How to Clean Costume Jewelry
Cleaning of costume or fashion jewelry can be hectic and time taking process. It requires regular maintenance and usage of chemicals which bring cost. That's why house hold chemicals can become a priority over these commercially available chemicals. They not only save time but also the money to be spent on commercial jewelry cleaners. Jewel Jaunt, a jewelry brand specializing in fashion jewelry recommends cleaning jewelry every 15 to 20 days.
In this article we'll list down 3 methods for you to use which will help you clean costume jewelry at home.
Methods of Cleaning Costume Jewelry
Here are the 3 methods for cleaning costume jewelry at home.
1. Soap and Water Cleaning
Cleaning jewelry with a gentle soap is the easiest and widely used method for costume jewelry. It works best for non-plated and only-fashion jewelry.
Take a teaspoon of gentle washing-up liquid and add into a bowl of warm water. Make sure that the water is not too hot or it will damage your jewelry. Now take your jewelry and dip into it for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also rub with a soft toothbrush for better results. But don't use a hard or dirty toothbrush.
Once it is cleaned, take it out and rinse with clean fresh water. Now dry it immediately with a soft jewelry cloth. Don't let it wet after cleaning or costume jewelry made in brass will start tarnishing.
Tips for Better Results
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Clean your costume jewelry in day light or enough lighting so you can see properly which spots require more attention than others.
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A thick towel underneath catches any annoying drips and stops pieces from rolling off onto the floor. Lukewarm water is the absolute key. Hot water can loosen glue or gemstones if used.
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Don't use cold water. Cold water just doesn't clean well.
2. Baking Soda Method
When soap alone isn't doing the trick, how to clean tarnished costume jewelry with baking soda becomes my absolute secret weapon.
So, how do I clean jewelry with baking soda? I start with a paste using three parts baking soda to one part water. It should be thick enough to stay put but not so thick that it becomes crumbly. I apply it really gently with a soft cloth, being extra careful around any painted areas. For really stubborn tarnish, I let it sit for about five minutes maximum.
Tips for Better Results
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If your jewelry is extra tarnished or dull, adding just a drop or two of lemon juice to the baking soda paste will create a good impact.
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I use my absolute softest toothbrush to work the paste into detailed areas, being incredibly gentle with it.
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Always use lint-free cloths because regular towels leave behind annoying little fibers that drive me absolutely mad.
Vinegar Cleaning Method
Cleaning jewelry with vinegar is also a great option. White vinegar has honestly rescued loads of my favorite pieces over the years. For how to remove tarnish from costume jewelry naturally, I mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a small bowl. Then I drop my jewelry in it. I never, ever let pieces soak for longer than 10 minutes; any longer than that can cause proper damage. Because vinegar is acidic and it can destroy the glow of jewelry if it is placed for longer time. Conch Shell Necklaces can also be cleaned using this method.
Tips for Better Results
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Don't use this method for plated jewelry.
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Don't use this method for jewelry with extra amount of glue.
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Work in open air as vinegar's smell can be quite overwhelming.
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Cotton buds are genuine lifesavers when you're trying to get around stones and into those ridiculously tiny corners.
Among all of these cleaning methods mentioned above, baking soda works the best. Vinegar cannot be used for all types of jewelry and simple soap cannot clean hard particles.
What Not to do When Cleaning Costume Jewelry
Most fashion jewelry is made from everyday metals like copper or brass. Then given a lovely shiny coating on top, think of it like putting makeup on. These materials can be quite temperamental because they react completely differently to cleaning products compared to expensive jewelry. Explore the moss agate engagement ring meanings and determine if there are traits that resonate with you and your relationship. If so, it could be the perfect diamond alternative. I learned this lesson the expensive way when I ruined my mum's vintage brooch. Some pieces have delicate painted details or stones that are just glued on rather than being properly secured.
Right, so metal-plated pieces need you to be incredibly gentle because that gorgeous shiny coating is actually much thinner than you'd imagine. Painted jewelry is honestly like handling a precious watercolor painting. One tiny drop of water in the wrong spot and you're absolutely stuffed! Stone-set pieces often rely on glue to keep everything together, so dunking them in water is basically asking for trouble.
You'll definitely know when it's time to take action because your once-stunning pieces start looking rather sad and tired. Those horrible dark spots or green patches? That's tarnish making itself at home. How to remove tarnish from fake jewelry becomes absolutely crucial when you spot these warning signs.
How to Clean Tarnished Jewelry?
How to remove tarnish from cheap jewelry with that horrible green color requires a bit of patience. But it's completely doable.
I make a paste with baking soda and just a tiny bit of lemon juice for some natural acid power. Apply it gently, let it work for a few minutes, then use a soft brush in gentle circular motions to remove tarnish. Once you see tarnish removing and shiny metal appearing, stop it and rinse with water. After that, just clean it with a dry cloth.
In all of the methods mentioned above, baking soda methods work the best with tarnished jewelry.
I used to think green tarnish meant my jewelry was completely ruined forever. But I've learned it's actually just a natural process called oxidation. The brilliant news is that it's usually only surface-level and doesn't go deep into the metal at all.
Black Tarnish Treatment
How can I clean tarnished costume jewelry with black spots using a bit of kitchen chemistry? I line a bowl with aluminum foil, add a tablespoon of baking soda, and hot water. When I place the jewelry on the foil for a few minutes. It creates this amazing chemical reaction that transfers the tarnish from the jewelry straight onto the foil. It's like proper magic.
For any places where normal cleaning cannot be done, use cotton buds dipped in solution.
FAQ's about Cleaning Costume Jewelry
Common FAQ's about costume jewelry are:
How often should I clean my costume jewelry?
I clean costume jewelry every month if I wear it regularly. After parties or events where I've been sweating loads or using lots of perfume, I clean pieces straight away. Regular cleaning prevents horrible buildup from forming.
Can I use toothpaste to clean tarnished costume jewelry?
Absolutely not! I tried this once and regretted it immediately. What a disaster! Toothpaste is far too abrasive and will scratch your jewelry's coating badly. Stick with baking soda paste instead. It's much gentler for cleaning costume jewelry.
What's the best way to dry costume jewelry after cleaning?
I always pat pieces dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots from forming. Cotton buds work brilliantly for getting water out of small spaces. Never, ever use hair dryers. The heat can damage glue and coatings completely.
Is it safe to clean all types of costume jewelry the same way?
Not at all, Painted pieces only get dry cleaning from me. Stone-set jewelry never gets completely soaked. Plain metal pieces can handle water cleaning just fine. I always test new methods on hidden spots first. It's saved me from ruining favorite pieces.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean costume jewelry properly has completely transformed how I care for my entire collection. What started as absolute panic over green earrings has turned into a genuine passion for jewelry maintenance. Regular gentle care using simple household products keeps tarnish away and preserves that original sparkle we all absolutely love.
Remember, costume jewelry needs more tender loving care than expensive pieces because of how it's made, but that doesn't make it any less special or precious.
