Stainless steel is a preferred material for bracelets due to its glow and durability. However, it is prone to tarnish with time.
I got stainless steel three years ago, and I could barely take it off as it was my favorite. With time, I noticed some stains and since I did not want a replacement, I did some research on how to restore it and make it look new again.
I came up with this post to show you some proven ways to restore your stainless steel bracelet. By the end, you will learn some simple DIY restoration tips and some of the items are right there in your house, so keep reading.
How do you restore a stainless steel bracelet?
The internet is flooded with all sorts of advice and tips on how to restore stainless steel jewelry, but do they work? Well, some do, while others are just scams.
While stainless steel is resistant to rust and discoloration, it can stain with time, but these stains are not permanent. Most people with metal allergies prefer stainless steel bracelets.
Some of the ways you can restore your bracelet are to clean using some mild jewelry cleaners. You can also use toothpaste o baking soda. Let’s look at these cleaning ways in detail.
Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners
These are special cleaners that use ultrasound waves to eject contaminants from the bracelet’s surface. This method works best for curved jewelry like bracelets and rings, and they are safe to use. This method is great as it deep-cleans where cloth cannot reach.
If your bracelet has gemstones, it is discouraged to use this method as it ends up destroying your precious stones. This is the easiest method of cleaning, and it does not entail scrubbing or any manual rubs. All you need to do is place your bracelet inside the machine and click a button.
Use jewelry cleaning kits
This is the safest method for your bracelet as it is trusted and made with the safest agents. Purchase the cleaning kit for stainless steel. If your bracelet has gemstones below eight on the Mohs Hardness scale, you might want to tread carefully when buying your kit.
You might want to consult a jeweler for advice on the best products for your bracelet. You can find suitable products on Amazon that work well with stainless steel. The best part is that some will come with a brush and polishing cloth, and they won’t break your bank.
Cleaning with toothpaste
We all have toothpaste in the house, and while we solely use it for teeth-cleaning, toothpaste can be used to clean stainless steel jewelry. It is recommended to pick a mild, non-gel formula that does not have teeth whitening agents. You will need a soft-bristled toothbrush for this process.
The first step is to dampen your toothbrush with water. If you do not have a toothbrush in hand, you can use a soft microfiber cloth. Add a dub of toothpaste to your cleaning item of choice and rub gently on your bracelet.
You need to use warm water to get the best results. After cleaning for about five minutes, rinse well with warm water and pat dry with a towel. Use a polishing cloth to polish your jewelry and store it appropriately.
The Baking Soda Method
Baking soda is a common ingredient in baking but it is also a great cleaning agent. You will need water and a large bowl. Add one part water and two parts baking soda into your bowl.
If the paste is too thin, you can add more baking soda to make a paste. Use a soft bristle brush and dampen it in the baking soda solution.
Gently scrub your bracelet with the brush and the solution for a few minutes. Rinse the bracelet with warm running water by using a faucet to hold it, and pat dry with a towel. Polish it with a polishing cloth and put it back on or store it appropriately.
The basic soap and water
This method works great for bracelets that can be submerged in water. This is because you will need to soak it for a while before cleaning.
Note that gemstones and pearls cannot be cleaned using this method as they will get damaged. The first step is to make the cleaning solution. In a large bowl, pour warm water and add three drops of mild dishwashing soap.
Stir to disperse the soap for even distribution. In a second bowl, fill it with plain warm water.
This is the first setup for restoring your stainless steel bracelet. The next step is the actual cleaning process, where you will need to submerge your bracelet and let it soak for five minutes.
Using a soft brush, scrub gently on the surface of your bracelet and pay attention to engraved parts and folds. The idea of soaking is to let the soap loosen the soil that is staining your bracelet.
When it’s all clean and shiny, it’s time to rinse. Use your second bowl of warm water to get rid of any residue. If you can. Use warm running water in a soft stream and pat dry with a towel.
If you have time, you can opt to air dry your bracelet. When it’s nice and dry, it’s time to buff for a sleek finish. Use a jewelry polishing cloth and buff your bracelet.
Cleaning with Vinegar
This is a simple cleaning solution that is easily available. You’ll need a cup of vinegar, water, a large bowl, two microfiber cloths, and a spray bottle, but the bottle is optional.
Combine equal parts of water and vinegar in your bowl and soak your bracelet for ten to fifteen minutes. You can pour your mixture into a spray bottle and spray your bracelet.
Take one cloth and damp it in the solution and spot clean the bracelet. When it’s clean and restored, rinse in warm, running water and air dry. You can also pat with a towel. Polish it with a jewelry polishing cloth and store it.
Go to the Jeweler
If you are too caught up with stuff and do not have time to clean your bracelet, why not let the professional do it for you? A jeweler will examine your bracelet and determine the best cleaning method.
While the DIY cleaning methods require rinsing with warm water, the jeweler might choose to pass steam on your bracelet to eliminate all stubborn stains.
This will be followed by polishing, and your bracelet will be as good as new. Others will use secret cleaning methods to give the best results. After all, all you need is a sparkling bracelet with no damage.
Tips for storing your stainless steel bracelet
When your stainless steel bracelet is restored, it’s time to store it if you don’t intend to wear it immediately. Unlike other metals like copper and brass, stainless steel requires little effort to maintain.
This does not mean you can just toss it anywhere and expect it to keep looking good. The storage tips below work to keep the shine on.
Don’t mix with other metallic items
If you toss your bracelet with other metallic items, the chances of getting it scratched are high.
Keep your stainless steel in a lone compartment to avoid scratching and damaging by other metallic jewelry.
Put in a pouch or wrap it up
The best way to safely store your stainless steel is in an individual pouch away from other items.
If you must store all your jewelry together, look for a fabric-lined case and put the bracelet before storing it with other silver and gold jewelry.
You can also wrap your bracelet in soft tissue paper and store it in your jewelry box.
Remove bracelet when swimming or handling chemicals
When taking a swim, it is tempting to dive right in with your jewelry intact. This is not safe for stainless steel jewelry, and you should take it off and keep it before swimming.
Chlorine is known to be aggressive on stainless steel and can damage your precious bracelet permanently. This also applies when you are working with harsh chemicals or soaking in a hot tub.
When using chemical cosmetics like hairsprays or perfumes with alcohol, take off your bracelet to avoid corroding it.
Stainless steel is sturdy, but not invincible, so you need to take caution. Ensure that you have a small bag to store it when working with any of the above-mentioned items.
Polish before storage
Finally, polish your bracelet after cleaning and before storing it.
This help to keep your bracelet shiny and looking new. Always use a jewelry polishing cloth for buffing to get the best results.
Conclusion
A stainless steel bracelet can look as good as new with the right steps in maintenance and storage. You can choose simple DIY methods or take a professional approach.
Whatever you do, ensure that your bracelet remains safe and does not corrode. In the above-mentioned steps, all the listed agents are mild and safe for both the bracelet and your hands.
Storage is also crucial and all necessary precautions should be taken before storing your bracelet.
Remember to store your stainless steel away from sharps and other metallic items to avoid scratching and damage.
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Tiger is a fashion&jewelry lover. He is also a fashion jewelry manufacturer that help thousands of small business to grow and also do business with some big fashion jewelry brands. He is a truly metal expert and he will share some information you are looking for.