Steel jewelry has gained popularity due to its light weight and trendy design. If you clean them properly, they can last a very long time and always look like new. They get dirty from time to time, and when they do, you need to clean them up. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of dirt from this metal.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Soap and Water
Step 1. Fill two small bowls with hot water
The first is for washing the jewel, the second for rinsing. Make sure the containers are large enough for the piece to be completely submerged.
Step 2. Add two or three drops of mild dish soap to the first bowl
If the jewel is particularly dirty, choose a soap with degreasing properties.
Step 3. Dip the corner of a soft, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth into the soapy water
The characteristics of the rag are important when cleaning jewels, especially those with precious stones, to prevent scratches from forming. Try to use a microfiber cloth; it is soft, lint-free and non-abrasive.
Step 4. Rub the jewelry with the rag
Make sure you follow the grain of the crystal structure of the metal and do not make movements perpendicular to it, otherwise you risk scratching the piece.
Step 5. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any grime from the decorated surfaces
Again, remember to respect the grain direction of the steel, apply light pressure and don't rub too hard. Do not clean the gems, as you could damage them.
Step 6. Dip the piece into the second bowl to rinse it
Gently wave the jewelry in the water to remove any soap residue. If necessary, discard the dirty water and replace it with clean water. Keep rinsing until you've gotten rid of all the soap.
Step 7. Use a dry rag to wipe the moisture off the jewelry
Try to absorb as much water as possible, otherwise stains may form.
If the piece has many engraved and decorated parts, wrap it in a towel and wait a few minutes. This allows the fabric to absorb excess water
Step 8. Polish the jewel, if necessary, with a suitable product or cloth
Read the label to make sure the polish does not damage the steel; do not use the one intended for silver because it leaves stains. During this operation you have to rub the metal following its crystalline grain and not in a perpendicular direction.
Step 9. Finished
Method 2 of 3: Using Water and Sodium Bicarbonate
Step 1. Mix two parts of baking soda and one part of water in a small bowl to form a paste
The doses depend on the size of the jewel you want to clean. In most cases, a tablespoon of baking soda (about 15 g) and half a tablespoon of water (7-8 ml) is sufficient.
Step 2. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into the mixture
Make sure that only the tips of the bristles are covered with the mixture. You don't need a lot of cleaning solution to start the process, but you need to make sure your toothbrush has soft bristles, otherwise it will scratch the jewelry. Baby toothbrushes are usually gentler.
Step 3. Gently scrub the metal with the toothbrush
Try to follow the direction of the crystal grain of the steel and do not apply excessive pressure. If you move in the wrong direction or are too vigorous, you can scratch the surface. Focus on crevices and hard-to-reach spots, avoiding gemstones.
Step 4. Put the plug on the sink drain and rinse the piece under warm running water
You can also fill a bowl with hot water and soak the jewelry until all the baking soda has been removed.
Step 5. Gently dry it with a soft cloth
If the jewel has many cracks, such as a chain or a brooch, wrap it in a towel and wait a few minutes; in this way the fabric can absorb excess water.
Step 6. Polish the steel, if necessary, with a suitable product or cloth
Choose one that is safe on steel, but avoid silver polish as it will leave stains. During this operation you have to rub the metal following its crystalline grain and not in a perpendicular direction.
Step 7. Finished
Method 3 of 3: Use Toothpaste
Step 1. Choose a simple, white, silica-free toothpaste
Avoid gel products because they don't contain the cleaning ingredients found in white toothpaste. Check for silica as it can scratch the metal.
Step 2. Wet the corner of a soft cloth with warm water
Wring it out to get rid of excess moisture, as the fabric needs to be wet but not dripping. Try to use a non-abrasive, lint-free rag, such as a microfiber one.
Step 3. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the fabric
You don't need large doses, the equivalent of a pea is more than enough. You can add more toothpaste later if needed.
Step 4. Gently slide the cloth over the surface of the jewelry
Remember to follow the direction of the steel grain and not to rub perpendicular to it; otherwise, you risk scratching the surface. Also be careful not to touch the gems set, as many of them are extremely delicate and are easily scratched with the abrasive action of the toothpaste.
Step 5. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean areas full of detail and engravings
Wet the toothbrush with warm running water and add more toothpaste as needed. Gently rub the surface always following the direction of the grain. Be careful to avoid any gems.
Step 6. Close the sink drain and rinse the jewelry with running hot water
If necessary, also rinse your toothbrush and use it to get rid of any toothpaste residue that gets stuck in the crevices.
Step 7. Gently dry the jewel by dabbing it with a cloth
This way you avoid water stains. If the piece is full of intricate details, such as a pin or chain, wrap it in a towel and wait a few minutes before removing it; this step allows the fabric to absorb excess moisture.
Step 8. Polish the steel jewel with a suitable product or cloth if necessary
Choose one that is safe on steel, but avoid silver polish as it will leave stains. During this operation you have to rub the metal following its crystalline grain and not in a perpendicular direction.
Step 9. Finished
Advice
- To keep your jewelry clean longer, keep it away from chemicals like creams, perfumes, and chlorine.
- If the piece of jewelry is scratched, take it to a professional jeweler to have it polished.
- Store steel jewelry in soft bags, separated from other items, especially if the latter are made of different metal.
- If you are afraid to put a certain method into practice, first do a test on a hidden area of the jewel. Alternatively, you can test an old steel jewel that you no longer use.
- You can use a specific cleaner for this material. Simply apply it with a soft cloth and finally wipe off the residue with another clean rag. Always follow the direction of the metal grain and be careful to avoid gemstones.
- Remove water stains by wiping them with a soft cloth soaked in distilled white vinegar. Rinse the vinegar residues with hot water and dry the jewel by dabbing it with a soft fabric.
- Rub the dirty pieces with a rag dipped in baby oil to get rid of the stains and restore the luster of the jewelry.
- Toothpicks are often able to reach the crevices and hidden corners that the toothbrush cannot clean. They are perfect for cleaning chain stitches.
Warnings
- Do not use a toothpaste that contains silica.
- Do not use polish that contains wax, as it leaves a patina that makes the jewelry dull.
- Avoid touching any precious stones. Some are too fragile to resist cleaning with baking soda, toothpaste, or a toothbrush.
- Never use a silver cleaner or polish on steel jewelry. You can damage the surface or leave stains.
