Mistakes to avoid when cleaning your jewelry

Cleaning your jewelry is essential to maintaining its shine, but some mistakes can damage it irreparably 😱. Whether your jewelry is stainless steel or gold-plated, here are the things you should absolutely avoid to keep it looking like new.

1. Using harsh household cleaning products 🧴

One of the most common mistakes is using chemicals like bleach, pure vinegar, or undiluted baking soda. These substances can:

- alter the color of the metal,

- attack the tackle,

- and make the jewelry dull.

👉 What to do instead: opt for gentle cleaning with warm soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Simple, effective, and safe.

Discover all our tips in the Jewelry Care Guide .

2. Scrubbing too hard or using hard brushes 🪥

Even if you mean well, rubbing too vigorously can scratch the surface of your jewelry, especially gold-plated pieces.

👉 Our tip: use a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush for hard-to-reach areas. Gentleness is key to preserving the metal's shine.

3. Soaking for too long ⏱️

Some people think that a long soak in soapy water will do the trick. Bad idea! This can weaken the plating and damage the clasps.

👉 To do: a quick cleaning of a few minutes is more than enough, followed by a good rinse and gentle drying.

4. Dry your jewelry with a towel or a hairdryer 🔥

Wiping your jewelry with a rough towel or drying it with a hot hairdryer can cause micro-scratches or dull the shine.

👉 The best approach: air dry them or dry them with a soft cotton cloth. It's safer and just as quick.

5. Cleaning too often 💧

Although tempting, cleaning your jewelry too frequently can actually wear it out faster, especially gold-plated pieces. Gentle cleaning once or twice a month is more than enough.

👉 In the meantime, keep your jewelry in a fabric pouch or storage box to protect it from dust and moisture.

6. Forgetting to remove jewelry before certain activities 🚿💪

Wearing your jewelry in the shower, at the gym, or in the pool can shorten its lifespan. Chlorine, perspiration, and soap dull its shine.

👉 Discover our tips on when to remove them: Can you swim with stainless steel jewelry?

7. Not respecting the type of metal 🧠

Not all jewelry is cleaned in the same way: stainless steel withstands water better than gold plating.

👉 Don't forget to check out our dedicated articles:

- How to care for your stainless steel jewelry?

- Why is gold plating a good alternative to gold?

Conclusion: softness is the secret to radiant jewelry ✨

Caring for your jewelry is above all a matter of care. By avoiding these common mistakes and following a gentle, regular cleaning routine, you'll prolong the life of your jewelry while preserving its shine.