Shiny Tips: Cleaning Faux Jewelry Like a Pro

For those who love jewelry, knowing how to clean fake jewelry to keep it looking new is a frequently asked question.

At Jewelry Lab, our offerings are crafted from genuine precious metals, yet, we often field inquiries on cleaning faux jewelry made from lower-grade metals, like those from Forever 21.

• Faux jewelry typically denotes pieces made from budget-friendly metals like nickel and stainless steel. 

• Jewelry always has an essential place in fashion. Even if it is not made from precious materials, don’t let it go unloved. These straightforward tips can help preserve its appeal.

• Costume jewelry offers a chic look without a hefty price tag. However, maintaining its shine requires a bit of effort. In this post, we’ll share tips on cleaning fake jewelry.

This guide will list eight simple yet effective methods to clean your faux jewelry. You’ll be impressed by the results! Continue reading for some handy home hacks to make your costume jewelry sparkle like new. Scroll down!

Ways To Clean Fake Jewelry

1. Lemon juice
2. Mild dishwashing soap
3. Baking soda and salt
4. White vinegar and water
5. Toothpaste
6. Baby shampoo
7. Rubbing alcohol
8. Club soda

Lemon Juice

Natural acidity in lemon makes it great for removing the oxidized coating on your jewelry.

The Method:

• Combine lemon juice with water in equal measures.

• Immerse your jewelry in this blend for 10 to 15 minutes.

• Use a rough cloth or toothbrush to gently scrub the piece.

• Rinse with cool water and dry with a clean cloth.

Mild Dishwashing Soap

It’s one of the simplest and safest methods for cleaning your faux jewelry at home.

The Method:

• In a bowl, dilute a bit of dishwashing soap with warm water.

• Submerge your jewelry in this solution for 10 to 20 minutes to loosen any built-up grime and dirt.

• Gently brush the jewelry with a toothbrush, ensuring you reach into the corners and tricky spots.

• Rinse your jewelry with cold water and dry it off using a soft cloth.

Baking Soda And Salt

Baking soda effectively removes discoloration, restoring the look of your costume jewelry. But, for delicate stones, use this method sparingly to prevent weakening the adhesive.

The Method:

• Place the jewelry on aluminum foil with the shiny side up.

• Combine a tablespoon each of baking soda and salt with a cup of warm water.

• Pour the mixture over the jewelry on the foil.

• Wait a few minutes for the bubbles to settle.

• Gently rub the jewelry with your fingers, then rinse with cold water.

• Thoroughly dry your jewelry with a clean cloth.

White Vinegar And Water

A solution of white vinegar and water is one of the safest and most recommended at-home jewelry cleaners. However, for heavily stone-studded jewelry, reduce the soak time and pat it dry with a microfiber cloth.

The Method:

• In a bowl, mix equal parts water and white vinegar.

• Soak the jewelry in this solution for about 15 to 20 minutes.

• Clean the soaked pinky rings thoroughly using an old toothbrush.

• Rinse under cool water and pat dry with a clean cloth. For heavily stone-studded jewelry, replace the toothbrush with a sponge. After rinsing, add a few drops of olive oil to make the stones shine.

Toothpaste

The toothpaste’s gritty texture effectively eliminates the toughest dirt and stains from all areas of your jewelry piece.

The Method:

• Apply a light layer of toothpaste to your jewelry.

• Use the bristles to navigate through intricate designs.

• Rinse thoroughly under cold running water.

• Dry with a clean cloth before storing.

Baby Shampoo

Using baby shampoo is a gentle method for cleaning jewelry adorned with stones or pearls.

The Method:

• Combine equal amounts of baby shampoo and water in a bowl.

• Dip a toothbrush or Q-tip into this mixture and delicately clean your jewelry. A toothbrush works best for jewelry with detailed grooves, as it reaches difficult areas easily.

• Quickly rinse your jewelry with cool water and dry it with a microfiber cloth or clean towel.

Rubbing Alcohol

For cleaning fake jewelry, rubbing alcohol is a safe and effective choice, helping to maintain the shine of your metals and gemstones.

It easily removes smudges, spotting, and tarnished surfaces from your artificial pieces.

The Method:

• Pour enough rubbing alcohol into a bowl to submerge your jewelry completely.

• Soak your jewelry pieces in the rubbing alcohol for around 15 minutes; you will see bubbles and dirt rising to the top.

• Take the jewelry out and examine it. If some areas are still dirty, either soak it for a few more minutes or gently scrub with a toothbrush.

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Leave the pieces out for 15 minutes to air dry before storing, without washing them.

Club Soda

It is commonly used for cleaning jewelry made with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. However, it can also give your faux jewelry a shine if used correctly.

The Method:

• Immerse your tarnished faux jewelry in a bowl of club soda for one hour.

• Inspect it to ensure all stains and dirt are fully removed.

• Rinse your jewelry with cold water and dry it with a cloth.