Stainless Steel Jewelry Looking Dull? Discover the Ultimate Cleaning Guide!
Stainless steel has become increasingly popular and is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for affordable and stylish accessories. A lot of women choose it for its durability and sleek appearance. From bracelets and necklaces to rings and earrings, stainless steel pieces can complement any outfit. However, don’t forget that stainless steel requires proper care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. It’s important to mention that the metal is also hypoallergenic and super easy to clean.
Over the years, we understood there’s no need to invest much in our everyday accessories. There are great options available and we should take advantage of their quality and durability. I used to believe and say that silver is what suits me and is also my favorite material for jewelry. I couldn’t imagine how great stainless steel can be. I like the idea of always changing my jewelry, depending on what I wear. Oh, and that’s not all!
Do you know that feeling of guilt when you lose a favorite piece? Well, in case you’ll lose a piece of stainless steel, you’ll not feel bad. They can be usually replaced without a lot of effort. We agree some pieces can be important for us on an emotional level, but the price is still essential.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to its benefits, these tips and techniques will help you keep your jewelry looking its best. It’s easier than you can imagine! Remember that the key is consistency and gentle care!
What makes stainless steel special?
It’s an alloy made primarily of iron, carbon, and chromium. Its chromium content makes it an ideal material for jewelry, especially for the pieces that are worn daily and exposed to various elements. The chromium gives steel the ability to resist rust and corrosion. So, a lot of women choose stainless steel accessories. They are way cheaper than the silver ones, but also durable. No one likes a bad-looking silver jewelry piece. Opting for steel is not only a more affordable solution, but also a trendier one. Considering the great price of stainless steel jewelry, with a good amount you can purchase a lot of beautiful pieces and combine them with your daily outfits.
When it comes to silver, things are becoming a little harder. Silver is not that cheap, so you need more money to afford to buy diverse pieces. I get easily bored, so having the opportunity to change my accessories and match them with what I wear is a great activity. I enjoy it. Basically, my mood depends on my outfit. I know it can sound weird, but the way I feel in a day is highly influenced by what I wear. If I like my outfit, I’m most likely to enjoy my day. Women are a little bit crazy… aren’t we?
Why Cleaning Stainless Steel Jewelry?
Maintaining shine
Over time, stainless steel tends to lose its luster due to exposure to sweat, oils, and dirt. Regular cleaning helps maintain its shine and ensures it looks as good as new.
Ensuring longevity
Proper care and maintenance extend the lifespan of your jewelry. By keeping it clean you can prevent buildup that can lead to deterioration over time.
What You’ll Need
- Mild soap or dishwashing liquid
- Soft cloth or microfiber cloth
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Small bowl
- Jewelry polishing cloth
- Non-whitening toothpaste
Instructions
1. Cleaning with soap and water
This method works very well for steel jewelry submerged in water. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t use it if the jewelry contains pearls or other soft gemstones. Also, if you want to clean a watch, make sure it’s waterproof before you use this method.
It’s easier than you think! All you need to do is fill a small bowl with warm water and add 2 or 3 drops of mild wash soap. Then, make sure to agitate gently to disperse the soap. Before you begin the cleaning, fill a second bowl with plain warm water.
If you have more jewelry pieces you want to clean, make sure you adapt the sizes of your bowls. Submerge the jewelry and let it soak in the warm water for about 10 minutes. This way, the dish soap has time to begin to break down the soil.
To scrub away any visible soil, you’ll need a soft-bristled toothbrush. Pay attention to engraved areas, small nooks, and crannies.
The third step is represented is to rinse away any residue, by using the second bowl of warm water. Last, but not least, make sure to dry the jewelry with a lint-free microfiber cloth. That’s all! Now you can enjoy your sparkly accessories.
2. Cleaning with baking soda
Baking soda is a mild abrasive and it works amazing if grime is caught in intricately engraved jewelry or small openings in stainless steel chains.
The first step is to mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one teaspoon of water to make a paste in a small bowl. If you observe that the paste is too thin, make sure to add more baking soda.
The second step is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to apply the paste to the stainless steel jewelry. Then, scrub gently to make sure every small area is getting cleaned.
Lastly, rinse away the baking soda paste and hold the jewelry under a gently running faucet. Use a toothbrush if there is any paste caught in a tight spot, and dry the jewelry with a microfiber cloth for a beautiful finish.
On Amazon, you can find a great brand of baking soda. Check it out!
3. Cleaning with toothpaste
You surely heard about this method and trust us, it’s worth your try! The toothpaste works great as a stainless steel polish. So, make sure to choose a mild, non-gel formula that does not contain whitening ingredients.
First, dampen a soft-bristled toothbrush or a small microfiber cloth with water, then add a dab of toothpaste. Gently clean the surface of the stainless steel jewelry.
The second step is to rinse the jewelry in warm water and remove all the toothpaste. To restore the shine, you need a microfiber cloth to dry the pieces.
That’s all! Simple, right?
Have you tried any of these methods before? Let us know how it went, in the comment section found below. If you recently discovered the power of stainless steel accessories, this article is perfect for you. Learning how to take care of your jewelry pieces is an extremely important part and it can save you a good amount of money! Why constantly buy new jewelry if you can easily clean your favorite pieces at home? In just a few minutes you can give a new look to your dull accessories. So, what are you waiting for? Try these hacks now!
Tips for keeping your stainless steel jewelry clean
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and ammonia, or even scrubbing too hard because this can scratch the surface of your jewelry.
- Take off your jewelry in a dry, cool place, preferably in a jewelry box to prevent scratches and tarnish.
- Regularly inspect your jewelry for signs of water and tear. Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent further damage.
Speaking about cleaning, we also recommend this article: Clean Your Home With Salt: 8 Easy Ways to Make It Sparkle!
