How to Clean Artificial Jewellery?

Artificial jewelry, also called costume or fashion jewelry, adds flair and elegance to a dress without breaking the bank. However, it also needs maintenance because it loses its shine and allure over time. If you are wondering how to clean artificial jewelry then the good news is that it’s a very simple process and you can do it without making much effort.

In this guide, you will find all the effective methods for cleaning your embellishments. But before moving on to it, let’s first understand what artificial jewelry is made of.

Understanding Artificial Jewelry

Unlike fine jewelry which consists of precious gemstones and metals, artificial jewelry provides your best alternative as it normally consists of copper, nickel, or brass or is coated with a layer of silver, gold, or at times rhodium. Other than this, you will find synthetic gemstones, artificially made pearls, and beads thus classifying it as artificial jewelry. 

How to Clean Artificial Jewelry – Effective and Easy Steps

There are several methods of cleaning your adornments. So friends stop worrying and know how to clean artificial jewelry easily at home using any of the methods given below. 

Method 1 – Mild Dish Soap

For this method, you need:

• Mild dish soap or any gentle cleanser (mild shampoo, baby shampoo or hand soap) 
• Warm water
• Microfiber cloth or any soft towel
• Soft bristled brush
• White vinegar (optional)

Steps

1. Take a bowl and fill it up with warm water.
2. Add a few drops of mild dish soap or a gentle cleanser to the bowl. If your jewelry is heavily tarnished, also consider adding a few drops of white vinegar in it and mixing it. 
3. Now, place your jewelry pieces into the mixture in the bowl. Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes depending on the level of tarnishing. This solution will loosen up any dirt, oils, or residue on the surface of it. 
4. Take a soft-bristled brush and start to clean the surface of jewelry including every nook and corner. 
5. After scrubbing, rinse jewelry under the lukewarm water.
6. Just after thoroughly washing, pat dry it with any soft towel and avoid vigorous scrubbing. Then allow it to air dry before storing artificial jewelry. 

Method 2 – Lemon 

Lemon is one of the best choices for cleaning anything at home where grease is present such as the kitchen. What makes it effective is the citric acid in it which helps to deep clean by attracting all the dust and grease. 

To create its soak for cleansing jewelry, mix one part warm water with one lemon. Now place your precious jewelry pieces in it and do the steps number 4, 5, and 6 told in Method 1.

Method 3 – Vinegar

Vinegar works as a magnet for cleaning any grime. To make its solution, just take water and vinegar in equal parts in a bowl. Soak jewelry for 15 to 20 minutes. Now, do the steps 4,5 and 6 as given in Method 1.

Method 3 – Baking Soda, Salt and Aluminium Foil

The use of baking soda and salt is yet another effective way to clean and remove discoloration on your favorite pieces of jewelry. Read below the steps to learn how to clean artificial jewelry. 

Steps

1. Place the shiny side of your jewelry in an upward direction on the aluminum foil. 
2. Take a bowl and put one tablespoon of baking soda and salt in warm water. Mix it. 
3. Pour this mixture you just made on the jewelry which is placed on aluminum foil.
4. You will see the bubbles on the jewelry. Leave it for a few minutes.
5. When these bubbles disappear, rub your jewelry gently using your fingers.
6. Rinse with cold water.
7. Dry it with a soft clean cloth.

Method 4 – Toothpaste 

Use toothpaste because its gritty texture removes any kind of dirt. 

Steps

1. Take a thin layer of toothpaste and coat your jewelry item with it.
2. Now take a soft bristled toothbrush and brush off any dirt.
3. Rinse with cold water.
4. Buff dry it. 

Method 5 – Lens Cleaner

A straightforward way to clean your jewelry is using a lens cleaning solution which is easily available in spray bottles. Spray off your jewelry with it and clean it with a towel and boom they are clean as new. Note if you have sensitive skin, DO NOT use this method at all. 

Method 6 – Club Soda

Steps 

• You can use club soda by soaking your jewelry for an hour. 
• After this time, check if the dirt and other residue are removed. 
• Wash it with cold water and pat dry it. 

Method 7 – Bath Salt

Give your jewelry a bubble bath. All you need is just bath salt. Add it in water and wait till it turns bubbly. Then put your jewelry in it, and leave it in it for a few minutes. After that scrub and wash with cold water and dry with a soft and clean towel. 

Note

Be cautious to not use those ones with fake stones because salty water will make them lose their shine. 

Method 8 – Use White Flour to Clean Brass Made Jewelry

Jewelry made with brass imitation material needs more cleaning and scrubbing than other methods as it’s harder than others. It means you need to make a tougher cleaning solution for it. The way to clean such material is given below.

Steps

1. Take 2 cups white flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup white vinegar, fresh lemon, and baking soda, and mix well.
2. Apply a generous amount on your fake jewelry and use a toothbrush to clean its surface and all crevices. 
3. After cleaning, leave it as it is until the solution on it turns into flakes which will fall off. 
4. Clean with a microfiber or any gentle towel.

Method 9 – Jewellery Polish

Simply purchase a jewelry polish that is meant for cleaning imitation jewelry from a store. All you need is to just soak your fake jewelry into the solution of jewelry polish and let it in there for not more than 30 seconds, or as prescribed over the bottle. After that take out jewelry and wipe it off. 

Method 10 – Rubbing Alcohol

Steps

1. Purchase rubbing alcohol from retail departments or drugstores.
2. Pour the rubbing alcohol into a small bowl.
3. Soak jewelry in it for 30 minutes.
4. Remove jewelry from it and wipe off any excess.
5. Air dry jewelry for 15 minutes.
6. If any dirt is still found, either use an alcohol wipe to clean or repeat the soaking process.
7. For the earrings, soak them in peroxide for 2 to 3 minutes, if necessary.
8. If it makes bubbles or fizz, leave them in it for longer.
9. Take it out and rub it gently. 

Additional Tips to Take Care of Your Jewelry

1. Avoid harsh chemicals

While cleaning can be done using the above-mentioned cleansers, remember to refrain from using any harsh chemicals or any other abrasive cleaners that contain alcohol or ammonia. These will damage the dainty finish of fake jewelry. 

2. Be Gentle while handling it

Be gentle with it. Don’t bend or scratch it. 

3. Proper Storage

Store it in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight.

4. Regular Maintenance

Consider cleaning your jewelry 1 to 2 times a week.

Conclusion

Cleaning your artificial jewelry is a simple process that helps to extend its lifespan and make it look as good as new. Incorporate any of these methods into your daily routine. Also, it’s important to remember to take caution about not using any such cleansing solution which can cause your sensitive skin to irritate. 

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