5 Ways Cleaning Tips for Stainless Steel Jewelry
Stainless steel jewelry is a popular choice for many people due to its durability and affordability compared to other metals like silver, gold, or platinum. Additionally, stainless steel is resistant to rust and easy to clean. With a few simple products that you likely already have, you can easily keep your stainless steel jewelry looking shiny and new.
How Frequently Should You Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry?
The frequency of cleaning stainless steel jewelry depends on how often the piece is worn.
Although stainless steel jewelry does not rust, it can become dull due to tarnish caused by pollution and small scratches. If the jewelry has lost its luster, it’s time for a thorough cleaning. In case of excessive exposure to dirt, grease, or harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach, the jewelry should be cleaned immediately.
How to Clean with Soap and Water
This method is effective for cleaning stainless steel jewelry that can be soaked in water.
However, it should not be used if the jewelry contains soft gemstones such as pearls. For cleaning a stainless steel watch, make sure it is waterproof.
Prepare the Cleaning Solution In a small bowl, mix warm water with two or three drops of mild dishwashing liquid.
Gently agitate the mixture to disperse the soap. Fill another bowl with plain warm water.
Tip You can clean multiple pieces of stainless steel jewelry using the same cleaning solution.
Adjust the bowl size to fit the type of jewelry you are cleaning.
Stainless steel jewelry in cleaning solution with warm water and dishwashing liquid.
Submerge, Soak, and Gently Scrub Submerge the jewelry in the cleaning solution and allow it to soak for about five minutes.
This gives the dishwashing liquid time to break down any dirt or grime. After soaking, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away any visible dirt.
Pay close attention to engraved areas or small crevices in a chain.
Stainless steel bracelet being scrubbed with soapy water solution and toothbrush.
Rinse and Buff Dry After scrubbing, dip the jewelry into the bowl of plain warm water to rinse off any residue.
You can also hold the jewelry under a gentle stream of running warm water. Use a lint-free microfiber cloth to dry the jewelry.
Finally, buff the surface with a dry microfiber cloth or a jeweler’s polishing cloth to finish the cleaning process.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry with Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent mild abrasive that works well for cleaning intricate or hard-to-reach areas of stainless steel jewelry.
Make a Paste In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one teaspoon of water to create a paste.
If the paste is too thin, add more baking soda.
Gently Scrub Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to apply the baking soda paste to the stainless steel jewelry.
Scrub gently, making sure to clean every small area.
Rinse, Dry, and Buff Rinse the jewelry under warm water or use a bowl of warm water to remove the baking soda paste.
If there is any paste left in tight spots, use the toothbrush to remove it. Dry the jewelry with a microfiber cloth and buff it to achieve a beautiful finish.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry with Toothpaste
Toothpaste can be used to polish stainless steel jewelry.
However, it is important to choose a mild toothpaste that does not contain teeth whitening ingredients or is a gel formula.
Apply the Toothpaste Dampen a soft-bristled toothbrush or a small microfiber cloth with water.
Add a small amount of toothpaste and gently clean the surface of the stainless steel jewelry.
Rinse, Dry, and Buff After cleaning, rinse the jewelry in warm water to remove any toothpaste residue.
Dry it with a microfiber cloth and buff to restore its shine.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Jewelry with an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner
An ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is a device that uses ultrasound waves to remove contaminants from the surface of the jewelry.
It is particularly effective for intricately carved stainless steel jewelry, but may not be safe for soft gemstone-embellished jewelry. It is important to carefully follow the recommendations in the user manual to avoid damaging your jewelry.
Tips for Maintaining Cleanliness of Stainless Steel Jewelry
To help keep stainless steel jewelry looking its best for longer, consider these tips:.
Remove stainless steel jewelry before working with harsh chemicals or swimming in a chlorinated pool or hot tub.
Protect your stainless steel jewelry from direct contact with hairspray, perfumes, and other cosmetics that contain alcohol or other ingredients that can dull or erode the finish. To protect your jewelry, it’s a good idea to take it off before applying any cosmetic products and put it on last.
Store stainless steel jewelry in a closed jewelry box or soft bags to protect it from dust and prevent scratches from other metals. Avoid using harsh abrasive cleaners when cleaning stainless steel jewelry.
Instead, opt for mild cleaning solutions like soap and water or baking soda paste. .
*The information is for reference only.
