Jewellery holds sentimental value and adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. However, keeping it clean and shiny can be a challenge, especially with materials like silver and stainless steel. In this blog, we'll explore how to use bicarbonate soda (baking soda) to keep your silver jewellery sparkling and share tips on cleaning stainless steel jewellery.
Cleaning Silver Jewellery with Bicarbonate Soda
Silver jewellery can tarnish over time due to exposure to air, moisture, and other elements. Bicarbonate soda is a gentle yet effective cleaner that can restore the shine to your silver pieces. Here’s how to do it:
What You’ll Need:
- Bicarbonate soda (baking soda)
- Aluminum foil
- Boiling water
- A bowl or a dish
- Soft cloth or microfiber cloth
- Toothbrush for cleaning the jewellery
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Prepare the Cleaning Solution:
- Line the bottom of a bowl or dish with aluminum foil, shiny side up!
- Place your silver jewellery on top of the foil.
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Add Bicarbonate Soda:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate soda over the jewelry, around a tablespoon ensuring it is well-covered.
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Pour Boiling Water:
- Carefully pour boiling water into the bowl, enough to cover the jewelry completely.
- The bicarbonate soda and aluminum foil will create a chemical reaction that lifts the tarnish off the silver.
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Wait and Watch:
- Let the jewellery soak for about 5-10 minutes. You might see bubbles forming as the tarnish is removed.
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Rinse and Dry:
- Remove the jewellery from the solution and rinse it thoroughly under cool running water.
- Dry the jewellery with a soft cloth or microfiber cloth, gently buffing to bring out the shine.
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Extra Tips:
- For heavily tarnished pieces, you may need to repeat the process.
- Avoid using this method on jewellery with delicate gemstones or intricate designs, as the reaction might damage them. I do it with most gemstones and have had no bad reactions, but the risk can be there, don't ever do it with cracked stones!
Cleaning Stainless Steel Jewellery
Stainless steel jewellery is durable and resistant to tarnish, but it can still accumulate dirt, oils, and grime. Here’s a simple and effective way to keep your stainless steel pieces looking their best:
What You’ll Need:
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- A bowl
- Soft cloth or microfiber cloth
- Toothbrush (optional for intricate designs) But a good idea!
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Prepare the Cleaning Solution:
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl.]
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Soak the Jewellery:
- Place your stainless steel jewellery in the solution and let it soak for a few minutes to loosen any dirt and grime.
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Clean the Jewelry:
- Use a soft cloth to gently scrub the jewellery. For pieces with intricate designs, use a toothbrush to reach small crevices.
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Rinse and Dry:
- Rinse the jewellery thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry the jewellery with a soft cloth, making sure it is completely dry to prevent water spots.
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Polish for Extra Shine:
- If you want extra shine, you can use a stainless steel polish or a jewellery polishing cloth. Follow the product instructions carefully.
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Extra Tips:
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on stainless steel jewellery, they can cause scratches.
- Store your jewellery in a dry, cool place to prevent any buildup of moisture and dirt.
Conclusion
Maintaining the beauty of your silver and stainless steel jewellery is easy with these simple cleaning methods. Regular cleaning not only keeps your jewellery looking great but also extends its lifespan. Whether you prefer the natural approach with bicarbonate soda for silver or a gentle soap solution for stainless steel, your jewellery will thank you with a lasting shine.
And just as a lasting note we at Beach Boho Jewellery... always provide you with a Polishing Cloth Free of Charge!
Happy cleaning!