How to Spring Clean Your Jewellery: The Easy, No-Fuss Guide
Spring has arrived, and while everyone is busy decluttering wardrobes and scrubbing skirting boards, there's one thing that often gets overlooked: your jewellery. That beloved collection of tiny treasures could probably do with a little TLC.
Over time, jewellery loses its shine—tarnish, dust, and general neglect all take their toll. But a quick spring clean will have your pieces looking as good as new (or at least, like they haven’t been abandoned in a drawer for months).
So, grab your supplies, give your jewellery the attention it deserves, and enjoy that satisfying moment when every piece of jewellery you own shines again. Here’s how.
What is the most effective way to clean jewellery?
No need for expensive potions or elaborate rituals. The easiest and most effective way to clean gold and silver jewellery is with three simple things: mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft cloth. That’s it. It’s safe, non-abrasive, and restores shine without ruining your jewellery. If you want a little extra cleaning power, we’ve got you covered.
DIY Jewellery Cleaner Recipe
If you’re into the whole DIY approach, here’s a quick and natural jewellery cleaner that actually works:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon mild dish soap
- A soft cloth or toothbrush
- A small bowl
Instructions:
- Add the dish soap to the bowl.
- Pour in warm water and stir to dissolve.
- Place your jewellery in the solution and let it soak for 5–10 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Make sure your jewellery is thoroughly dry before putting it back into storage.
How to Spring Clean Your Jewellery
By following these jewellery care tips and incorporating regular maintenance into your routine, you can keep your jewellery looking beautiful for years to come.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
Empty out your jewellery box and take a good, hard look at everything. What’s looking a little worse for wear? Any broken chains, tarnished rings, or loose stones? Separate the pieces that need cleaning from those that need repairs (and the ones you completely forgot you even owned).
Step 2: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before diving in, make sure you have the right tools for the job. Here's everything you need to clean your jewellery properly:
- Mild Soap or Jewellery Cleaner: A gentle soap works wonders. We swear by Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds.
- Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Ideal for getting into all those tiny nooks and crannies.
- Microfibre Cloth: Essential for drying, buffing, and making everything shine.
- Polishing Cloth: If tarnish is your nemesis, this is your best friend.
- Jewellery Cleaning Solution: For seriously stubborn silver tarnish.
- Warm Water: Because everything cleans better with a little soak.
Step 3: The Cleaning Process
Now, for the fun part (or at least, the oddly satisfying part):
- Prepare the Cleaning Solution: If you're using a jewellery cleaner, follow the instructions. Otherwise, a few drops of mild soap in warm water will do just fine.
- Soak the Jewellery: Let your pieces soak for about 10 minutes to loosen dirt and grime.
- Scrub Gently: Use your soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any build-up, especially in intricate designs.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Run your jewellery under lukewarm water to remove any residue.
- Dry and Polish: Pat everything dry with a microfibre cloth, then polish it up for that fresh-out-the-box shine.
- Inspect for Damage: If anything looks questionable (loose stones, dodgy clasps), it might be time for a professional check-up.
Special Care for Different Types of Jewellery
Not all jewellery is created equal—some pieces need a little extra love. Different types of jewellery may require special care depending on whether it's tarnished or just dirty.
- Silver Jewellery: Tarnished? Use a silver polishing cloth or a silver cleaning solution. Avoid anything abrasive unless you like the look of scratches.
- Gold Jewellery: Be extra careful with gold-plated pieces; too much scrubbing and the gold layer might disappear. Stick to mild soap and a soft cloth.
- Gemstone Jewellery: Some stones are delicate divas. Skip the harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners—just a damp cloth will do.
- Enamel Jewellery: Keep enamel looking bright by gently scrubbing it with a soft toothbrush. Easy does it! You don’t want to chip the colour.
Common Jewellery Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Cleaning jewellery isn’t complicated, but there are a few things that can go horribly wrong if you’re not careful:
- Using the "Baking Soda/Aluminium Foil” Method: This is all over the internet, but it's too harsh and will ruin your jewellery.
- Toothpaste As a Cleaner: Too abrasive! It can scratch metals and gemstones, making your jewellery look worse instead of better.
- Soaking Everything Together: Not all jewellery plays nicely together. Mixing metals and gemstones can cause chemical reactions, scratches, or even loosen stones.
- Overusing Ultrasonic Cleaners: Great for some jewellery, but they can also weaken settings, shake loose stones, or damage fragile pieces.
- Skipping the Rinse: Leftover soap or cleaner can leave a residue, making jewellery look dull instead of sparkling. Always rinse thoroughly!
- Rough Drying: Air drying can leave water spots, and paper towels can scratch surfaces. Stick to a microfiber cloth for a spotless finish.
How to Keep Your Jewellery Looking Its Best
A deep clean once in a while is great, but regular maintenance means you won’t have to do it as often. Here’s how to keep your jewellery looking its best:
- Store It Properly: Keep pieces in a dry, clean place, away from sunlight and humidity. Individual pouches or jewellery boxes will help prevent scratches and tangles.
- Secure Clasps: Nothing’s worse than untangling a mess of chains. Always secure clasps before storing.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Take off your jewellery before swimming, showering, or slathering on lotions and perfumes.
- Get a Professional Clean: If you have sentimental or valuable pieces, a professional clean once or twice a year keeps them in tip-top shape.
