Buzz
Rusty or tarnished jewelry can appear lackluster compared to its original shine. Rust presents as reddish, flaky spots, often seen on costume jewelry, while tarnish gives silver jewelry a dull appearance. You can revitalize your rusty or tarnished necklace using common household items, ensuring your jewelry dazzles throughout the night.
Steps
Cleaning with Vinegar
Prepare a solution with 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar. White vinegar acts as a mild acidic cleaning agent, safe for your necklace. Pour it into a bowl or shallow dish large enough to immerse your necklace.
- White vinegar is readily available at most grocery or home goods stores.
- While safe for costume jewelry, be cautious with precious metals or gemstones.
- Vinegar effectively removes rust but may not be as effective for tarnish removal.
Immerse your necklace fully in the vinegar. Ensure every part of the necklace is submerged in the vinegar, especially the areas with rust. Add more vinegar if necessary to cover the necklace completely.
Allow your necklace to soak for approximately 8 hours. Vinegar requires time to dissolve the rust clinging to your necklace. Place the bowl in an undisturbed area overnight and check it in the morning.
Caution: Avoid placing the bowl directly in sunlight, as it may heat up the vinegar.
Use a toothbrush to scrub away the rust. Remove your necklace from the vinegar and place it on a towel. Gently scrub the rust off with a toothbrush until the necklace is clean. For heavily rusted areas, you can allow it to soak for an additional 1 to 2 hours.
Rinse your necklace thoroughly with cool water. Ensure all traces of vinegar are washed away to prevent any damage to the necklace. Concentrate the water on areas that were heavily rusted to ensure thorough cleaning.
Gently dry your necklace with a clean cloth. Ensure the necklace is completely dry before wearing or storing it to prevent rust. Using a clean cloth will help avoid scratching your jewelry.
Utilizing Dish Soap
Combine 2 drops of dish soap with 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water. Mix mild dish soap with warm water in a small bowl from the sink. Opt for unscented, dye-free dish soap to protect your necklace's surface.
Pro Tip: Dish soap is gentle on jewelry and won't cause any chemical reactions. It's ideal for moderately tarnished necklaces or those with metal plating rather than solid metal.
Soak your necklace in the soapy water and gently rub it with your fingers. Fully submerge the necklace and chain in the water, then gently rub the pendant and chain surfaces to eliminate rust or tarnish.
Rinse your necklace under warm water. Ensure there is no soap residue left to avoid dark spots on your necklace. Use warm water to rinse off any remaining tarnish.
Gently pat your necklace dry with a clean cloth. Ensure the cloth is free from dirt and debris before use. Pat the necklace gently to ensure it is completely dry before storing it away.
Combining Baking Soda and Salt
Line a small bowl with aluminum foil. Place the shiny side of the foil facing up. Choose a bowl that can hold about 1 c (240 mL) of liquid.
Combine 1 tbsp (14 g) of baking soda and 1 tbsp (14 g) of table salt with warm water. Heat up 1 c (240 mL) of warm water in the microwave until it is hot but not boiling. Pour the water into the bowl with the foil and stir in the baking soda and table salt until fully dissolved.
Dunk your necklace into the mixture, ensuring it touches the foil. Be careful when placing the necklace in the bowl due to the hot water. Ensure the necklace makes contact with the bottom of the bowl to touch the foil.
Allow the necklace to soak for 2 to 10 minutes. Depending on the level of tarnish or rust, you may need the full 10 minutes. If you see small bubbles forming, it indicates the chemical reaction is working to remove the rust.
Rinse your necklace with cold water. Use tongs to remove the necklace from the hot water, then rinse it under cool water in the sink. Ensure there is no residue of salt or baking soda to prevent long-term exposure to your necklace.
Tip: Dispose of the baking soda and salt solution by pouring it down the drain.
Gently pat the necklace dry using a clean cloth. Place your necklace on a flat cloth and fold it gently over the necklace to dry it. Allow the necklace to air dry for an hour before storing to prevent rust, or wear it immediately to showcase its new shiny appearance.
Items You'll Require
Utilizing Vinegar for Cleaning
- Bowl
- Distilled white vinegar
- Soft-bristled brush or toothbrush
- Soft cloth
Using Dish Soap Method
- Small bowl
- Dish soap
- Soft cloth
Baking Soda and Salt Combination
- Aluminum foil
- Baking soda
- Table salt
- Microwave
- Soft cloth
Pointers
Precautions
- Never clean jewelry containing precious gemstones or pearls. The cleaning solution may damage them.
