Today we're devoting ourselves to a topic that affects us all: How to clean costume jewelry and make it shine again! Whether your costume jewelry is discolored, you want to clean gold-plated jewelry or you're just looking for tips on how to clean your fake jewelry - we have the answers.
In this guide we will show you how you can clean tarnished costume jewelry and even make it sparkle like new again. So without further ado, let's get started and dedicate ourselves to cleaning your jewelry treasures!
Why does fashion jewelry change color?
Fashion jewelry often discolors through contact with sweat, cosmetics or perfume. These substances can attack the surface of the jewelry and cause discoloration. Storage in damp places or wearing the jewelry while showering or swimming can also cause the jewelry to tarnish.
Constantly high humidity and even oxygen in the air can damage your costume jewelry in the long term and cause discoloration.
It is therefore important to care for and clean costume jewelry properly so that you can enjoy your favorite pieces of jewelry for as long as possible.
How do you get costume jewelry clean again?
Cleaning costume jewelry is easier than you might think. With a few simple steps and home remedies you can make your jewelry shine again in no time.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to clean your costume jewelry:
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Start with a gentle cleaning: Use a soft cloth to remove dust and surface dirt in the first step.
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Prepare a mild soapy water: For a cleaning bath, mix warm water in a bowl with a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid.
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The jewelry bath: Place your costume jewelry in the soap solution and let it soak for about 5 minutes.
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Gently brushing: After soaking, take a soft toothbrush and brush the jewelry gently to remove dirt and debris.
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Thorough rinsing: Rinse the jewelry under clear, running water to remove any soap residue.
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Dry the jewelry thoroughly: Use a soft, dry cloth to dry the jewelry and ensure that no moisture remains.
- Store your jewelry in a dry and cool place: Avoid storing your jewelry in damp areas such as the bathroom, as high humidity can cause discoloration.
Would you like to find out how you can store your cleaned jewelry in the most gentle way, without, for example, chains getting knotted or delicate earrings being damaged?
Then take a look at our helpful guide: Store jewelry: Safely and without tangles.
Home remedies and tips for cleaning costume jewelry
There are many home remedies and tips that can help you clean your costume jewelry. Here is a selection of the best home remedies for shiny and refreshed jewelry:
Clean costume jewelry with soapy water
A mild soapy water is an effective and gentle way to clean your costume jewelry. Simply dissolve some dishwashing liquid in warm water and soak the jewelry in it. Then rinse with clean water and dry.
Clean costume jewelry with a microfiber cloth
A microfiber cloth is ideal for cleaning costume jewelry, especially if it is gold-plated. It removes dirt and makes the jewelry shine again without scratching or otherwise damaging the surface.
Toothpaste as an insider tip for discoloration
Toothpaste is an excellent way to clean tarnished costume jewelry. Simply put a small amount on a soft cloth and rub the jewelry with it. Then rinse thoroughly with water and allow to dry.
Salt, baking soda and aluminum foil: for radiant costume jewelry
A mixture of salt, baking soda and aluminum foil can work wonders to make your costume jewelry shine again. Simply line the bottom of a bowl with aluminum foil and place the jewelry on top.
Sprinkle everything with salt and baking soda and pour hot water over it. After a few minutes, remove the jewelry, rinse and dry.
This method works particularly well with gold-plated or silver-plated jewelry.
Dishwashing liquid and baking soda as home remedies
A mixture of dish soap and baking soda can also help clean your costume jewelry. Simply make a paste from the two ingredients, apply it to the jewelry, let it work, then rinse and dry.
Typical mistakes when cleaning costume jewelry
Some mistakes can happen when cleaning costume jewelry. Here are some of them and the relevant advice on how you can avoid them:
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Mistake 1: Soaking costume jewelry in water for too long. This can cause the jewelry to become discolored or even damaged.
It is better not to leave the jewelry in the water for hours, but rather to just soak it briefly and then clean it immediately.
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Mistake 2: Using brushes or cloths that are too hard. These can scratch the surface of the jewelry or cause peeling. Instead, always use soft cloths or brushes.
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Error 3: Using cleaning agents that are too aggressive. These can damage the jewelry and cause discoloration. Instead, use mild cleaning agents such as dishwashing liquid and soapy water or toothpaste.
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Error 4: Not drying the jewelry properly after cleaning. This can result in water spots or in some cases even rust. Always dry your jewelry thoroughly before putting it away.
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Mistake 5: Wearing costume jewelry while showering or swimming. Water and soap can attack the jewelry and cause discoloration. It is better to take off jewelry before showering or swimming.
- Mistake 6: Store costume jewelry in direct sun. The UV rays can cause the jewelry to fade. It is better to store your jewelry in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
FAQ
Can rust costume jewelry?
Yes, costume jewelry can actually rust. Since costume jewelry is often made of base metals, it can oxidize and rust when it comes into contact with moisture and air.
It is therefore important to keep fashion jewelry dry and not wear it while showering or swimming.
However, it is important to note that not all costume jewelry will rust, and it depends heavily on the materials used and care.
How to keep fashion jewelry from discoloring?
To prevent your costume jewelry from discoloring, you should protect it from moisture, sweat and chemicals. Do not wear it while exercising, showering or sleeping and store it in a dry place. It is also advisable to only put on the jewelry after applying perfume or hairspray, as these products can also cause discoloration. Regular cleaning and care can also help your costume jewelry stay beautiful for a long time.
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