Over time, your jewellery will lose its lustre and shine. This is a normal thing, even though we would like our jewellery to last forever. While wearing it, several factors can damage it such as sweat and skin acidity. Even if you don’t wear it, dust can end up altering its colour and shine. In addition to storing them properly, you should clean them regularly. This is why Alfred & Co. London has prepared a small guide to help you take care of your precious jewellery and learn how to keep your chains clean. Keep reading to find out more.
The conventional way of keeping your jewellery clean
If you ever wondered how to keep your jewellery clean, especially your silver or gold chain necklaces, we are here to help. It’s pretty simple actually, however it’s important to know the proper way. Else way, you might end up with a tarnished bracelet, ring or necklace. Here are the most common ways to keep your chains clean.
Keep it simple with soap and water
A classic combination of soap and water is a great way to clean jewellery without any damage. Mix a few drops of liquid dish soap with a few cups of water, mix them together, and place your jewellery into the mixture for a few seconds. Then remove and use a clean cloth to wipe dry and buff out any spots. Let the jewellery dry before putting it away. Keep in mind that this method is best for mild stains, tarnishes, or general wear-and-tear, like those you’d find when cleaning sterling silver. It likely won’t be strong enough for major rust. Lucky for you, our sterling silver curb style bracelets are tarnish and sweatproof!
White vinegar works to charms
A good household ingredient for cleaning chains is white vinegar. Soak your chain in a container filled with vinegar, then rinse and dry it. This should be done gently because the acidity of the vinegar could damage the plating. Make sure to know your materials prior to deciding on a way to keep them clean.
Baking soda is a great alternative
A chemical reaction can do the scrubbing for you. Baking soda and effervescent heartburn tablets cause a chemical reaction when mixed with water, producing bubbles that attack the buildup on jewellery. Place an item in a small bowl, cover it with water and add the active ingredient, then let it soak for a few minutes. Remove it from the bowl and wipe it with a cleaning cloth; let it dry before putting it away. This is a good method for gleaning silver and gold chains, but don’t use it on gemstones and pearls.
Unconventional yet effective ways to keep your chains clean
When cleaning your jewellery, make sure to know what it is made of. Soft gemstones can’t stand up to the harsher cleaning methods designed for gold and platinum. If you have any uncertainty, err on the side of caution and have your jewellery examined by a professional. Here are some uncommon yet effective ways for cleaning your valuables.
The toothbrush is not just for the teeth
To keep your jewellery sparkling, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub any dirt or grime from the surface of your jewellery. Mix water with a little bit of toothpaste to remove tough buildup, or simply scrub with water if the dirt is light. Toothbrushes are best used for rings or entangled Figaro and Cuban chains. Rinse your jewellery clean with warm water, then wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth. Let it air-dry before putting it away.
An antibacterial cleaner? Why not
A multipurpose antibacterial cleaner can help your jewellery sparkle. To start, pour a few inches of the liquid cleaner into a glass bowl. Add your jewellery and let it sit for five minutes. The buildup should begin to fall to the bottom of the bowl. Once the time is up, remove and gently scrub your jewellery with a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse under cool water, then pat dry with a clean cloth. And don’t forget, always let your jewellery dry before putting it away.
Good old boiling water
Hot water and steam can clean your jewellery so you don’t have to. Just put your pieces in a heatproof dish, then pour boiling water on them until they’re covered. Let the jewellery sit for a few minutes or until the water has cooled, then wipe it clean with a cloth. Always be super careful when dealing with boiling water. This method will not work with pearls and many other gemstones. Use it only with silver, gold, and platinum jewellery.
More affordable ways for cleaning jewellery
For a sparkling clean necklace or bracelet, rub it with a cloth soaked in lemon juice and then rinse the jewellery with water and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth. This should work well on silver chains. It is important to note that lemon juice is not recommended for use on jewellery with a gold, silver or other finish. The lemon juice can damage the plating and/or alter the appearance of the item. Another affordable way to clean your chain is just a plain microfiber cloth. Scrub it well to return its former shine.
Mistakes to avoid and our final thought
Now that we covered all the ways of cleaning your most valuable jewellery, it’s important to mention all the mistakes you could make along the way. Although all the ways for cleaning silver and gold chains are efficient, if you scrub it too hard, or leave the chemicals (even lemon juice) for too long, you might end up ruining it. It’s always safe to ask professionals and contact us if in any doubt about cleaning or taking care of your bracelets, necklaces or rings. Additionally, no matter how well you keep your chains clean, you must properly store them.
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