Do you find yourself donning a cherished pair of earrings or a heart-shaped locket each and every day? Perhaps it’s a wedding band or an engagement ring that remains securely fastened? For many, these pieces of jewelry are not just accessories but a part of our personal identity. Yet, with their constant exposure to oils, soapy water, makeup, and grime, they can become dull, grimy, and tarnished.
Do you recall the last time you meticulously cleaned your jewelry? If not, it’s time to reconsider. We’re here to remind you that regular cleaning is key. Here’s a guide to the frequency with which you should clean your everyday jewelry.
Jewelry for special occasions often requires less frequent cleaning, but your daily wearables are a different story. Keeping your jewelry clean on a regular basis ensures they remain radiant and lustrous, while also minimizing the risk of skin irritations or infections. The frequency of cleaning can vary depending on the piece, as we delve into below.
Everyday earrings accumulate a layer of dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria, colloquially known as “ear cheese.” To minimize the risk of irritation, make it a habit to remove and clean your earrings, as well as your earlobes, at least weekly. Utilize rubbing alcohol, soap and water, or a jewelry cleaner. Whenever you swap out your earrings, store them properly in a jewelry box to maintain their cleanliness; leaving them on a damp bathroom countertop is ill-advised.
The frequency of cleaning a necklace or bracelet hinges on whether you remove them regularly. If you wear it while showering, soap scum can accumulate and dull the piece. Similarly, if you exercise or swim, your jewelry is exposed to sweat, chlorine, and sunscreen. Even if you remove it occasionally, oils and dirt will eventually discolor and dull it. Aim to clean everyday necklaces and bracelets at least once a month, and more often if necessary. Opt for jewelry cleaner for metals and dish soap and water for other materials.
Rings, due to their constant exposure to oils, dirt, soap, and makeup, quickly lose their luster. Over time, they can even trigger skin reactions on your fingers. To keep them in tip-top condition, gently clean your rings with warm soap and water once a week, using a soft toothbrush to remove any buildup. Once a month, consider using a jewelry cleaner to restore their shine.
While at-home cleaning might suffice for costume jewelry, more valuable pieces should be brought to a jeweler for a professional touch. A jeweler can also smooth out scratches and polish stones to a dazzling finish. Plan to have your jewelry professionally cleaned at least every one to two years. For pieces prone to tarnishing or containing gems, biannual professional cleaning is beneficial.
Even though you may treasure your favorite necklace, it’s wise to remove everyday jewelry in certain circumstances to preserve its cleanliness. Leave your jewelry at home when heading to the gym, beach, or pool. Take it off before showering to prevent soap residue, and always remove rings before handwashing.
