How to Clean Costume Jewellery: Sparkle Without the Drama

Let’s be real, costume jewellery can be like that one friend who tends to get a little grimy if left unattended—but unlike your friend, it’s way easier to freshen up! If you’ve ever wondered how to clean costume jewellery without turning your pretty baubles into a sad, tarnished mess, you’re in the right place.

Why Clean Costume Jewellery?

Costume jewellery is known for adding sparkle and flair at a fraction of the price of fine gems. But it’s also a little needy—exposure to skin oils, lotions, sweat, and everyday grime can dull its shine and even damage pieces over time. A proper clean not only keeps your accessories looking fab but extends their lifespan by preventing corrosion or sticky build-up.

Think of it as spa day for your baubles. And no expensive spa treatments required!

The Safe Cleaning Formula for Costume Jewellery

The golden rule? Keep it gentle. Costume jewellery often uses glued stones or plated metals that can be sensitive to harsh chemicals.

Here’s the trusted at-home cleaning cocktail recommended by The Vault and Ouros Jewels:

Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap (the gentle stuff your mom won’t complain about).
Dip a soft toothbrush or cotton swab in the solution to carefully dislodge dirt, grime, and verdigris (the pesky green gunk on metal).
Rinse your jewellery under lukewarm water—mind the sink trap!
Pat dry thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber is ideal) to avoid any water spots or tarnishing.

Avoid anything abrasive or chemical-heavy like bleach, ammonia, or alcohol-based cleaners. They’re the villains of the jewelry cleaning world and can strip coatings or cause stones to loosen.

Got Tarnish? Try Nature’s Magic

When your once-sparkling bauble develops a tarnished layer (thanks a lot, air and moisture), natural remedies come to the rescue. One of the most effective at-home tricks is a lemon juice soak:

Mix equal parts water and lemon juice.
Soak jewelry for 10-15 minutes (but not any longer — this isn’t a pool party!).
Gently scrub with a baby toothbrush or soft makeup brush to avoid scratching delicate areas.
Rinse and dry thoroughly.

If your pieces sport glued gemstones or intricate settings, extra caution is key. The last thing you want is for your dazzling stones to go MIA!

Delicate Details: Cleaning Rhinestones and Glued Gems

Rhinestones and glued gems are fabulous but fragile. According to enthusiasts on the eBay Jewelry & Gemstones Board, a barely damp baby toothbrush is your best friend here. Strictly no soaking because it can dissolve adhesives.

Instead, spot clean carefully. Dry with a soft cloth and store away safely to avoid accidental knocks and bumps.

Storage Tips: How to Keep Your Costume Jewellery Shiny Longer

Preventive care is pretty much the skincare routine for your accessories.

Store pieces in a dry, cool place. Humidity is the arch-nemesis of costume jewellery.
Use dedicated jewellery boxes or wooden jewel boxes for elegant, tangle-free storage.
Avoid wearing jewelry during heavy sweating, swimming, or applying lotions and perfumes that can accelerate tarnishing.

Bonus: Give your twinkle a quick polish with a dry microfiber or jewelry cloth every now and then to snatch up moisture and maintain a fresh shine.

Should You Use Ultrasonic Cleaners?

Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners might sound like a super high-tech spa treatment for your baubles, but tread lightly. While they’re great for durable metals and stones, costume jewelry often involves glues and plating that might not hold up well to the vigorous shaking and water cavitation inside these devices.

If you must try it, use the gentlest setting, do a test on a less-prized piece first, and avoid frequently using ultrasonic at home. Manual gentle cleaning remains the safest bet.

Pro Tips and Extra Sparkle

Turn your cleaning into a routine pamper session, like once a month or after wearing the pieces several times.
Explore DIY jewellery making inspiration to better appreciate your treasures in this beginner’s guide or try crafting your own in our brass jewellery DIY tutorial.
Consider thoughtful gifting options from the Return Gift Collection for sparkling presents that your loved ones will cherish.

Shop Smart: Must-Have Cleaning Tools

For those who want a little shortcut or gift-ready option, here are handy affiliate picks available online:

Final Sparkling Thoughts

Keeping your costume jewellery sparkling doesn’t have to be rocket science or a weekend DIY disaster. By sticking to these gentle cleaning hacks, using nature’s helpers when needed, storing your trinkets wisely, and giving them a little love regularly, you’ll keep that sparkle alive and kicking for years.

And hey, if you want to elevate your jewellery care game, why not check out our jewellery box collection—think elegant wooden and fabric designs made to cradle your precious accessories in style and safety.

Happy polishing! Your baubles will thank you.