For your jewelry to remain part of your life, it’s important to know how to care for it so it doesn’t lose its natural luster and stands the test of time.
If you’re unsure how to clean your bracelets at home, at VIDAL & VIDAL we’re sharing simple and effective tips so you can get your everyday pieces or those reserved for special occasions back in perfect shape. Keep reading!
Basic recommendations for cleaning bracelets at home
Before you start maintaining your collection, it’s important to keep a few key points in mind:
- Identify the materials. First, you should know which metal your piece is made of, because each one requires a different cleaning method to prevent damage.
- Use delicate tools. Regardless of the method or product, prioritize soft cloths and gentle brushes: they’ll help prevent surface scratches.
- Test in a discreet 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 on materials sensitive to moisture.
- Seek advice. If you have doubts, we recommend consulting an expert who can guide you according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Once you’ve considered all these aspects, it’s time to look at several techniques to treat your pieces at home in the best possible way.
How to clean gold bracelets: foolproof methods
Gold-plated bracelets can be prone to the build-up of oil and dirt, although they don’t tend to tarnish as much as other types of jewelry. The best way to keep them like new is with water and soap:
- In a container with warm water, add a few drops of mild liquid soap. Place the bracelet in the solution for 10 or 15 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush to remove dirt, especially from hard-to-reach areas.
- Rinse with clean water to remove all residue and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive substances, such as bleach, as they can damage the plating or set stones.
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How to clean silver bracelets at home easily
Silver bracelets tend to oxidize over time due to exposure to air, which causes their color to darken. This is completely normal and can be fixed quickly with the following products:
- Warm water and mild soap. As with gold-plated jewelry, soak the silver piece for a few minutes in a container, gently rub with a cloth or a brush, then rinse well and dry.
- Baking soda and water. For surfaces without a polished finish, you can use a paste made with these two ingredients: rub the silver with a soft cloth, then rinse and let dry.
- White vinegar and baking soda. If you want to remove stubborn stains 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.
- Aluminum foil, baking soda, and salt. Line a container with the shiny side of the aluminum foil facing up and place the jewelry on it, provided it’s suitable for this method. In a glass of hot water, add one tablespoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of salt. Pour the mixture over the bracelet until it’s submerged. Let it sit for a few minutes so the resulting chemical reaction helps remove tarnish, then rinse and let dry.
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Tips on how to clean bracelets with pearls or stones
Meanwhile, bracelets with pearls and those featuring natural stones need extra care during maintenance due to the delicate nature of the elements that adorn them. To preserve their natural beauty at all times, keep in mind that:
- Pearls are very sensitive to chemicals, and skin also produces acidic substances that can harm them. Therefore, it’s advisable to clean them only with a soft cotton cloth after each use so they don’t lose their shine. If you notice stubborn dirt, use the same cloth to remove it, but slightly dampened with warm water and neutral-pH soap.
- Each natural stone requires specific care because it has unique properties that may react differently to the method you use. So the first step is to identify which stones your bracelet has and learn their particularities. Some general recommendations include: use dry cloths or ones slightly dampened, clean gently and locally, avoid soaking or dry immediately and completely.
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Lastly, 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. It’s also advisable to remove dust and dirt after wearing them. A small effort that is, without a doubt, worth it.
