Cleaning hacks across the internet claim to transform your jewellery to look as good as new. However, could these tips be causing more harm than good?
Social media is flooded with cleaning tips to keep your belongings in tip top shape and there are also a mountain of hacks which claim to get your jewels sparkling, as they become tarnished after years of wear.
The hashtag “cleaninghacks” has over 7 billion views on TikTok with many content creators sharing their most valuable ways to save people time and money. Some of these involve typical household items like baking soda, but others are more unusual such as beer and ketchup.
One expert has warned that some of these tips are actually damaging your accessories. Robert Cuomo, Managing Director of Hatton Jewellers, has shared his expert advice on some of the more popular jewellery cleaning hacks which are circulating online.
Boiling water, Baking Soda and Salt
One video that has recently seen over 170,00 views on the platform is a “jewellery cleaning hack” where gold plated jewellery is cleaned with hot water, bicarbonate soda and salt.
But Robert is urging jewellery lovers to steer clear of this home made solution. He said: “The ingredients in this self-cleaning solution can be abrasive, especially baking soda which could scratch your jewellery if used to clean, this can be harmful particularly if it is a hollow piece of jewellery.
"A high volume of salt can also be corrosive on the alloys.”
White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda
Another popular go to is white vinegar & bicarbonate of soda. While vinegar has been hailed as a tough tackle for grease, it should not be used on jewellery.
“Vinegar is slightly acidic which may cause damage to plated jewellery and bicarbonate of soda can be abrasive which may scratch precious metals”, explained Robert.
Beer and Ketchup
Influencers have even recommended dunking your jewellery into certain foods and drinks. If you thought beer was just used for celebrating, you may be surprised to hear that it is used polish your jewellery.
But according to Robert, alcohol can dim your jewels'. He said: “While beer may be a good solution to make your gold sparkle, alcohol can actually dim the sparkle of a diamond.”
As well as this, ketchup is no longer just for chips as cleaning enthusiasts are praising the condiment as a jewellery cleaner in thanks to its citric acid, but this is actually too strong for your jewels.
Robert added: “Ketchup is known as an agent to shine silver jewellery, however, if you leave your jewellery to sit in ketchup the acidity may cause damage.”
How Often Should You Clean Your Jewellery?
To stop the growth of germs and bacteria on your jewellery, it is recommended you should gently clean jewellery you wear regularly at least every 2 weeks, giving it a thorough clean every month and taking it to a professional every 6 months.
Robert said: "We recommend getting jewellery cleaned at least every six months either professionally or at home to keep it looking new. There are professional polishing services available that will ensure your jewellery to be safely cleaned and protect against any damage.
"Regularly checking for warning signs of vulnerability in your jewellery, such as checking for loose stones or prongs is vital. This may prevent the need to spend more money to replace lost stones later down the line.”
How often you should clean your jewellery can also depend on the metal.
How To Clean Gold Jewellery
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Don’t put too much pressure on pieces of gold jewellery or use abrasive materials when cleaning them.
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Use a delicate soap and warm water solution to gently remove any tarnishing or dirt.
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Going to a jeweller and having your gold jewellery given a thorough clean, once every 12 months is recommended to keep it sparkling.
How To Clean Silver Jewellery
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Light tarnishing can be easily removed by using warm soapy water and brushing gently with a soft brush or a children's toothbrush.
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Rinse in cool water and dry carefully with a soft lint-free cloth.
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Keep your silver jewellery shiny by using a silver cloth.
How To Clean Diamond Jewellery
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Get a small bowl of warm (not hot) water and mix with any mild liquid detergent.
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Brush your jewellery gently with a small soft brush and be careful not to scratch the metal and diamond.
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Rinse thoroughly under water and pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth.
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Use a quick dip liquid jewellery cleaner to keep your diamond jewellery shiny.
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