How To Clean Fake Jewelry At Home – 13 Easy And Simple Ways

Artificial jewelry makes a budget-friendly yet trendy fashion statement despite being a bit frail. Additionally, knowing how to clean fake jewelry at home can help you maintain its sparkle and extend its life. Fashion Stylist Michelle Wagman adds, “Costume jewelry is cheaper than fine jewelry made from base metals, alloys, plastic, glass, or synthetic gemstones. It often features glass, cubic zirconia, or lab-created stones instead of genuine gemstones. It may not be as durable as fine jewelry and is designed to follow fashion trends. Fake jewelry is not deceptive or unethical and serves a valuable purpose in the fashion industry by allowing people to enjoy trendy and stylish accessories without spending much money.” What one must note is that maintaining and caring for artificial jewelry is a task. Its intricate designs can easily collect dust and grime. Such jewelry may also get discolored due to water, sweat, air, and body creams. But the good news is that all these issues can be addressed. In this article, we list a few easy ways to clean artificial jewelry. Continue reading to learn about the hacks that help protect your jewelry from undesired discoloration and tarnishing and keep it looking as good as new!

This article lists not one but 13 best and easy ways to clean artificial jewelry. You will be amazed by how clean and shiny they become! Read on to learn some home hacks to keep your artificial jewelry looking as good as new. Scroll down!

Ace The Look

• Style: Wear hooped earrings and a simple necklace with casual outfits, and dainty jewelry with dresses and formal wear.
• Skin Tone: Wear platinum, white gold, and silver jewelry if your skin tone is cool. Rose gold and gold jewelry are suitable for warm skin tones.
• Face Shape: Choose angular jewelry for a square or diamond-shaped face and soft-round jewelry for an oval or oblong face.
• Occasion: Fake jewelry is ideal for everyday wear. Wear simple pendants to hang out with friends or at the office.

13 Best And Easy Ways To Clean Fake Jewelry

Artificial jewelry pieces are made of various materials. Identifying them and finding the right way to clean them is critical. Read on to learn some simple and effective ways to clean your jewelry.

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon is naturally acidic, which helps remove the oxide layer on the jewelry easily.

Method

• Mix equal parts of water and lemon juice.
• Soak the jewelry in this solution for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Gently scrub the jewelry with a rough cloth or toothbrush.
• Rinse it with cool water and pat dry with a clean cloth.

2. Mild Dish Wash Soap

This is one of the easiest and safest methods to clean your fake jewelry at home.

Method

• Dilute some dish wash soap with warm water in a bowl.
• Soak your jewelry in this mixture for 10 to 20 minutes to soften accumulated grime residue and dirt.
• Gently brush your jewelry with a toothbrush. Do not forget the corners and stubborn areas.
• Rinse your jewelry with cold water and clean it dry with a soft cloth.

3. Baking Soda And Salt

Baking soda helps remove discoloration and can make your costume jewelry appear good as new. However, use this method sparingly for delicate stones to avoid weakening the adhesive and complete damage.

Method

• Place your jewelry on an aluminum foil with the shiny side upwards.
• Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and salt and a cup of warm water in a bowl.
• Pour this mixture on the jewelry lying over the aluminum foil.
• Leave it on for a few minutes until you see the bubbles on your jewelry settle down.
• Rub the jewelry gently with your fingers and rinse with cold water.
• Dry your jewelry thoroughly with a clean cloth.

4. White Vinegar And Water

The safest and most recommended at-home jewelry cleaner is a solution of white vinegar and water. However, if your jewelry is heavily stone-studded, reduce the soak time and use a microfiber cloth to pat it dry.

Method

• Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl.
• Soak your jewelry in this solution for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Clean the soaked jewelry thoroughly with an old toothbrush.
• Rinse it with cool water and pat dry with a clean cloth.

You can also use a sponge instead of a toothbrush if the jewelry is heavily stone studded. Add a few drops of olive oil after rinsing to make the stones shine.

Quick Tip

Use a small and soft-bristled toothbrush to clean jewelry with intricate design, as it helps reach difficult nooks and corners.

5. Toothpaste

The gritty texture of the toothpaste will help remove even the toughest dirt and stain from every nook and corner of your jewelry piece.

Method

• Gently coat your jewelry with a thin layer of toothpaste.
• Work through the intricate designs with the bristles.
• Rinse the jewelry under running cold water.
• Buff dry with a clean cloth before storing.

A blogger, bought an antique cut steel hair ornament online and shared her experience of cleaning it. The accessory had a bit of black oxidation that she tried to remove using several methods. One method that worked in her favor was that of using toothpaste. She wrote, “The toothpaste actually did yield results. #I used my electric toothbrush and an old brush attachment and spent hours scrubbing the thing. It got better but it wasn’t great and it was painstaking work (i).”

6. Baby Shampoo

Baby shampoo is one of the mildest options to clean your jewelry that has stones or pearls.

Method

• Mix equal parts of baby shampoo and water in a bowl.
• Dip a toothbrush or Q-tip in this diluted solution and gently scrub your jewelry. If your jewelry has intricate grooves, it is best to use a toothbrush as it can easily clean hard-to-reach spots.
• Rinse your jewelry quickly with cool water and dry with a microfiber cloth or a clean towel.

7. Contact Lens Solution

For those with piercings, knowing how to clean piercing jewelry properly is crucial for preventing infections and ensuring that your jewelry remains safe and comfortable to wear. A contact lens solution works perfectly as a cleaning agent and provides a sparkling newness to your artificial or fake jewelry.

Method

• Dilute the lens solution with some room temperature water in a small bowl.
• Dampen a soft cloth in this solution and gently wipe your jewelry pieces.
• Once clean, wipe them off with a soft, clean cloth or wash it with cold water.

8. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a safe and effective cleaning agent for fake jewelry. It will help extend the luster of your shiny metals and gemstones. You can easily remove smudges, spotting, and tarnished surface from your artificial pieces with rubbing alcohol.

Method

• Pour rubbing alcohol in a bowl. Make sure the quantity is enough to soak your jewelry.
• Leave your jewelry pieces soaked in rubbing alcohol for about 15 minutes. You will notice bubbles and gunk coming towards the brim.
• Remove the jewelry and check if any part is still unclean. You can leave your jewelry for a few more minutes or lightly scrub it with a toothbrush.
• Place the pieces out for 15 minutes to air dry and store without washing.

9. Club Soda

Club soda is generally used for cleaning jewelry pieces made with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. But it can also make your fake jewelry look shiny if used the right way.

Method

• Soak your tarnished fake jewelry in a bowl of club soda for an hour.
• Check it once to ensure that the stains and dirt are completely removed.
• Wash your jewelry with cold water and wipe it dry.

10. Ammonia Solution

Ammonia can help keep your fine, artificial jewelry looking new when used the right way. It removes tarnish and buildup of makeup, creams, and lotions.

Method

• Dilute one part of ammonia with six parts of warm water.
• Soak your tarnished fake jewelry in this solution for at least 10 minutes.
• Gently scrub each nook and corner of your jewelry with an old toothbrush.
• Soak it again for 10 minutes and brush it again for the second time.
• Prepare another solution with one part of ammonia, six parts of warm water, and a few drops of mild detergent or baby shampoo. Stir the solution until foamy.
• Soak the jewelry pieces in this solution for 10 minutes.
• Rinse them thoroughly under running tap water.
• Clean and dry your jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

11. Beer

Beer can help remove tarnish, discoloration, and stains from brass, silver, and fake jewelry pieces. Brass jewelry is known for its warm, golden hue, but it can lose its luster over time. Learning how to clean brass jewelry effectively can help you restore its original shine.

Method

• Pour a few drops of beer on a piece of soft cloth.
• Scrub your jewelry scrub with the cloth. Repeat this only on the concerned parts until you find them squeaky clean.
• Wipe your jewelry with a clean and dry cloth and store it away from moisture.

12. Salt Water Bubble Bath

Yes, you read it right! A warm bubble bath with salts can work wonders on your jewelry. But before you start, ensure that your jewelry is suitable for a saltwater solution. Fake stones may lose their shine due to salty water; therefore, be careful with them. However, if your jewelry pieces are simply chains, rings, and bracelets, you can proceed with this process.

Method

• Add some bath salt and water in a bowl and turn it bubbly.
• Soak your jewelry pieces in it for a few minutes and scrub it thoroughly with a brush.
• Remove the jewelry pieces and place them in a bowl of clean water.
• Rinse your pieces and wipe them with a clean towel.
• Air dry your jewelry before storing them.

13. Jewelry Polish

If nothing else works, it is best to move to a cleaning solution specially meant for jewelry. Of course, we are talking about jewelry polish! However, remember to dilute jewelry polish with some water while applying to fake jewelry as it may be harsh for artificial pieces.

Method

• Soak the pieces of fake jewelry in diluted jewelry polish solution for 30 seconds and quickly remove them.
• Gently wipe the jewelry with a rough cloth without scraping or scrubbing.
• Wash your pieces with cool water and pat dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Quick Tip

Ensure that you use a protective spray on your jewelry before storing them away. This will make sure that the jewelry is not tarnished.

Artificial and fake jewelry is supposed to sparkle, but exposure to dirt and dust, lotions, soaps, air, and moisture can dull your favorite pieces over time. The discoloration and tarnish can rob their gleam and reduce their life. Worry not! These amazing methods will help you in refreshing and maintaining the shine and sparkle of your fake jewelry easily at home. Remember to clean and polish your fake jewelry right from the start to prevent the buildup of rust, smell, mold, and tarnish.

Once your jewelry is clean and polished, you also need to make sure you maintain it properly. Scroll down to know how.

Tips For Maintaining Fake Jewelry

Maintaining fake jewelry requires special care to keep it looking shiny. Here are some key tips:

1. Avoid Exposure To Water/Moisture

Avoid wearing your fake jewelry in the shower, while swimming, or during activities where you may sweat heavily. Moisture can cause metals to rust or discolor over time.

2. Store It Properly

Keep your fake jewelry pieces in a dry, cool place. Pack each piece or pair them separately in a soft pouch or box with individual compartments to prevent any scratching or damage. You can also use anti-tarnish strips to help preserve the metal.

3. Limit Exposure To Chemicals

Protect your fake jewelry from perfumes, lotions, or hair sprays as they can otherwise break the plating down or cause tarnishing. Always apply these products before putting your jewelry on. Also, do not use any household chemicals while having the jewelry on.

4. Clean It Gently

Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe away dirt, oils, and dust from your fake jewelry. For thorough cleaning, you may use a soft cloth dipped in a mix of mild dish soap with warm water. Avoid soaking the jewelry in water, as this can loosen the adhesive and weaken the piece.

5. Take It Off While Sleeping

Remove your jewelry before bed. This helps prevent unnecessary wear, snagging, or breakage.

6. Avoid Heat And Sunlight

Protect your fake jewelry from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat as it can cause fading and tarnish it. Keep it safely stored away from windows or heat sources when not in use.

Follow these simple tips to maintain the longevity of your fake jewelry and ensure it remains in great condition. Additionally, you also need to avoid certain common mistakes to preserve your artificial jewelry.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Cleaning your fake jewelry every other day may not be possible if you lead a busy life. However, you also cannot opt for shortcuts, like using strong cleaners, to wipe your delicate jewelry pieces in a hurry. Following are some common mistakes you need to avoid in this regard.

1. Using abrasive cleaning materials, as they may scratch your jewelry
2. Soaking jewelry with glued stones for extended periods, as this can weaken the adhesive and gradually make the stones fall off
3. Storing your jewelry in closed compartments without drying them off thoroughly, as this can encourage mold growth

Infographic: 6 Easy Ways To Clean Fake Jewelry At Home

If you have a collection of fake jewelry that has lost its shine over time, don’t throw it away just yet! There are some simple ways to clean fake jewelry at home with the help of common household items that double as great cleaning agents. Check out the infographic below for some easy methods to help restore your fake jewelry to its former glory without spending a lot of money.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my fake jewelry?

It is recommended to clean your fake jewelry every few weeks, especially if you wear it often. Regular cleaning helps maintain its shine and prevents the buildup of dirt and oils.

How do you keep fake jewelry from turning green?

Fake jewelry usually turns green because of its copper content. Understanding how to clean copper jewelry will help you achieve a brilliant finish, keeping your accessories looking vibrant and well-maintained. Cleaning your fake jewelry regularly and storing it properly can help delay the green appearance.

Can hydrogen peroxide clean fake jewelry?

Yes, you can use hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to clean and maintain your fake jewelry.

Does clear nail polish help fake jewelry?

Yes, a coat of clear nail polish can help seal in the original color of your fake jewelry without affecting its looks or make.

You can learn how to clean your fake jewelry with this easy and cheap jewelry cleaner! Watch this video to get sparkling results in no time!

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Michelle WagmanFashion Stylist

     

Michelle Wagman is a fashion industry entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience as a designer’s agent. She is also the editor-in-chief of FashionEdits, a fashion and lifestyle blog. She graduated from FIT with a degree in fashion merchandising and has worked with notable designers on 7th Avenue in NYC.

Read full bio of Michelle Wagman

Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor

 

Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury

Shatabdi BhattacharyaAssociate Editor

Shatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.

Read full bio of Shatabdi Bhattacharya

Anu PallaviBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Anu is a beauty and lifestyle writer and a graduate of Amity University, Noida, where she refined her writing skills and cultivated her deep passion for the field. She pursued the Beauty Technician Training Program at Maquillage Beauty Institute, which has equipped her with practical skills in various beauty treatments.

Read full bio of Anu Pallavi