Jewelery made of precious metals were and remain at the peak of popularity. For centuries, they are considered the best gift for any reason. Despite this, the demand for high-quality and refined jewelry remains high. She not only decorates the owner, but plays an important role in creating the image.
Fundamental rules
Such jewelry has a significant drawback - low resistance to damage and fragility. Products deteriorate while wearing and lose their presentable appearance.
First of all, the cleaning method depends on the material, from which rings, earrings, bracelets, chains, pendants and other style elements are made.
It should be noted that not all products can be washed with water. It is also not suitable for products with rhinestones.
To return the original appearance to the ornaments, various means are used, from chemical compounds to objects that can be found in any kitchen.
Next, we consider a huge variety of effective ways that will help restore jewelry beauty and brilliance.
How to clean?
Methods for cleaning jewelry depend on the materials from which they are made:
- glass products and plastic jewelry is resistant to moisture, so they can be cleaned with ordinary water. For greater effect, you should add a little shampoo, shower gel, washing powder, liquid soap or any other similar means. It is necessary to dissolve household chemicals in warm water, shake a little before the formation of thick foam and immerse the product in them for some time. After that, the jewelry is washed with water with the addition of a few drops of ammonia. This component will give the glass a special shine and shine;
- plastic products can be cleaned with ordinary wet wipes. Also worth trying napkins for cleaning appliances. If there are metal elements on the decorations, it is better to refuse to clean with water.
- for update products with rhinestonescovered with rhodium, it is absolutely impossible to use a soap solution. It only hurts the stones, leaving spots on them. The best remedy is ammonia. For convenience, you can use a cotton swab. In the process of work, monitor the condition of the subject. Try again if necessary.
Wooden decorations
Wood ornaments have a special aesthetic. In no case should such jewelry be cleaned with water. Fluid may cause irreparable damage to jewelry. From the use of detergents and other household chemicals also need to be abandoned. The only true way is to treat the surface of the product with soft textile materials.
It is recommended not to postpone the process of cleaning wooden jewelry on the back burner, but to carry out this procedure every time after using jewelry.
Leather
This material is actively used not only in the manufacture of stylish clothing, but also for the production of fashionable jewelry.
To freshen up the decorations, periodically wipe them with a damp, soft cloth. Also, make sure that they are not close to heating devices, otherwise the material dries out and the only thing left is to throw the thing away.
Metallic
To clean their metal or metal alloys, ordinary baking soda is used. However, this component is not used in pure form, but as a paste:
- Preparing a home remedy is very easy. It is only necessary to mix the soda with water until a thick slurry is formed.
- After that, the composition is applied to the decoration and leave it for a certain time.
- At the end, the product is washed off, and the product will get wet.
This method will get rid of darkening and stains.
In the event that a metal object can be cleaned by polishing, crushed chalk is used in its pure form or as a powder for cleaning teeth. These low-cost components will help to return the presentation to the jewelry.
Another popular method is toothpaste. It is applied to the cloth and gently clean the surface of the product. Only pastes without bleaching effect can be used.
Regardless of the choice of methods of cleaning, it is worth remembering that at the end you need to carefully wipe the decoration. Otherwise, the thing will rust or darken.
Gold plated
Gold-plated jewelery is a separate segment among jewelery that needs a special approach. Gold-plated earrings, bracelets, watches, pendants and other products have earned enormous popularity due to the sophisticated appearance and affordable price. High-quality jewelery, according to external signs, is practically indistinguishable from products made of precious metals.
It is impossible to clean objects with gilding using abrasive particles or hard brushes.
Such methods can spoil the coating. In this case, you have to either throw the product, or contact the jeweler to re-apply the coating.
The most common way is to dip the jewelry in warm, soapy water. and leave them to us for 10-15 minutes. Then they are taken out, washed from the soap and wiped with a soft cloth.
There are also 2 other ways that will help restore the beauty of gilded jewelry:
- will need warm water and baking soda. In a solution of two components of the product must be left for about 5 minutes. After a time, they are thoroughly rinsed and dried. Many Internet users point out that this is a very effective way, after which no additional cleaning will be needed. If the contamination is minor, just wipe the little thing with a cloth moistened with this solution;
- return the original beauty products will help ammonia. To prepare the solution, you need warm water and the above component. Ratio: 2 hl per 1l of water.
All of the above cleaning methods can be used for silver-coated jewelry.
Copper
Experts say that products made of this metal have been popular for several centuries. During archaeological excavations, antique copper items are still found. Such items can not be stored in a room with high humidity.
These things are recommended to be treated with a special tool that protects the metal from the negative effects of external factors.
There are many different ways to clean these items at home.
Polished copper products are cleaned with kerosene. With this substance, the decoration is carefully wiped, and then they are cleaned with a soft textile material with a small amount of crushed chalk. If the condition of the decoration is weeping, another solution will help.
To prepare it you need:
- liter of clean water;
- oxalic acid (30 g);
- medical alcohol (4 tablespoons);
- turpentine (3 tablespoons);
- all components are mixed;
- the received tool wipe jewelry, after which the rich color and shine will return to the decoration.
From aquamarine or opal
In cleaning these products it is not recommended to apply to various detergents, even the softest and most gentle, such as shampoo or soap. Such items are washed only with the help of running water. To enhance the effect of decoration, you can leave it in a bowl with water for a certain time.Do not forget to dry them.
Cleaning jewelry with turquoise and artificial pearls
It should be noted that the above elements are not friendly with chemical components and aggressive substances. Soak them just should not. For cleaning it will be enough to wipe the jewelry with a rag. For greater effect, it is better to choose fleecy material.
To prolong the life of pearl-grown jewelry, they are coated with a clear varnish (nail polish). A thin layer will protect against scratches and other external influences.
Pearl jewelry
Gruel of chalk and clean water - a popular tool for cleaning products with exquisite mother-of-pearl color. Apply a little bit on the fabric and gently wipe the decoration. After cleaning, the item is washed with water and rubbed. In no case can not use vinegar and other aggressive ingredients.
The same substance as for pearls - lacquer will help to preserve the brilliance and refined play of nacre.
Effective means
For cleaning high-quality jewelry at home used a variety of means depending on the material from which the jewelry is made. Consider the most common and effective substances.
Garlic
Garlic is great for updating copper ornaments. The head of garlic should be changed on a grater and add a whisper of salt to the gruel. Rub the product is not necessary. The tool must be applied to the decoration and leave it for 5 minutes. At the end, the item is rinsed with running water and dried.
Salt and vinegar
The above components will help return the copper to its original appearance. For the solution, you need vinegar 9%. The elements are mixed to form a paste. If you do not have vinegar on hand, you can use lemon juice or soda instead. Composition wipe decoration using a cotton pad or cloth.
Serum
Whey can also be effective in combating darkening and other problems. To prepare an effective solution, you will need one glass of the main component and another 25 grams of kitchen (table) salt. Means wipe decoration. Do not forget to rinse the product after cleaning and wipe it.
Universal methods
On sale you can find special formulations designed specifically for cleaning jewelry from various materials. With their help, you can significantly extend the service life of jewelry. Before using a particular drug, be sure to read the instructions.
If the composition is intended for glass products, you should not use it for cleaning decorations made of wood, copper or other metals.
Prevention of spoiling jewelry and care tips
It is easier to prevent a problem than to solve it. Even the most ordinary decoration can be of great value to the owner.
To preserve its presentable appearance, you need to follow simple rules:
- High humidity affects the appearance of products. Do not leave them in the bathroom;
- perfumes and liquids containing acetone can harm your favorite jewelry;
- keep jewelry in separate caskets (depending on the material from which it is made);
- Do not touch it with dirty hands. If a cream is applied to the skin, first wait until it is completely absorbed, and only then put on the jewelry;
- clean regularly;
- while doing housework, remove jewelry.
If you listen to these tips, the jewelry will serve the owner for several decades, retaining the original appearance.
How to clean jewelry from darkening, see the next video.