How to Clean Costume Jewelry? (3 Easy Methods)

Most people wear costume jewelry on special occasions, so chances are you have a few pieces of your own. But do you know how to clean costume jewelry?

Contrary to real gold, costume jewelry can tarnish, but that doesn’t mean you have to discard it. Here are our top home remedies for polishing off any tarnish to give your favorite vintage jewelry pieces new life, whether they are earrings, a flashy necklace, or a bauble bracelet!

Table of Contents

How to Clean Costume Jewelry?

Here are three easy ways to clean costume jewelry.

Lemon Juice

For a jewelry soak, combine one part water and one part lemon juice. Put the object in the bowl for 10 to 15 minutes.

The lemon juice’s acid acts as the secret ingredient in this household trick, but if you discover that not all of the dirt and grime has been removed, give your jewelry a quick rinse and resubmerge it in the solution for a few more minutes.

Re-rinse with cool water until the shine is restored (don’t overdo it; use just enough), then buff dry with a fresh cloth.

Baking Soda, Salt and Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil should be used as a lining, shiny side up, for a plate or found pan.
Place the foil on top of all of your jewelry that has been darkened.
Combine one cup of warm water with one tablespoon each of salt and baking soda.
Pour into the dish.
As it cleans the jewelry, the mixture will react chemically with the foil and bubble.
After rinsing, dry off with a fresh cloth and cool water.

Toothpaste and An Old Toothbrush Or Q-tip

Apply a small amount of toothpaste with a fingertip to the tarnished piece of jewelry.

Use the toothbrush to thoroughly clean the jewelry after it has developed a thin coating, being sure to get into all the crevices.

This is a fantastic option because the toothpaste’s slightly gritty texture works hard to remove even the toughest dirt.

Apply a clean cloth to dry after rinsing with cool water.

HHow Often Should You Clean Costume Jewelry

Most people only clean their costume jewelry on an as-needed basis, but to keep it looking shiny and lustrous, it’s best to give it a good clean after you wear it so it is fresh the next time you need it.

To prevent tarnish and keep your jewelry looking new, you’ll probably need to clean it more frequently for pieces that you wear frequently, perspire in, or get products like hairspray and perfume on.

The best advice for keeping costume jewelry looking good is to clean it before putting it away. In order to protect costume jewelry from dust and airborne oils, wipe it down after wearing and store it in a closed jewelry box.

If you frequently wear favorite costume jewelry items that are never really put away, you can get into the habit of wiping them off whenever you can remember to do so and make a commitment to thoroughly inspecting and cleaning them once a month.

Tips for Keeping Costume Jewelry Clean Longer

On plated metal jewelry that tarnishes, a great tip is to use metal sealants. Costume jewelry that has decorative patinas on it can be painted with a product like Protectaclear to either stop it from tarnishing or to protect it.
Apply any self-care items you plan to use, such as lotions, perfumes, hairsprays, or other items, before putting on your jewelry to prevent transfer.
In the shower and at the gym, stay away from costume jewelry.
Regular maintenance aids in preventing clogs, as it does with any cleaning task. Get into a habit of cleaning your jewelry abo

Final Words: How to Clean Costume Jewelry

Hopefully, these costume jewelry cleaning tips were exactly what you needed to restore the shine and brilliance in your favorite statement pieces.

If you found these tips useful, don’t forget to tell your family and friends on Facebook and Pinterest how to clean costume jewelry.

FAQs

Does Vinegar Damage Costume Jewelry?

It’s crucial to keep in mind not to use anything acidic, like vinegar. Because this kind of jewelry is so delicate, using something abrasive or containing a lot of acid could harm it rather than restore it to its former glory.

Should I Clean Old Costume Jewelry?

It’s best to thoroughly clean it after wearing it so that it will be clean the following time you need it.

What Causes Costume Jewelry to Tarnish?

Sulfur, a chemical present in the air, wool, and foods like onions and eggs, reacts with the metal in jewelry to form tarnish.

How to Clean Costume Jewelry? (3 Easy Methods)