The best ways to clean your jewellery at home

Nothing looks better than the way our jewellery sparkles when we first buy it. It's the same as that new-car smell! But as time goes by, it can start to look dull and tarnished. That’s because jewellery is exposed to all sorts of pollution, skin oils, and sweat during everyday wear. Luckily, cleaning your jewellery doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, and you can do it right at home! In this post, we'll go over the best ways to clean both gold and silver jewellery, what to avoid, and share our tested recipe for cleaning jewellery.

 

 

Understanding Sterling Silver:

 

Before diving into the best way to clean jewellery made of sterling silver, it's important to understand what makes this metal unique. Sterling silver is an alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This combination provides durability and strength while maintaining the metal's beautiful appearance. However, the presence of copper makes sterling silver prone to tarnishing when exposed to air and moisture. This is why knowing the best way to clean jewellery is essential for maintaining its beauty.

 

A few of the quickest and best ways on how to clean your jewellery:

 

When you’re cleaning jewellery, remember that it’s important to be gentle, especially with pieces that are delicate, or have precious gemstones. When cleaning silver jewellery, it’s important to remember that silver is a soft, precious metal and it can easily be scratched. 

 

The quickest DIY method and (in our opinion) best way to clean your jewellery is toothpaste. A dab of toothpaste, a soft cloth, and some elbow grease cleans up silver miraculously. That's all you'll need to clean up most of our designs, such as our Prosperity ring or Spaced Out pendant.

 

Silver cleaning cloths also offer one of the best ways to clean jewellery made from sterling silver. These specially designed cloths are infused with a cleaning solution that helps to remove tarnish and restore shine. Gently rubbing the cloth over the surface of the jewellery can help clean even delicate or intricate pieces without causing damage, making it one of the best ways to clean jewellery.

 

 

More in-depth methods to bring out your inner jeweller:

 

A gentle soap and warm water solution is often considered the best way to clean jewellery, particularly for lightly tarnished pieces or as part of regular maintenance. To use this method, soak your sterling silver jewellery in a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap for about 10 minutes. Then, gently clean it with a soft-bristled toothbrush or cloth, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a lint-free cloth. This simple yet effective method is often regarded as the best way to clean jewellery, as it gently removes dirt and grime without causing damage.

 

In some cases, commercial silver cleaners may be necessary to remove stubborn tarnish, providing another best way to clean jewellery. These cleaners come in various forms, including dips, creams, and polishes. We highly recommend SILVO, which you can buy at your local Bunnings! Be sure to follow the specific instructions on the product packaging and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes. Exercise caution when using commercial cleaners, as some may be abrasive and can damage your jewellery if used improperly. However, when used correctly, they can offer one of the best ways to clean jewellery.

 

 

What you don’t want to do when cleaning jewellery:

 

Preventing tarnish is as handy as knowing the best way to clean your jewellery. Storing your sterling silver jewellery in a cool, dry place such as a jewellery box or pouch can help reduce exposure to air and moisture that cause tarnishing. Try to minimise wearing your jewellery while swimming, showering, or exercising, and remove it before applying lotions, perfumes, or other beauty products. Regularly cleaning your jewellery using one of the methods mentioned above will help your pieces keep their shine and prevent tarnish buildup.

 

Final Words…

 

In conclusion, understanding the best ways to clean your silver jewellery is essential for maintaining its beauty and value. By using the methods outlined in this blog post and taking steps to prevent tarnish, you will know how to wash your jewellery sparkly clean and can ensure your precious sterling silver pieces remain shining and beautiful for years to come. Remember, taking good care of your sterling silver jewellery not only keeps it looking beautiful but also protects its value and longevity.