How to Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry

Cleaning With Soap and Water

This method works well for stainless steel jewelry that can be submerged in water for soaking. It should not be used if the jewelry contains pearls or other soft gemstones. If cleaning a stainless steel watch, be certain it is waterproof.

1. Mix a Cleaning Solution

   Fill a small bowl with warm water. Add two or three drops of a mild dishwashing liquid and agitate gently to disperse the soap. Fill a second bowl with plain warm water.

   Tip

   Several pieces of stainless steel jewelry can be cleaned in the same cleaning solution. Adjust the size of the bowl to accommodate the type of jewelry you are cleaning.

2. Submerge, Soak, and Gently Scrub

   Submerge the jewelry and allow it to soak in the warm water for about five minutes. This gives the dishwashing liquid time to begin breaking down the soil. After soaking, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away any visible soil. Pay close attention to engraved areas or small nooks and crannies in a chain.

3. Rinse and Buff Dry

   After scrubbing, dip the jewelry in the second bowl of warm water to rinse away any residue. You can also hold the jewelry under a soft stream of running warm water. Use a lint-free microfiber cloth to dry the jewelry. Finish the cleaning by buffing the surface with a dry microfiber cloth or a jeweler's polishing cloth.

Cleaning With Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that works well if there is grime caught in intricately engraved jewelry or small openings in stainless steel chains.

1. Make a Paste

   In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one teaspoon of water to make a paste. Add more baking soda if the paste is too thin.

2. Scrub Gently

   Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to apply the paste to the stainless steel jewelry. Scrub gently making sure that you clean every small area.

3. Rinse, Dry, and Buff

   Use a bowl of warm water or hold the jewelry under a faucet of gently running warm water to rinse away the baking soda paste. You may need to use the toothbrush to brush away any paste that is caught in a tight spot. Use a microfiber cloth to dry the jewelry and buff it to a beautiful finish.

Cleaning With Toothpaste

Toothpaste works well as a stainless steel polish. Choose a mild, non-gel formula that does not contain teeth whitening ingredients.

1. Apply the Toothpaste

   Dampen a soft-bristled toothbrush or a small microfiber cloth with water. Add a dab of toothpaste and gently clean the surface of the stainless steel jewelry.

2. Rinse, Dry, and Buff

   After cleaning, rinse the jewelry in warm water making sure that all of the toothpaste is removed. Dry with a microfiber cloth and buff to restore the shine.

Cleaning With an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

An ultrasonic jewelry cleaner uses ultrasound waves to pull contaminants from the surface of the jewelry. This tool is particularly useful for intricately carved stainless steel jewelry; however, most ultrasonic cleaners are not safe for soft, gemstone embellished jewelry. Follow the recommendations in the user manual.

Tips for Keeping Stainless Steel Jewelry Clean Longer

• Remove stainless steel jewelry before working with harsh chemicals or swimming in a chlorinated pool or hot tub.
• Protect your stainless steel jewelry from direct contact with hairspray, perfumes, and other cosmetics which contain alcohol or other ingredients that can dull and erode the finish. A general rule of thumb to protect jewelry is that it should be the first thing you take off and the last thing you put on.
• Store stainless steel jewelry in a closed jewelry box or soft bags to protect it from dust and prevent scratches from other metals.
• Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners when cleaning stainless steel jewelry.