How Often You Should Really Be Cleaning Your Jewelry?
There are many different styles of jewelry that people gravitate towards. Some prefer more minimalistic pieces like dainty necklaces, charm bracelets, and stackable rings. Those who want a simple jewelry look often seek these items because they are so wearable. You rarely have to think about taking off your jewelry, whether going to the beach, showering, or getting into bed.
Of course, with more wear comes more dirt, but even the bigger pieces of jewelry that are worn on occasion collect bacteria. The pre-owned jewelry brand Est1897 studied how much dirt and bacteria build-up was on specific items like engagement rings and earrings. Within just one week, they found over 20,000 different growths of bacteria on the items that were swabbed. While this might seem jarring, it makes so much sense when you think about it.
You encounter so many different types of germs from everything you touch throughout the day: whether you are petting a dog, flushing the toilet, or even holding a menu at a restaurant. Day after day, the bacteria and dirt you come in contact with grow and multiply if your jewelry is not regularly cleaned.
Jewelry needs to be cleaned regularly
While the frequency of your jewelry cleanings technically depends on how often you wear each piece, it's important to remember that bacteria multiplies, so everything will need to be cleaned eventually. You will encounter fewer germs if you simply wear certain items for occasional social gatherings like holidays or dinner parties. Of course, bacteria can grow while sitting in your jewelry box too, so it's still advised to clean these pieces at least once a month.
On the other hand, the jewelry you wear daily must be cleaned weekly. This may sound intimidating, but it can be seamlessly integrated into your weekly wellness activities. According to Biltmore Loan and Jewelry, you can start by simply soaking your jewelry in warm water with soap. Then, you will need to take a small scrubbing brush and go over each item. Almost like brushing your teeth, you'll want to make sure you get those hard-to-reach places, like between the prongs and diamonds, where dirt can be trapped.
While you may be tempted to run water over your pieces to rinse the soap off, you run the risk of dropping items down the drain. Unless you feel risky or have great jewelry insurance, it's a better idea to simply fill a different cup with water and rinse them in that.
How to keep your jewelry clean
Of course, various metals and gemstones will have slightly different cleaning protocols. If washing your jewelry pieces at home feels like too much for you, you can also opt for a professional cleaning. Some jewelry stores will charge for this service, but it's usually complimentary if you go to the location you originally shopped at.
According to experts, there are ways to protect your jewelry from the elements. Luckily, one way to keep your jewelry cleaner throughout the week is by simply taking it off. If you know that you are going to be washing grimy dishes, cleaning with harsh chemicals, swimming with chlorine, or even putting thick lotion on your face or body, taking rings, necklaces, and earrings off can prevent a film from building up on them.
It may be tempting to keep your jewelry on while you shower, especially if you feel like it's keeping your pieces clean. However, too much water can tarnish your jewelry over time, so removing those pieces is always recommended. In general, learning how to prevent your favorite gold-plated jewelry from tarnishing is beneficial. On top of that, allowing your jewelry to come in contact with shampoo and conditioner can dull the sparkle of your stones. Instead, try to keep your jewelry in a secure box where it can be protected from dust. It will look newer and keep its sparkle for much longer.