If you’re anything like us, you’re cleaning just a little bit more these days. From deep cleaning your house to sanitizing everything under the sun, it feels like we are working super hard to keep everything neat and tidy. With all that hand-washing and scrubbing, don’t forget to keep your jewelry clean too!
We’ve seen all of the articles touting the best do it yourself cleaners...but why go through all of that hassle and guesswork? Your jewelry is precious, so treat it that way by giving a great, professional shine. We have put together a list of frequently asked questions about keeping jewelry clean and sanitized, so read on to learn more.
How does it get dirty in the first place?!
Sure, you might run into dirt doing things you’d expect, like picking up after your kids or gardening. But did you know that the biggest contaminant is actually ourselves? That’s right! Your jewelry collects natural oils, skin particles, and dirt in the same way that clothing does. Jewelry tends to have build-up develop over time, which is why cleaning it is so crucial.
People often don’t realize many common ways they might be dirtying their jewelry. Make sure you put jewelry on after you apply lotions, cosmetics, and hairspray because those products can cause build-up. A great habit to get in to is removing your jewelry before cooking (especially with oils) or cleaning with bleach or other abrasive cleaners.
Umm...so, how do I clean it?
We also provide in-store cleaning! Our jewelry experts can make your items shine beautifully.
Okay, but I saw on Pinterest this really cool cleaning trick! What do you think?
We are huge Pinterest fans too! However, the American Gem Society cautions against using everyday home products to clean your jewelry. Here are some of their top products to avoid and the reasoning behind them:
-Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch the surface of some metals and gemstones.
-Cleaning products like Windex and Mr. Clean can dull gemstones if not diluted properly.
-Hydrogen peroxide and bleach can harm the finish of metals, including both silver and gold.
-Vinegar and lemon juice are also very abrasive and can harm jewelry’s finish.
-Using Coke or other sodas can permanently tarnish some pieces.
-Baking soda is overly alkaline and cannot clean appropriately.
Long story short, we cannot recommend dedicated jewelry cleaners enough! These products are specially formulated for the precious stones and metals found in jewelry and are non-damaging when used correctly.
How often should I clean my jewelry?
We recommend cleaning your jewelry at home about once every two weeks. This prevents product build-up from getting too bad and keeps your jewelry looking clean. It’s a good idea to bring your jewelry in-store for a deeper clean twice a year as well.
With COVID-19, I’m cleaning more than I ever have. How does that impact my jewelry?
If possible, remove your jewelry before using abrasive cleaning products, like bleach. For the most part, handwashing and hand sanitizer shouldn’t impact your jewelry more than other everyday activities, but if your rings or bracelets have soft stones like pearls, remove them before using hand sanitizer. The alcohol in the sanitizer can damage these stones’ shine, which is why we carry specialized jewelry cleaner for these products.
We’ve seen all of the articles touting the best do it yourself cleaners...but why go through all of that hassle and guesswork? Your jewelry is precious, so treat it that way by giving a great, professional shine. We have put together a list of frequently asked questions about keeping jewelry clean and sanitized, so read on to learn more.
How does it get dirty in the first place?!
Sure, you might run into dirt doing things you’d expect, like picking up after your kids or gardening. But did you know that the biggest contaminant is actually ourselves? That’s right! Your jewelry collects natural oils, skin particles, and dirt in the same way that clothing does. Jewelry tends to have build-up develop over time, which is why cleaning it is so crucial.
People often don’t realize many common ways they might be dirtying their jewelry. Make sure you put jewelry on after you apply lotions, cosmetics, and hairspray because those products can cause build-up. A great habit to get in to is removing your jewelry before cooking (especially with oils) or cleaning with bleach or other abrasive cleaners.
Umm...so, how do I clean it?
Great question! We recommend staying away from DIY cleaners primarily because we’ve all made DIY mistakes in the past. We’d hate to have anything happen to your jewelry. Don’t worry, though — we have a cheap and easy way for you to clean. We carry Connoisseurs jewelry cleaner in store. This reputable cleaner comes in different formulas so you can easily clean your silver, gold, gemstones, and pearls without damage. The best part? It’s only 5 dollars!
We also provide in-store cleaning! Our jewelry experts can make your items shine beautifully.
Okay, but I saw on Pinterest this really cool cleaning trick! What do you think?
We are huge Pinterest fans too! However, the American Gem Society cautions against using everyday home products to clean your jewelry. Here are some of their top products to avoid and the reasoning behind them:
-Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch the surface of some metals and gemstones.
-Cleaning products like Windex and Mr. Clean can dull gemstones if not diluted properly.
-Hydrogen peroxide and bleach can harm the finish of metals, including both silver and gold.
-Vinegar and lemon juice are also very abrasive and can harm jewelry’s finish.
-Using Coke or other sodas can permanently tarnish some pieces.
-Baking soda is overly alkaline and cannot clean appropriately.
Long story short, we cannot recommend dedicated jewelry cleaners enough! These products are specially formulated for the precious stones and metals found in jewelry and are non-damaging when used correctly.
How often should I clean my jewelry?
With COVID-19, I’m cleaning more than I ever have. How does that impact my jewelry?
If possible, remove your jewelry before using abrasive cleaning products, like bleach. For the most part, handwashing and hand sanitizer shouldn’t impact your jewelry more than other everyday activities, but if your rings or bracelets have soft stones like pearls, remove them before using hand sanitizer. The alcohol in the sanitizer can damage these stones’ shine, which is why we carry specialized jewelry cleaner for these products.