Also make sure the toothpaste doesn't contain silica as it can scratch the stainless steel surface.
Step 2. Wet the cloth
Dip one corner of a soft cloth in warm water and wring it out to remove excess liquid. You need a damp cloth, not soaking wet. If possible, use a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth.
Step 3. Dispense a small amount of toothpaste on the cloth
Not too much. About the size of a pea is more than enough. You can always add if necessary.
Step 4. Gently rub the toothpaste on the surface of the jewelry
Make sure you follow the direction of the grain of the metal, not in the opposite direction. Otherwise, you run the risk of scratching the stainless steel. Also, you should avoid rubbing gemstones as many gemstones are very soft and toothpaste can easily scratch them.
Step 5. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach out to the crevices and intricate details
Wet the bristles under a warm tap, and apply more toothpaste if necessary. Gently brush the surface of the jewelry. Make sure you follow the direction of the metal grain as you do this, not in the opposite direction. Be careful not to hit any part of the gemstone.
Step 6. Cover the sink drain and rinse the jewelry with warm water
If necessary, rinse off the toothpaste with water. Then, use a brush to clean any remaining toothpaste from crevices and other details on the jewelry.
Step 7. Dry the jewelry with a soft cloth
This step will prevent water stains. If the jewelry has a lot of detail, such as a brooch or necklace chain, wrap the jewelry carefully in a cloth and wait a few minutes before opening it. That way, the soft cloth will absorb any excess water.
Step 8. Polish the stainless steel jewelry, if necessary, with a polishing liquid or polishing cloth
Make sure you use a polishing product that is safe for stainless steel. Do not use polishing products for silver as this will stain. When polishing jewelry, make sure you follow the direction of the grain of the metal, not in the opposite direction.
Step 9. Done
Now the jewelry is clean and ready to be stored or worn again.
Tips
- To keep jewelry clean for longer, avoid contact with chemicals, such as lotions, perfumes, and chlorine.
- If your jewelry is scratched, take it to a jeweler to have it professionally polished.
- Store stainless steel jewelry in soft bags, separate from other jewelry, especially those made of metal.
- If you're unsure about using a particular method, test an inconspicuous area first. You can also do a test on old stainless steel jewelry that you no longer wear.
- You can also use cleaning products specially formulated for stainless steel. Apply the product with a soft cloth, then wipe with a clean cloth. Remember to always follow the direction of the metal grain, and be careful not to hit the gemstones.
- Remove water stains by scrubbing them with a soft cloth that has been dipped in distilled white vinegar. Then rinse the jewelry thoroughly with warm water to remove any vinegar residue, then pat dry with a soft cloth.
- Scrub dirty jewelry with a soft cloth that has been moistened with baby oil to remove stains and restore shine.
- Toothpicks are often used to reach the nooks and crannies that the bristles of the toothbrush cannot reach. Toothpicks are very effective at cleaning the area between the links.
Warning
- Do not use polishing products that contain wax as this will leave a film on the stainless steel surface, making it look dull.
- Do not use toothpaste that contains silica.
- Be careful with gemstones, don't let them hit. Some gemstones are too brittle to clean with baking soda, toothpaste, or a toothbrush.
- Never clean stainless steel with cleaning or polishing products for silver as these can damage the metal surface or leave stains.
