How to Clean Fake Jewelry: 14 Steps

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Costume jewelry can be really beautiful, even if it is not made with precious stones; however, keeping it in perfect condition can be a real commitment. It does not wear like real jewelry, but it can blacken in contact with water, with exposure to air or creams and lotions. The "trick" is to learn how to take care of your accessories, in order to preserve their beauty for as long as possible, especially if you want to wear them for many years to come.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Preliminary Steps

Step 1. Gather the jewelry that needs to be cleaned

There are no hard and fast rules to understand when it is necessary to proceed with cleaning; in general, the rule is that the more they are worn, the more often they should be cleaned. Do this about once every few months or when the jewelry starts to go dull.

Remember that fake jewelry is not gold or sterling silver and does not have gemstones. Although silver tends to oxidize, it should not be cleaned with the same methods you use for costume or fake jewelry; "real" gold on the other hand does not oxidize at all.
If you have a hard time distinguishing a real item from a fake one, keep in mind that the plated ones are considered "authentic". Since the metal covering the outer surface is real gold or silver, the jewel is classified as "real", even if it is not made entirely of that material; you can then use normal cleaning methods and products when treating gold or silver plated items, instead of the techniques described in this article.
In case you are not sure if your accessory is real or fake, have a jeweler examine the metal and stone to establish its authenticity.

Step 2. Check the jewel

Look for any stones; in this case, you have to be very careful with the amount of liquid that wets the surrounding area.

The liquid substance can seep under the stone and dissolve the glue, with the risk that the gem may fall; also, excess water can ruin the back metal foil which makes the fake gem shine.
Do not allow an excessive amount of water to penetrate and stagnate under the gem, to avoid the risk of the glue melting.

Step 3. Use a cotton swab or toothbrush to clean the jewelry accessory

These are common products that almost everyone has at home, they are effective for cleaning hard-to-reach crevices and the area surrounding the gem; eventually, you can also try using the magic eraser.

As you proceed with the cleaning, you should see traces of dirt on the cotton swab, which should eventually become grimy.
Make sure the toothbrush is new and has never been used before; you do not have to transfer the residues left between the used bristles onto the jewel. Of course, you won't have to use it later for oral hygiene either.
Rub the soft, dry toothbrush or cotton swab on the costume jewelery to remove the oxide; the oxidized layer consists of a greenish patina that forms on some fake jewels. The toothbrush and cotton swab have a greater abrasive power when they are dry and act better on the dirt to be removed; if they don't seem effective enough, try using a toothpick.

Part 2 of 4: Home Remedies

Step 1. Try using lemon on costume jewelry

It has always been used to eliminate the oxide layer that forms on the metal with the passage of time; you can also add some baking soda and make a dough.

Lemon is a natural acid and rubbing a slice on the jewel can speed up the cleaning process; if the jewel is silver, you can put it in a cup with lemonade, a little salt and leave it to soak overnight. Lemon is particularly effective on this metal.
Squeeze some juice into a saucer and apply it to the accessories you want to clean; when finished, use a coarse cloth (or scouring pad for dishes) and rub it vigorously on the jewelry.

Step 2. Use a vinegar and water solution

Dip the jewelry into this mixture and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach into the nooks and crannies.

The vinegar makes the jewelery chains shiny; the soft bristles of the toothbrush are useful when you have to clean jewelry with stones, because they reach every crevice. You can simply pour some vinegar on a sponge and clean the jewel with it.
Another natural product you can use for this is olive oil; it can polish the item, but you need to make sure you rinse it thoroughly. You can also use a denture tablet and dissolve it in water; then put the jewel to soak in the solution for a while and scrub it gently with a toothbrush.

Step 3. Try some hand soap and warm water

By doing this, you not only increase the chances of improving the appearance of the jewelry, but it will also smell good. Pour as little water on your jewelry as possible, trying to limit exposure to moisture, as it can oxidize and rust if it stays wet for too long.

Take a damp cloth and rub it gently on the jewelry. Generally, it is not recommended to keep jewelry n soaking in water for too long, as it can ruin their appearance or finish. This remedy is effective for gold accessories that have stones in them.
Alternatively, pour very hot water into a bowl; add salt, baking soda and some liquid dish soap. Place the jewelry on aluminum foil and let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes. When finished, rinse the jewelry in cold water and dry it completely with a soft cloth.

Step 4. Use baby shampoo

It is gentler than regular ones and is a perfect cleaner for fake jewelry; it is particularly suitable for cleaning pearls.

Mix one drop of baby shampoo with one drop of water; use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to clean the hard-to-reach areas. Mix the two substances until the mixture reaches the consistency of a thick soup; if you feel it is too thick, add a few more drops of water.
Rinse off the mixture quickly in cold water and dry the jewelry with a soft, clean cotton or microfiber cloth.

Step 5. Test with eyeglass cleaner or toothpaste

There are several household cleaning products that people often use to clean fake jewelry and these two can also be effective on some types of costume jewelry.

You have to be very careful though! Read the instructions and directions on the label. Do not use lens cleaner on precious metals and be aware that the paint or finish may peel off; you should also not use it on earrings or if you have sensitive skin.
Toothpaste creates fewer problems. It is sufficient to apply it on a toothbrush and rub it on the piece to be cleaned; you can use this method on different types of costume jewelry, such as bracelets.

Part 3 of 4: Stronger Products

Step 1. Purchase a specific polishing product for jewelry

Fake ones or impure metals will ruin quickly if you don't use the correct polish.

You can get one for gold or silver items at many jewelers or supermarkets. Keep in mind that some normal cleaners, typically used for real jewelry, can be too harsh on costume jewelry.
It is sufficient to immerse the piece in the polishing product for no more than 30 seconds, and then remove it and dry it gently, in order to avoid scratches and dents; you can also use a toothbrush after dipping it in the solution.

Step 2. Buy a bottle of denatured alcohol at your drugstore or supermarket

Pour a small amount into a small bowl and leave the jewel immersed for half an hour.

After this time, remove it and rinse it to eliminate excess alcohol; let it air dry for 15 minutes.
If it hasn't cleaned completely, you can repeat the process or wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. If you have earrings, you can put them in hydrogen peroxide and let them soak for at least 2 or 3 minutes. If the substance starts to bubble or fizz, it means that the item is very dirty; in this case, you will have to leave it immersed longer.
If you feel like you have scrubbed off more finish than dirt, stop now; you probably rubbed too hard. Be more delicate, so as not to detach the surface layer.

Step 3. Rinse thoroughly

Once you have applied the cleaning mixture all over the jewel, rinse it immediately in cold water, just enough to get rid of the soapy solution.

Dry it with a hairdryer. Immediately after rinsing it, place the jewel on a cloth to remove any excess water and pat it with the towel to speed up the process. Then turn on the hairdryer by setting it to the minimum temperature and direct it on the piece to dry it quickly.
Move the appliance all over the accessory to distribute the air flow; by drying it quickly, there is less chance of water or rust spots forming. Continue using the hair dryer until the jewel is completely dry.
Do not direct the air flow to the area of the stones for too long, especially if you have set the hair dryer at a higher temperature, to prevent the fixing glue from melting.

Part 4 of 4: Taking Care of the Jewelry

Step 1. Perfumes, hairspray and moisturizers are products that must be applied before wearing the jewelry

Any water-based product can potentially stain jewelry, while perfumes and lotions can oxidize the finish.

If you spray the perfume and put on creams before wearing the jewel, you reduce the chances of covering it with these substances; wait until the skin is dry and only then put the accessory on.
This "trick" prevents the accumulation of substances on the fake jewel, which would make it opaque, forcing you to clean frequently.

Step 2. Dust off your jewelry every day

If you wipe them with a clean microfiber cloth after each use, you don't have to go too often with more intense treatments.

By doing so, the costume jewelery keeps its shiny, like-new appearance for a long time.
By rubbing your fake jewelry, you also limit exposure to water and any other substance they come into contact with every day.

Step 3. Store them properly

You can put them in an airtight bag; transfer each element individually to a bag, eliminate the air inside and seal the container.

Once the air is removed, the metal cannot oxidize or turn green due to exposure to oxygen; in this way, your accessories stay cleaner and like new for a long time.
By keeping them in a jewelry box with a closure and a soft lining, you do not expose them excessively to the air and prevent them from getting scratched.

Advice

Apply clear nail polish to the outer surface of the fake jewelry to prevent the finish from turning green.
Remove them when they come in contact with water. Do not wash the dishes, do not take a shower and do not wash the car when you wear them; always take them off when using water.
Before exercising, remove your jewelry so that sweat does not dirty or oxidize them.
Do not leave the jewelry in too hot or too cold places for long periods.