How to Clean Your Jewellery Sustainably without Using Chemicals
Find out how to clean and care for your jewellery to prevent damage and prolong its life without using harsh chemicals:
A lot of people have sensitive skin that gets easily irritated by strong cleaners and chemicals, and would much prefer to use more environmentally-friendly options that don’t cost the earth
In the process of making jewellery for Nisha Halo, I use natural kitchen ingredients for things like oxidising silver, and cleaning jewellery, including alum, vinegar, salt and even eggs!
If you would like to clean your own jewellery at home there are some simple household ingredients you can use:
To restore Gold & Sterling Silver back to their original shine, clean your jewellery pieces with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Afterwards, rinse the jewellery thoroughly in clean water and wipe with a soft cloth. This also works for precious stone-set jewellery but not pearls. Avoid using abrasive jewellery cleaners or ‘dip’ polish which contain harsh chemicals; these can actually ‘eat into’ your jewellery surfaces over time.
To clean several tarnished Sterling Silver items at the same time, line a plastic tub with aluminium foil, cover the foil with one to two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda (depending on the number of jewellery items you want to clean), and put your jewellery into the tub, then cover the jewellery with boiling water. You should see the items becoming clean quickly, then rinse the jewellery in warm water. Repeat the process with fresh foil and bicarbonate of soda if there is still traces of tarnish on the jewellery. (Do not use this method for gold, any type of plated plated jewellery or jewellery that has gemstones and other metals in it).
As Pearls are delicate, they should be cleaned with a soft and slightly damp cloth - never use a brush, soap or chemicals as these can cause damage to the surface of the pearl.
Gold & Rose Gold Vermeil can be cleaned by gently wiping the piece with a soft cloth; you can dip the cloth in a bowl of warm water and soap and gently rub the vermeil jewellery piece, but do not dip or soak the vermeil piece in the water. Do not treat vermeil with any chemical products, as these products can remove the vermeil.
Copper and Brass naturally tarnish over time due to their exposure to the air and perspiration on skin. To clean copper and brass naturally - cover the metal with a solution of lemon juice combined with a little salt for a couple of minutes, then take the mixture off with a soft cloth to remove the tarnish, and rinse. Make sure you dry the jewellery thoroughly with a dry soft cloth.
Resin jewellery is prone to a build-up of oils from your skin over time and this can dull the finish. Resin can be cleaned with dish soap, warm water and a soft cloth. Do not use hot water, soak the resin piece or use anything abrasive to clean it.
Don’t forget these simple care tips for jewellery
Keep your jewellery in its original box in a dry, dark and cool place; do not leave jewellery next to heaters, in strong sunlight or damp bathrooms as this can causes tarnishing.
To prevent damage, always store jewellery pieces separately so they do not scratch against each other and to prevent chains becoming tangled and weak
Skin, lotions, perfume and hair products can react with jewellery and cause it to erode and tarnish, so always put your jewellery on last after applying your products
Always take off your jewellery before any physical exercise including going to the gym and gardening where delicate jewellery can be accidently damaged; perspiration also causes jewellery to tarnish
Take off your jewellery before cleaning and washing up
Keep your jewellery away from harsh chemicals such as acetone (nail varnish remover), alcohol and household cleaning solutions, and anti-bacterial cleaners as these can damage jewellery
The mixture of chemicals and water in hot tubs and swimming pools will damage your jewellery so always take your jewellery off. Hot tubs are known for damaging plated jewellery including the rhodium plating on white gold pieces. Remove your jewellery before using natural springs, showers and baths
Take your jewellery off before you sleep
Avoid hitting hard services with pearls and stone-set jewellery as this can cause irreplaceable damage
Remember, go gently when cleaning jewellery - it’s holds your memories and milestones and deserves to treated with care.
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