How to clean stainless steel jewelry?
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Do you have stainless steel jewelry but don't know how to clean and restore it?
Stainless steel has many advantages when used for jewelry making.
This material offers, among other things, great durability as well as good scratch resistance and a permanent shine . It is therefore an excellent alternative to other metals used in jewelry.
The Benefits of Using Stainless Steel for Jewelry
1 - Resistance to all tests
Stainless steel jewelry does not deform easily. When it has a brushed or satin finish, it also retains its shine longer. Thanks to its strength and durability, stainless steel also has good scratch resistance .
2 - Resistant to rust, oxidation and discoloration
Stainless steel is relatively corrosion-resistant compared to other jewelry metals. For those living in humid areas, stainless steel is highly recommended as it rusts less than many other metals used in jewelry making.
3 - Excellent alternative for people with allergies or sensitivities
Unplated stainless steel jewelry is an excellent choice for people with allergies or sensitive skin . Conversely, copper or brass jewelry should be avoided for people with sensitive skin.
It should be noted that stainless steel may contain nickel. However, it is generally considered hypoallergenic for the vast majority of people.
Despite these advantages, jewelry made from this material can sometimes lose its shine and become dull. It is then necessary to clean it. For example, it can happen that a piece of gold-plated stainless steel jewelry changes color . Let's see how to clean stainless steel jewelry.
The characteristics of stainless steel make it an ideal material for costume jewelry. To take care of them, don't hesitate to consult our article on how to protect costume jewelry .
The Best Ways to Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry
1 - Soap and water
This method is ideal for regular cleaning of stainless steel jewelry.
- Fill two small bowls with very hot water. Cleaning jewelry with boiling water can sometimes damage it. Be sure to turn off the water before it boils .
- Add 2 to 3 drops of mild soap to the first bowl.
- Dip the corner of a soft cloth into the soap and water mixture.
- Rub the cloth along the jewelry.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush , scrub the areas with dirt.
- Dip the stainless steel jewelry into the second bowl to rinse it .
- Use a dry cloth to remove excess water .
This technique is ideal for cleaning colored jewelry without the risk of removing the color. You can wash your animal brooches or other jewelry without worry!
2 - Baking soda and water
This method applies to jewelry that has not been cleaned for a long time .
- In a small bowl, mix 2 parts baking soda to 1 part water to make a paste.
- Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into this mixture.
- Gently rub your jewelry with the toothbrush and the mixture.
- Turn off the sink and rinse the jewelry with hot water .
- Dry the jewelry by patting it with a soft towel.
- Polish the jewelry with a jewelry polishing cloth .
3 - Toothpaste
Toothpaste is a great alternative for cleaning your jewelry. However, you should be careful about the type of toothpaste you use . Some toothpastes, especially those containing bleaching agents, are abrasive and harsh. They can scratch stainless steel and damage it instead of cleaning it. Instead, choose a gel toothpaste that is smooth and gentle.
- Dampen the corner of a soft cloth with warm water.
- Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto the cloth.
- Rub the cloth over the surface of the jewelry.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, reach into detailed areas.
- Turn off the sink and rinse the jewelry with hot water.
- Dry with a clean towel
- Polish the jewelry with a polishing cloth .
4 - Use of ultrasonic cleaners
Typically, you can use an ultrasonic cleaner for your stainless steel jewelry. This will make it easier to clean intricate designs that are difficult to reach.
However, ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended if the jewelry contains precious stones . These devices operate with intense vibrations and agitation, which can sometimes damage fragile stones.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Rings
If you have a stainless steel ring and are looking for the best way to keep it in good condition, try the baking soda and vinegar method!
Keep in mind that rings and bracelets tend to have patterns and links that create space within the jewelry, making them all the more difficult to clean.
To thoroughly clean your stainless steel rings and bracelets, you can soak them in soapy water for about 10 minutes.
You can also use toothpicks or a toothbrush to clean your stainless steel jewelry. If you're not sure how to clean stainless steel jewelry with vinegar, check out these easy steps:
- With a few spoons of vinegar and baking soda , form a paste.
- Use an old toothbrush or clean cloth to scrub all the crevices.
- Rinse with warm water
- Set aside to dry completely
- Polish with a jewelry polishing cloth
Polishing stainless steel jewelry
To maintain the shine of your stainless steel between cleanings, we recommend using a jewelry polishing cloth .
Polishing jewelry helps prevent dirt from settling and restores its shine . When polishing, always go with the grain of the metal to avoid scratching it.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR JEWELRY SHINY AND SPARKLING?
Recommended Reading: How to Make Your Jewelry Shiny and Sparkle?
If your jewelry is scratched, you can take it to a jeweler for a professional polish . This will remove any scratches and restore the metal's smooth appearance.
However, before you do, ask yourself if this piece of jewelry is worth it. Stainless steel is very affordable, and sometimes going to all that trouble isn't worth it.
Stainless steel and chemicals
Do not leave harsh chemicals on your stainless steel jewelry. Bleach and chlorine can damage the metal's surface . It is also recommended to remove your jewelry when swimming in chlorinated pools.
If you want to use a commercial jewelry cleaner, make sure it is safe for stainless steel. Avoid using cleaners designed for silver, copper, or brass , as they can be abrasive and scratch stainless steel.
Restoring the shine to stainless steel jewelry is as simple as removing dirt and protecting it from scratches. For example, cleaning blackened gold-plated metal often only requires a soak in soapy water.
When the jewel is clean, it is easy to maintain and retains its shine for a long time.
Stainless Steel Jewelry Storage
Before you ask yourself how to clean stainless steel jewelry, the best thing to do is to protect it from dirt . Now that you've cleaned your stainless steel jewelry, it's essential to store it properly to prevent it from tarnishing or scratching. To do this, follow a few simple guidelines:
Do not allow your stainless steel jewelry to come into contact with other metals or gemstones when storing it.
Store your stainless steel jewelry in a separate, fabric-lined jewelry box . This will protect it from dust and moisture.
Remember that if your stainless steel jewelry gets scratched, you can always have it polished by a jeweler.
Where to buy quality, trendy stainless steel jewelry?
Whatever style of stainless steel jewelry you're looking for, choose an online store with a proven track record. You'll find beautifully crafted stainless steel necklaces , pendants , rings , bracelets , charms , and earrings .
This is what Tequilae, an e-shop specializing in the sale of stainless steel costume jewelry , offers you. These beautiful pieces are available in silver-plated steel, gold-plated steel, or a combination of these two colors for high-quality, trendy steel jewelry , and all at the fairest price.
Visit their website today to purchase a piece of stainless steel jewelry that will last for years to come. These stylish steel jewelry pieces are scratch-resistant and resistant to perspiration. You can wear them all day long without worrying about damaging them.
However, regular maintenance and cleaning will help preserve their shine and beauty. Check out blogs dedicated to these jewels that cover this topic for more care tips and simple tricks. They're a wealth of information.
