How to Clean Costume Jewelry
CONTENTS
- How to clean costume jewelry
- How to clean costume jewelry when it turns black
- How to clean tarnished costume jewelry
You've probably started thinking about the upcoming holiday season with its many parties and family gatherings. You can always wear the pearl necklace or the earrings your aunt gave you for special occasions, but it may also be a good time to pull out some of your favorite classic pieces and make sure they're ready for the holidays.
You may be interested in: Why does silver turn black?
Unlike real gold, costume jewelry can tarnish and become dull, but that doesn't mean it should be thrown away! There are several reasons why jewelry becomes dull or dirty (such as water, creams or lotions), but the most common problem with stored fashion jewelry is that, over time, the metal is exposed to the elements in the air, causing a chemical reaction, leaving it tarnished or discolored. But fortunately it's an easy fix. Whether it's earrings, a statement necklace or a decorative bracelet, these are our best home remedies to polish away any tarnish and give new life to your favorite vintage jewelry pieces.
How to clean costume jewelry
Lemon juice. Mix one part water and one part lemon juice to soak your jewelry. Place the item in the container for 10-15 minutes. The magic ingredient in this household trick is the acid in the lemon juice; however, if you find it hasn't eaten away all the dirt and grime, quickly rinse your jewelry and place it back in the mixture for a few more minutes. Once the shine has returned, rinse again with cold water (don't soak it, use only enough) and dry with a clean cloth.
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How to clean costume jewelry when it turns black
Baking soda, salt and aluminum foil. Cover a plate or dish with a sheet of aluminum foil, shiny side up. Place all of your darkened costume jewelry on the foil. Mix one tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon of baking soda and mix with a cup of warm water. Pour onto the plate. The mixture will create a chemical reaction with the foil and bubble as it cleans the jewelry. Rinse with cold water and dry with a clean cloth.
How to clean tarnished costume jewelry
Toothpaste and an old toothbrush. Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto the tarnished jewelry and rub it in with your finger. Once the jewelry has a thin coating, scrub it with a toothbrush, working into the crevices. This is a great option because the slightly gritty texture of the toothpaste works hard to remove even the toughest dirt. Rinse with cold water and dry with a clean cloth.
