How to Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry at Home (The Easy Way)

One of the greatest appeals of stainless steel is its incredible durability and low-maintenance nature. Unlike silver that tarnishes or other metals that require special care, keeping your favorite stainless steel jewelry looking brilliant is remarkably simple. You don't need expensive or harsh chemical cleaners; in fact, the best methods use gentle, everyday household items you already have. This simple 5-minute guide will walk you through the safest and most effective ways to restore the shine to your cherished pieces. 

What You'll Need

Forget specialized cleaning kits. To make your stainless steel jewelry sparkle, you only need a few basic supplies:

• A bowl of warm water

• A few drops of mild dish soap (avoid anything with bleach or harsh degreasers)    

• Two soft, lint-free cloths (microfiber cloths are perfect)    

• (Optional) A soft-bristled toothbrush for intricate designs or chains

The 3-Step Basic Cleaning Process

This is the go-to method for regular cleaning to remove daily buildup of oils, lotions, and dust.

Step 1: Soak and Gently Scrub Fill a bowl with warm water and add 2-3 drops of mild dish soap, swishing it around to create a sudsy solution. Place your jewelry in the water and let it soak for about 5 minutes. This will help loosen any grime. After soaking, use one of the soft cloths to gently wipe the surface. For detailed areas like engravings, clasps, or between chain links, usea soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away any trapped dirt.

Step 2: Rinse Thoroughly Rinse your jewelry under clean, warm running water. It's important to remove all soap residue, as it can leave a dull film on the surface if left to dry.

Step 3: Dry and Buff This is a crucial step to prevent water spots and restore shine. Use your second clean, dry, soft cloth to thoroughly pat the jewelry dry. Once dry, you can use a section of the cloth to gently buff the surface in circular motions, which will bring back its brilliant luster.

How to Tackle Stubborn Stains or Tarnish

For more persistent spots or minor discoloration, a simple baking soda paste works wonders.

1. Create a paste by mixing two parts baking soda with one part water in a small dish. 

2. Apply the paste to the affected areas of the jewelry.

3. Use a soft cloth or toothbrush to gently scrub the paste into the stain.

4. Rinse the piece thoroughly with warm water and dry completely with a soft cloth.

What to AVOID When Cleaning

To protect your jewelry, never use the following:

• Harsh Chemicals: Bleach, chlorine, ammonia, and abrasive cleaners can damage the protective layer of stainless steel and cause permanent discoloration.   

• Abrasive Materials: Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, or even paper towels, as they can leave fine scratches on the metal's surface.   

• Toothpaste: While some suggest it, many toothpastes contain abrasive particles that can scratch your jewelry. It's safer to stick with baking soda.

Conclusion

As you can see, maintaining the beauty of your stainless steel jewelry is incredibly easy and requires no special effort. With just a few minutes of simple, gentle cleaning, you can ensure your favorite accessories remain as radiant as the day you got them.

Love low-maintenance luxury? Shop our easy-to-care-for stainless steel jewelry collection today.