What Should You Not Clean Jewelry With?
Jewelry is one of the most cherished possessions, and ensuring it remains as beautiful as the day you got it requires the right care and cleaning. However, not every cleaning method is suitable for your precious pieces. In fact, using the wrong products or methods can cause irreversible damage to your jewelry, whether it's diamond studs, a pearl necklace, or a halo ring. Let's dive into the common mistakes people make when cleaning their jewelry.
Why You Should Avoid Household Cleaners
One of the biggest mistakes is using household cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or window cleaner. These products are harsh and can damage the metal settings, particularly soft metals like gold or silver. Even tougher materials like diamonds may lose their shine over time when exposed to such chemicals. Keep those cleaning supplies away from your engagement rings and other valuable pieces.
Why You Shouldn't Use Toothpaste
Toothpaste is another common cleaning myth that needs debunking. While it's marketed as a mild abrasive, using it to clean your solitaire pendants or diamond jewelry can lead to tiny scratches on the metal and the gemstones. Toothpaste is simply too abrasive, particularly for softer gems like amethyst or opal, which can easily get scratched.
Stay Away From Ultrasonic Cleaners (For Certain Stones)
While ultrasonic cleaners are a convenient way to clean hard gemstones like diamonds, they can wreak havoc on more delicate stones like emeralds, pearls, or even some sapphires. These devices use sound waves to clean, but the intense vibrations can loosen or crack softer gems. Stick to warm water and mild soap for those precious, delicate stones.
Alcohol-Based Products: A No-Go
Products containing alcohol, like hand sanitizers or perfumes, can tarnish your jewelry over time, particularly pieces made of rose gold or sterling silver. Alcohol dries out these metals, causing them to lose their luster and shine. If you accidentally expose your jewelry to alcohol-based products, rinse it with water immediately.
The Best Way to Clean Your Jewelry
The safest way to clean most jewelry is with warm water, a gentle dish soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Soak the piece in soapy water for a few minutes, then gently scrub to remove dirt. Be sure to dry your jewelry thoroughly before storing it. If you're unsure about cleaning a particular piece, professional cleaning is always a wise option, especially for items like a vintage ring or an antique filigree necklace.
Taking proper care of your jewelry is essential for preserving its beauty and value. By avoiding harmful cleaning products and methods, your pieces will remain as stunning as the day you first wore them.