How to clean stainless steel jewelry?
Alice de Maison Scarlett
There are so many perks to stainless steel jewelry! On top of being ultra-durable, this material is resistant to water, corrosion, oxidation, rust, and even humidity.
Besides all that (which is already pretty great, right?), it is hypoallergenic, meaning it can be worn on any skin type, even the most sensitive or allergy-prone—how wonderful is that?
That's why stainless steel is widely used in jewelry making: bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces... Thanks to all its properties, you get jewelry pieces that are both luxurious and playful, yet affordable, exceptionally high quality, and durable.
Still, true to ourselves, we thought it was important to remind you, as always, that even though they are super sturdy, stainless steel jewelry also needs to be stored properly. Jewelry boxes, trees, and cases are thoughtfully designed and come in endless styles, so go ahead and enjoy them.
Summary:
- Stainless steel: a truly special metal
- Quick homemade remedies for cleaning stainless steel jewelry
- Soap and water: simple and effective
- A pinch of baking soda and a little elbow grease
- Lemon and white vinegar
- A clean cloth: your jewelry's best friend
- Cleaning products specially designed for jewelry
Stainless steel: a truly special metal
Did you know thatstainless steel, also known as stainless steel, has a truly unique feature? Made from an alloy of iron, chromium, and carbon, it has the ability to regenerate its own protective layer when exposed to external wear and tear. In fact, it is self-protecting.This characteristic accounts for its longevity and durability, ensuring it won't tarnish or deteriorate even when exposed to water, harsh products, or sweat. Ultra-high quality, this material is truly a champion in its category.
The coolest part about all of this is that, despite all its advantages, it isn't any more high-maintenance than its cousins: silver jewelry, gold jewelry, or fine jewelry. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Even so, it is still prone to dust accumulation and other unsightly little residues, so a quick clean from time to time won't hurt either.
We see you, jewelry cleaning procrastinators! Yes, stainless steel is amazing, but you still need to give it a little care now and then.
Quick homemade remedies for cleaning stainless steel jewelry
Soap and water: simple and effective
Anyone who doesn't have a little soap at home, speak up now! Cleaning your stainless steel jewelry is probably one of the simplest things to do. A bit of black soap, Marseille soap, or dish soap, and voilà! That will be more than enough for everyday, lightly soiled pieces.However, if your jewelry hasn't been cleaned in a long time, we'll give you a few more tips for a deep clean.
As simple as that:
- Wash your steel jewelry with your favorite gentle soap
- Rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove all dirt and soap residue
- Wipe the piece with a soft, dry cloth until all moisture is completely absorbed
- All that's left is to admire the clean, shiny sparkle of your little treasure!
A pinch of baking soda and a little elbow grease
Baking soda is basically the all-in-one product. Great for home care, fabrics, and sometimes even drains, baking soda is also the best friend of many of your favorite jewelry pieces.
In case you haven't heard of it yet (time to fix that mistake!), this natural cleaner is made up of tiny particles that easily slip into the nooks and crannies of your favorite items, making them look gorgeous and spotless again. The absolute best!
In practice, here is how it works:
- Mix a spoonful of baking soda with a little water to make a paste
- Gently rub your jewelry with this paste using a soft cloth, a small brush, or a toothbrush
- Rinse it thoroughly so no baking soda paste residue is left on the jewelry
- Dry your piece thoroughly to avoid any leftover moisture
- Once again, admire your beautiful, sparkling clean piece
Lemon and white vinegar
Just like baking soda, lemon and white vinegar are great cleaners for your home, but also for maintaining your stainless steel jewelry. With these products, you have several methods to choose from.
The very first method is the fastest—see for yourself:
- Soak a microfiber cloth, a clean sponge, a soft clean cloth, or any piece of soft, dry, clean fabric with lemon juice or a little white vinegar diluted with water
- Gently rub the jewelry using circular motions
- Rinse it with water and dry it properly until all moisture is completely absorbed
- Enjoy the radiant shine and sparkle of your piece
The next method goes like this:
- Soak your jewelry in the lemon juice or the water and white vinegar mix, prepared beforehand in a small bowl
- Let it sit for a few minutes
- Rinse the jewelry thoroughly and finish cleaning with a clean cloth
A clean cloth: your jewelry's best friend
A clean cloth or a jewelry polishing cloth is a great tip to shine your jewelry and restore its radiance if it starts to look dull or lose its luster. This kind of care helps it rebuild its protective layer, making it more resistant to friction, bumps, and daily wear and tear.This quick clean is actually a little daily ritual. More than just washing, it mainly serves to bring out your jewelry's shine: gently polish and rub your piece with a small soft cloth or chamois using gentle circular motions—child's play!
Cleaning products specially designed for jewelry
Beyond homemade remedies, certain jewelry cleaning products, which you can find at jewelry stores or wholesalers, are remarkably effective.
Highly effective against scratches—something almost impossible to fix with 100% natural products (although toothpaste can be a big help in those cases)—their price might make you hesitate, but they are sometimes a worthwhile investment.
Thanks to these tips and little tricks, we hope your stainless steel jewelry will regain its original beauty and shine. Timeless and enduring, if you take good care of them, your stainless steel pieces will last through generations, leaving a little piece of you behind for your loved ones.