Regularly cleaning jewelry can not only help maintain its appearance and value, but can prolong its lifespan and prevent allergic reactions. However, during the cleaning process, some common mistakes often occur, and some people may overlook them. Over time, these incorrect cleaning methods can cause irreversible damage to the jewelry. Therefore, everyone should be aware of these mistakes and know how to prevent them to ensure that your jewelry can accompany you for as long as possible.
Here are 9 common jewelry cleaning mistakes:
Scrubbing Too Hard:
Aggressive scrubbing can scratch metals and wear down delicate settings.
Just use a soft brush or cloth for gentle cleaning, and avoid excessive force when removing dirt or tarnish.
Using Toothpaste to Scrub:
Toothpaste has tiny, rough particles like baking soda that can scratch and damage jewelry, especially softer metals like gold and silver. It can also harm gemstones, making them scratch easily. Pearls and opals, which have softer surfaces, are more at risk. Removing toothpaste from detailed jewelry can be hard, and any leftover bits can harm the piece over time. It’s better to use jewelry cleaners or mild soapy water with a soft brush.
Trying Bleach
If your jewelry is silver or platinum, you might think that using bleach won’t effect its appearance too much, and it can quickly remove stubborn stains. If you think this way, you are completely wrong. Bleach is a harsh chemical that can cause damage to various metals and gemstones. It may tarnish or discolor metals, erode certain gemstones, and weaken settings over time
Not Drying Thoroughly:
If you don’t fully dry your jewelry after cleaning, it could lead to problems like water stains, tarnish on metals, corrosion, damage to gemstones, and deterioration of materials. Moisture left on jewelry might also cause skin irritation and weaken metal joints. So, it’s important to make sure your jewelry is completely dry using a soft cloth to avoid these issues and keep it in good condition.
Boiling Your Jewelry
Hot water can harm some gemstones(emeralds,pearls and opals), making them crack or change color. It might distort certain metals, leading to loose stones or damage to the protective coatings. For safer cleaning, it’s better to soak jewelry in warm, soapy water and gently brush away dirt.
Soaking in Vinegar or Lemon Juice
Both vinegar and lemon juice are acidic and can potentially damage metals and gemstones. It’s safer to clean your jewelry with milder solutions.
Neglecting Metal Types
Jewelry varies in materials. Some can handle certain cleaning methods, while others can’t. If you don’t figure out the metal material of this accessory before cleaning, it could lead to unnecessary damage.
It’s advisable to identify the material of the jewelry you plan to clean. For materials that are prone to wear, specific cleaning methods should be used.
Overlooking Professional Cleaning
Relying solely on DIY cleaning can result in incomplete cleaning and other potential issues, such as damage, loss of luster, etc.
If you are unsure about how to clean a specific piece of jewelry, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional jeweler or consult the care instructions that came with the jewelry. For optimal care of your jewelry, it is recommended to regularly clean it on your own and also avail professional cleaning services periodically.
Overusing Ultrasonic Cleaners
Excessive use of ultrasonic cleaners can loosen stones, particularly those set in prongs, and contribute to wear on the metal surfaces, especially softer metals like gold, ultimately reducing the overall lifespan of the piece.
While ultrasonic cleaners can be efficient, it is crucial to use them carefully and following guidelines to avoid potential damage to your jewelry.
Remember the first principle of cleaning jewelry: categorization, be gentle, use mild cleaning solutions, and combine regular DIY cleaning with occasional professional cleaning. Hopefully, by avoiding these mistakes, you can maintain the beauty and longevity of your jewelry. If you want to know how to clean gold-plated jewelry, gemstone jewelry, pearl jewelry, jade jewelry, or rusty jewelry, click on the keywords to read more. You can also visit Meideya’s homepage for more information about jewelry and fashion or find your favorite piece of jewelry!