How to clean your bracelets at home to keep them always perfect?

In order for your jewelry to remain a part of your life, it’s important to know how to care for it so that it doesn’t lose its natural luster and endures over time.

If you have doubts about how to clean your bracelets at home, at VIDAL & VIDAL we share with you simple and effective tips so you can freshen up your everyday pieces or those reserved for special occasions. Keep reading!

Basic Recommendations for Cleaning Bracelets at Home

Before you start maintaining your collection, it’s important to keep in mind a few key points:

• Identify the materials. First you need to know which metal your piece is made of because each one requires a different cleaning method to avoid damage.
• Use delicate tools. Regardless of the method or product, prioritize using soft cloths and gentle brushes: they will prevent scratches on the surface.
• Test in an inconspicuous area. If you don’t know how the bracelet will react to a substance, apply it to a small, less visible area first.
• Dry completely. After cleaning, let the jewelry dry to avoid water spots or damage to moisture-sensitive materials.
• Seek professional advice. If you have doubts, we recommend consulting an expert for guidance according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once you have considered all these aspects, it’s time to explore several techniques to optimally treat your pieces at home.

How to Clean Gold Bracelets: Foolproof Methods

Gold-plated bracelets can be prone to accumulating oils and dirt, although they don’t tarnish as much as other types of jewelry. The best way to keep them looking like new is with water and soap:

• In a bowl of warm water, add a few drops of mild liquid soap. Soak the bracelet for 10 to 15 minutes and then gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt, especially from hard-to-reach areas.
• Rinse with clean water to remove all residue and dry with a soft cloth that doesn’t leave fibers. Avoid abrasive substances, such as bleach, as they can damage the plating or set stones.

How to Easily Clean Silver Bracelets at Home

Silver bracelets tend to oxidize over time due to exposure to air, which causes their color to darken. It’s completely normal and you can fix it in no time with the following products:

1. Warm water and mild soap. As with gold-plated jewelry, soak the silver piece for a few minutes in a bowl, gently rub with a cloth or soft brush, rinse well and dry.
2. Baking soda and water. For surfaces without a shiny finish, you can use a paste made from these two ingredients: rub the silver with a soft cloth, rinse and let dry.
3. White vinegar and baking soda. To remove stubborn tarnish from a suitable bracelet, you can soak it in half a cup of white vinegar with 2 tablespoons of baking soda for 2 or 3 hours. Then rinse and dry completely.
4. Aluminum foil, baking soda and salt. Line a container with the shiny side of aluminum foil facing up and place the jewelry in it, if this method is suitable. In a glass of hot water, add a tablespoon of baking soda and another of salt. Pour the mixture over the bracelet until submerged. Let it sit for a few minutes so the resulting chemical reaction helps remove tarnish, then rinse and let dry.

Tips on How to Clean Bracelets with Pearls or Stones

Meanwhile, Pearl bracelets and those featuring natural stones require extra care during maintenance due to the delicate nature of their adornments. To always preserve their natural beauty, you should know that:

• Pearls are very sensitive to chemicals and, moreover, skin produces acidic substances that can damage them. Therefore, it’s recommended to clean them only with a soft cotton cloth after each use to maintain their luster. If you see stubborn dirt, use the same cloth to remove it, but dampened with warm water and neutral pH soap.
• Each natural stone requires specific care because it has unique properties that can react differently to the method you use. Therefore, the first step is to identify which stones your bracelet has and understand their particularities. Some general recommendations are: use dry or slightly damp cloths, perform gentle, targeted cleanings, avoid soaking or make sure to dry immediately and thoroughly.

Finally, keep in mind that the best way to store your bracelets is in their original boxes or, if you don’t have them, in individual pouches to prevent them from snagging on other jewelry. Additionally, it’s advisable to remove dust and dirt before wearing them. A small effort that is undoubtedly worth it.