How To Clean Metal Jewelry
Metal jewelry should be cleaned regularly to keep it bright and beautiful, but different metals should be cleaned with different methods. It is important before you begin cleaning your jewelry to determine the type of metal you are cleaning, because caustic substance can damage some metal.
Supplies
- Magnifying glass
- Small bowl
- Sponge
- Soft toothbrush
- Hairdryer
- Cotton cloth
- Dishwashing liquid
For all types of jewelry check the piece over with a magnifying glass to locate any markings, which will identify the metal content.
Stainless Steel, Titanium and Tungsten
Stainless steel jewelry rarely loses its shine, although it can become dull-looking with a buildup of body oils. Titanium and tungsten are both very durable and can be cleaned in the same manner.
- Allow the piece to soak for two to three minutes in a bowl with warm water and dishwashing detergent.
- Scrub with a soft brush
- Rinse with clean water.
- Dry with a soft cotton cloth.
Gold
Gold, which is a very soft metal should be cleaned with a few drops of dishwashing soap and a drop of ammonia mixed in a bowl of warm water.
- Allow the piece to soak for one minute.
- Gold can be gently scrubbed with a very soft toothbrush to remove grit and grime.
- Use cool water to rinse the piece after cleaning.
- Dry immediately with a soft cotton cloth. It is important to remove any drops of water left behind because it can cause the gold to tarnish.
Platinum
Platinum jewelry should be cleaned in the same manner as gold.
Platinum is stronger than gold and is very resistant to tarnish.
- Clean the piece in a warm, soapy water.
- Remove deposits with a soft brush or sponge.
- Rinse in cool clear water
- Dry with either a cotton cloth or use a hair dryer on a cool setting to dry the jewelry.
Silver
Silver cleaning can require an extra step, if the piece is tarnished.
- Use a commercial polishing rag to remove any of the tarnish before cleaning.
- Soak the item in warm, soapy water. Dishwashing detergent works well.
- Use a sponge to scrub the item to remove any trapped body oils.
- Use a bowl of clean water to rinse the item.
- Dry it with a cotton rag.
Regardless of the type of metal jewelry you are cleaning, if the piece has gem stones extra care should be taken when cleaning. Different cleaning agents can damage the finish of some gems and pearls. It is best to check with your jeweler about cleaning gemstone jewelry.