Artificial jewellery is loved by almost everyone today. It looks just like real jewellery but costs much less. But there is one common problem that is, after a few weeks or months, this jewellery starts turning dull, black, or loses its shine. If your favourite earrings, necklace, or bangles have lost their sparkle, don’t worry. In this article, we will share simple and easy ways to clean artificial jewellery at home, without damaging it.
Why Does Artificial Jewellery Turn Black or Dull?
Before we talk about cleaning, first we know that why this happens:
- Sweat and and moisture: when we wear jewellery, sweat from our skin touches it, Each person’s skin pH level and sweat content are different. People who sweat more often may find their jewelry darkens faster than others.
- Perfume and makeup – perfume, makeup, or hairspray often come in contact with jewellery, it can quickly damage plating.
- Air and oxygen – the metal reacts with air over time and loses its shine.
- Wrong storage – keeping jewellery open or in a damp place also spoils it. Even some times Artificial jewelry is often stored in velvet cases or left out in the open. The glue and chemicals in the velvet can damage the jewelry.
Now that we know the reasons, let’s look at some artificial jewellery care tips to cleain it.
Easy Ways to Clean Artificial Jewellery at Home
1. Wipe with a Soft Cloth
This is the simplest and easiest method. Just take a soft cotton or microfiber cloth and gently wipe your jewellery after every use. Doing this daily stops dirt from building up and keeps the shine for a longer time.
2. Warm Water and Mild Soap
This method works well for jewellery that has become a bit more dirty:
- Take some warm water in a small bowl
- Add a little mild soap or baby shampoo
- Soak the jewellery in it for 3–5 minutes
- Gently scrub with a soft brush, like an old toothbrush
- Rinse with clean water and dry it right away
Important tip: Don’t leave the jewellery in water for too long, as it can damage the glue or coating.
3. Baking Soda Paste
If the jewellery has turned very black, baking soda works really well:
- Mix a little baking soda with water to make a thick paste
- Apply it gently on the jewellery
- Let it sit for 2–3 minutes
- Scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse with water
This method works especially well on silver-plated jewellery.
4. Use Toothpaste
Plain white toothpaste, which is already in your home, is also good option for cleaning jewellery. Put a little toothpaste on a soft cloth or cotton, gently rub it on the jewellery, then wipe with a damp cloth. This brings back the shine of the metal.
5. Clear Nail Polish Coating (For Protection)
This is not a cleaning trick but a way to keep new jewellery shiny for longer. As soon as you buy new jewellery, apply a thin coat of clear nail polish on it. This stops air and sweat from touching the metal directly, so it doesn’t turn black quickly.
Things You Should Avoid
While cleaning artificial jewellery, avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t use bleach or strong chemical cleaners.
- Don’t dry the jewellery in direct sunlight, dry it in shade.
- Don’t scrub too hard, as it may damage the stones.
- Avoid wearing jewellery while bathing, swimming, or sleeping.
Tips to Make Artificial Jewellery Last Longer
Along with cleaning, proper care is also important:
- Store jewellery in an air-tight box or a zip pouch
- Keep each piece separately so they don’t rub against each other
- Wear jewellery only after applying perfume, deodorant, or hairspray, not before
- Always wipe jewellery with a dry cloth before storing it
Taking care of artificial jewellery is not a hard task. With a little regular care and the right methods, you can keep your favourite jewellery looking new for years. All the methods shared above use simple things already available at home, so there is no harm in trying them. Next time your jewellery looks dull, try these easy home methods before buying an expensive cleaner.
FAQs
Q1. How often should I clean artificial jewellery?
Ans: If you wear jewellery daily, cleaning it once a week is enough.
Q2. Is it safe to soak artificial jewellery in water?
Ans: Warm water for a short time is safe, but avoid soaking it for too long, especially if it has stones or crystals attached.
Q3. How can I bring back the shine of my jewellery?
Ans: Gently rubbing it with baking soda paste or toothpaste can help restore its lost shine.
