After a certain period of use, you may need to clean your steel jewelry to restore it to its original shine. The advantage of steel is that, properly cared for, it remains robust through the years. What’s more, by taking certain precautions, you can even prevent your jewelry from being damaged by everyday wear and tear. Planetys Jewelry reveals here all the tips you need to clean your steel jewelry. And what not to do to extend the life of your jewelry.
Understanding stainless steel
Stainless steel is a material composed of an alloy of chromium, carbon and iron, which offers a number of advantages. The main advantages of this metal are its resistance to humidity and corrosion. As a result, steel jewelry reacts differently to external aggression than other materials. Silver and gold, for example.
Another advantage of stainless steel is that it is hypoallergenic, so it can be worn by all types of people. Even those with sensitive skin. This is the main reason why it is preferred for jewelry design. From bracelets to earrings…
Why does steel jewelry blacken?
Like most metals, steel is also exposed to some degree of oxidation (blackening) over time. However,oxidation of steel jewelry does not always occur in its first few years, and may take longer than for other materials.
The oxidation resistance of stainless steel depends above all on its composition, and therefore varies from one quality of jewel to another. Steel jewelry can blacken due to external factors such as sea water, salt, sea air, acid…
Proper care and maintenance of steel jewelry
For the best possible care of your jewelry, you can apply certain reflexes on a daily basis and take certain precautions.
First of all, you need to develop the habit of systematically removing your stainless steel jewelry before it comes into contact with water. This habit, even if it seems trivial, is the basic precaution for looking after your jewelry. The risk of forgetting your accessory in the sink certainly exists, but by repeating this action on a daily basis, it will quickly become a reflex for you.
Taking care of your jewelry on a daily basis also means putting it away carefully as soon as you take it off. Whether it’s a bracelet, necklace or ring, get into the habit of systematically placing your jewelry in a case or a suede bag. This prevents your jewels from falling to the floor and being damaged by rubbing. You should also remove your jewels when you are about to engage in risky activities, such as sports or carrying heavy objects.
Mistakes not to be made
To prolong the life of your stainless steel jewelry, you must avoid making certain mistakes that can damage the metal. When it comes to preserving your jewelry, you should avoid the following habits:
- –neglecting storage
- – constantlyexposing your bracelet, ring or necklace to sea water, salt…
- – exposingthem to risky situations that could deform their structure…
An equally common mistake that damages stainless steel jewelry is wearing it to bed. The sweat your body produces while you sleep can also lead to premature darkening of your steel jewelry.
How to make steel jewelry shine?
There are several tricks you can use to restore the shine of your steel jewelry. Oil is an excellent way to clean your jewels and make them shine like new.
Using a cloth dampened with olive oil, rub the surface of your jewel until its shine is completely restored, then wipe it dry with a cloth.
How do I remove oxidation?
Although oxidation of stainless steel is a rare phenomenon, it can occur after many years. When it does occur, you can easily remove it with flour. To do this, rub the object to be cleaned in small circular movements with flour, until it regains its shine.
Finally, wipe your jewel with a microfiber cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Grandmother’s remedies for jewelry care:
Methods for cleaning steel jewelry are easy to find, and you probably already have them at home.
Water and Marseille soap
This technique simply involves washing the jewelry with soap and water.
Rinse thoroughly until all dirt has been removed, then dry your jewel with a moisture-free cloth to restore its shine.
Baking soda
To clean stainless steel jewelry with baking soda, simply mix a spoonful of this cleaner with water to form a paste.
Gently scrub your jewel with a toothbrush, then rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth or chamois.
Lemon and white vinegar
After soaking a cloth in lemon juice or white vinegar, gently rub your jewel in circular motions.
After rinsing and drying, you’ll be able to realize that your jewel has been restored to its former glory.
Toothpaste
To clean your jewelry with toothpaste, simply apply some to the surface and rub gently in circular motions.
Finally, rinse and your jewel is back in almost new condition.
The dry cloth
Using a suitable cloth, you can gently polish the surface of your jewel, allowing it to regenerate its protective layer.
To do this, gently rub the surface in circular movements until it regains its full shine.
Cleaning products specially designed for jewelry
In addition to the products available at home, you can clean your jewelry with products specially designed for the task. These products guarantee impeccable cleaning and flawless action, especially against scratches.
With all these techniques, cleaning your stainless steel jewelry will be a breeze.
