How to Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry

How to Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry - BEADED CREATIONS
JEWELRY MAKING ARTICLES, CHARTS & REFERENCES

HOW TO CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL JEWELRY

 

Stainless steel jewelry is eminent for its strength and common sense, making it a prevalent choice among jewelry makers.

While it does not rust, it can become dull from tarnish caused by pollution and minor scratches and should be cleaned when it loses its luster.

Also, clean it immediately after being exposed to excessive dirt, grease, or chlorine.

This post will examine a few methods for keeping up the flawless appearance of your favorite stainless steel jewelry with a few products you already have on hand.

 

BEST METHODS FOR CLEANING STAINLESS STEEL JEWELRY

When it comes to cleaning stainless steel jewelry, there are several effective methods you can use at home.

Let’s explore some of the best cleaning techniques and how to implement them:

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS

  • Two Small Bowls
  • Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
  • Microfiber Cloth
  • Jewelry Polishing Cloth
  • Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

MATERIALS

  • Mild Dish Soap
  • Baking Soda
  • Non-Whitening Toothpaste

 

CLEANING WITH SOAP AND WATER

This method works well for soaking stainless steel jewelry submerged in water.

It should not be used if the jewelry contains pearls or other soft gemstones.

If cleaning a stainless steel watch, be sure it is waterproof.

STEP 1: MIX A CLEANING SOLUTION

  • Fill a small bowl with warm water.
  • Add two or three drops of mild dish soap and agitate gently to disperse the soap.
  • Fill a second bowl with plain warm water.

Tip*

Several pieces of stainless steel jewelry can be cleaned in the same cleaning solution. Adjust the bowl size to accommodate the amount of jewelry you are cleaning.

STEP 2: SUBMERGE, SOAK AND GENTLY SCRUB

  • Submerge the jewelry and let it soak in the warm water for about five minutes. Soaking gives the dish soap time to begin breaking down the soil.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub away any visible soil gently. Pay close attention to engraved areas, small nooks, and crannies in a chain.

STEP 3: RINSE, DRY AND BUFF

  • Dip the jewelry in the second bowl of warm water to rinse away any residue. You can also hold the jewelry under a soft stream of warm water.
  • Dry the jewelry with a lint-free microfiber cloth.
  • Buff the surface with a dry microfiber cloth or a jeweler's polishing cloth to finish the cleaning.

 

CLEANING WITH BAKING SODA

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that works well if grime is caught in intricately engraved jewelry or small openings in stainless steel chains.

STEP 1: MAKE A PASTE

Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one teaspoon of water to make a paste in a small bowl.

If the paste is too thin, add more baking soda.

STEP 2: SCRUB GENTLY

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to apply the paste to the stainless steel jewelry.
  • Scrub gently, making sure that you clean every small area.

STEP 3: RINSE, DRY AND BUFF

  • Rinse away the baking soda paste by dunking it in a bowl of warm water or hold the jewelry under a gently running faucet.
  • Use the toothbrush to brush away any paste caught in a tight spot.
  • Use a microfiber cloth to dry and buff the jewelry to a beautiful finish

 

CLEANING WITH TOOTHPASTE

Toothpaste works well as a stainless steel polish.

Choose a mild, non-gel formula that does not contain teeth-whitening ingredients.

STEP 1: APPLY THE TOOTHPASTE

  • Dampen a soft-bristled toothbrush or a small microfiber cloth with water.
  • Add a dab of toothpaste and gently clean the surface of the stainless steel jewelry.

STEP 2: RINSE, DRY AND BUFF

  • After cleaning, rinse the jewelry in warm water, removing all the toothpaste.
  • Dry with a microfiber cloth and buff to restore the shine.

 

CLEANING WITH AN ULTRASONIC JEWELRY CLEANER

Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners are profoundly compelling for cleaning complex stainless steel jewelry.

These gadgets utilize ultrasonic waves to unstick earth and grime from hard-to-reach zones, clearing out your gems shimmering clean.

This tool is handy for intricately carved stainless steel jewelry.

Warning*

Note that most ultrasonic cleaners are not safe for soft, gemstone-embellished jewelry. They can ruin it.

Research the compatibility of your jewelry with ultrasonic cleaning before proceeding, and follow the recommendations in the user manual closely.

 

TIPS FOR KEEPING STAINLESS STEEL JEWELRY CLEAN LONGER

  • Remove stainless steel jewelry before working with harsh chemicals or swimming in a chlorinated pool or hot tub.
  • Protect your stainless steel jewelry from direct contact with hairspray, perfumes, and other cosmetics that contain alcohol or other ingredients that can dull and erode the finish. A general rule of thumb to protect jewelry is that it should be the first thing you take off and the last thing you put on.
  • Store stainless steel jewelry in a closed jewelry box or soft bags to protect it from dust and prevent scratches from other metals.
  • Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners when cleaning stainless steel jewelry.