Learning how to clean costume jewelry can help keep your favorite pieces looking their best for years to come. If you're like most people, you probably have a few pieces of costume jewelry that are prone to tarnishing or in need of a good cleaning. Dust and dirt on your jewelry can ruin costume jewelry.
Find out here, in three steps, how to quickly and effectively clean your costume jewelry so that it shines like new.
How often should costume jewelry be cleaned?
Most people only clean their costume jewelry when necessary, but to keep it looking its best and shine, it's best to clean it thoroughly after wearing it.
For jewelry that you wear frequently, sweat, hairspray, lotions, soaps, perfume, and dead skin cells can build up. You'll likely need to clean these pieces more frequently to prevent tarnishing and keep them looking new.
The best tip for keeping your costume jewelry looking its best is to clean it before storing it. For costume jewelry that you wear only occasionally, wipe it down after wearing it and store it in a closed jewelry box to protect it from dust and oils. For favorite costume jewelry that you wear all the time, wipe it down whenever you can, inspect it periodically, and clean it thoroughly once a month.
However, the best way to care for your jewelry starts before it even needs cleaning. Investing in a quality jewelry box is a simple but effective way to protect your pieces from tarnishing and damage. A A closed jewelry box protects your jewelry from dust, moisture, and scratches caused by improper storage. Some boxes even feature velvet or soft fabric compartments that protect your jewelry from friction between pieces. In addition to keeping your jewelry neatly stored, a suitable box makes it easier to organize, access, and maintain.
Discover our collection of jewelry boxes :
Before you start
Costume jewelry is often delicate, so it is important to clean it gently. Before you start cleaning, sort your jewelry by material. Costume jewelry can be made from metals, glass, pearls, stones, etc. Clean each type of jewelry separately to avoid damaging it.
Since costume jewelry can tarnish quickly, it is best to clean it without using water or products. Rub off surface dirt with a clean, dry towel.
Equipment / Tools
Dish soap method:
- Microfiber cloth
- Toothbrush or small scrub brush
- 1 cup hot water
Baking Soda and Aluminum Method:
- Large bowl or shallow saucepan
- Microfiber cloth
Toothpaste method:
- Toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
Material
Dish soap method:
- Mild dish soap or baby shampoo
Baking Soda and Aluminum Method:
- Aluminum foil
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 cup hot water
Toothpaste method:
- Toothpaste
How to clean costume jewelry with dishwashing liquid?
Using dish soap or another mild soap like baby shampoo is the gentlest cleaning method. This is the safest method, as other methods use a chemical reaction or abrasive action.
01: Gather your jewelry and cleaning supplies
Gather together all the costume jewelry you need to clean.
Gather your cleaning supplies: a soft brush (a soft toothbrush works), a microfiber towel, mild dish soap or baby shampoo, and warm water.
02: Dry clean the jewelry first
Start by gently rubbing the jewelry with a dry microfiber towel to remove any dirt, oil or residue that has accumulated on the surface.
Advice :
Use a dry toothbrush to remove more stubborn deposits. If traces persist, switch to using soap and water.
03: Use soap, hot water and a toothbrush
If you own a piece of gold-colored costume jewelry, it is likely gold-plated. Gold plating involves coating a metal like brass or copper with a thin layer of gold for a shiny finish. However, over time, this layer can tarnish.
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Make a solution by mixing warm water with a mild dish soap in a bowl or large cup.
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Dip a toothbrush in soapy water, let it foam, then gently rub the jewelry to clean it.
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Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
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Dry the jewel with a soft cloth to restore its shine.
04: Using soapy water and a toothbrush for gold-plated costume jewelry
The method described also works for cleaning gold-plated costume jewelry, taking care not to rub too hard so as not to damage the plating.
Cleaning Fancy Gemstones
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Dip a toothbrush in warm, soapy water.
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Gently rub the surface of the gemstone to remove any dirt.
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If possible, remove the stone from its setting for a more thorough cleaning.
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Rinse the stone thoroughly with lukewarm water, then dry it with a soft cloth.
Trick :
To revive their shine, polish fancy gemstones with a microfiber cloth after cleaning them. Avoid using too much pressure or abrasive products, as this could damage their surface.
How to Clean Costume Jewelry with Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil
Baking soda, mixed with hot water and salt, creates a chemical reaction with the aluminum foil that transfers the tarnish from the jewelry to the paper.
01: Prepare the container and the jewelry
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Line the inside of a large bowl, Pyrex measuring cup, or shallow casserole dish with aluminum foil (shiny side up).
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Rub the jewelry with a microfiber towel to remove as much dirt as possible.
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Place the tarnished jewelry into the container, making sure to leave some space between each piece.
02: Prepare the baking soda mixture
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Mix 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 1 cup of warm water.
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Pour this mixture into the foil-lined container. Contact with the foil should create bubbles.
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Leave to act for 5 minutes.
03: Rinse and polish
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Carefully remove the jewelry using tweezers or forceps.
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Rinse them thoroughly with cold water.
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Dry them with a clean cloth to restore their shine.
How to clean costume jewelry with toothpaste?
Toothpaste, thanks to its slight abrasiveness, is ideal for removing stubborn and sticky stains while restoring shine and brilliance to your jewelry.
01: Gather the materials and prepare the jewelry
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Rub the surface of the jewelry with a microfiber towel to remove as much dirt as possible.
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Apply a small amount of toothpaste (paste, not gel) to a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush.
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Lightly dampen the brush with water.
02: Brush the jewelry
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Use the bristles of the toothbrush to gently clean the crevices and details of the jewelry.
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Do not rub too hard to avoid scratching some delicate surfaces.
03: Rinse and polish
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Rinse jewelry with cold water to remove any toothpaste residue.
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Dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth before storing.
Tips for keeping costume jewelry clean longer
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Apply a metal sealant, such as Protectaclear , to plated metal jewelry to prevent tarnishing and protect decorative patinas.
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Apply any lotions, perfumes or hairsprays before putting on your jewelry, allowing these products to fully absorb into your skin and hair to avoid any transfer to your jewelry.
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Avoid wearing costume jewelry in the shower or at the gym.
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Regular maintenance is essential: clean your jewelry about once a month to prevent dirt buildup.