If you’re like us, you don’t like to leave your house without a bracelet, and on a good day, you stack them up like nobody’s business. Unfortunately, like other types of jewelry, your once shiny bracelets have developed a layer of dirt over time, making them look dull. To bring back the shine, you need to clean them.
Taking it to a jeweler for a professional cleaning is a good option, but it can be expensive and a deviation from your DIY lifestyle. Instead, you can keep your bracelets in top shape all by yourself. Let’s show you how to clean bracelets of different types.
How to Clean Bracelets
Your chosen method of cleaning bracelets will depend on their design and material. For many bracelet brands, it is important to stick with specific cleaning methods, so you don’t ruin your piece in a bid to bring the sparkle back.
How to Clean Pandora Bracelets
Pandora bracelets are popular. They are typically made of sterling silver and 14k or 18k gold. Whether you wear them daily or once in a while, here’s how to clean pandora bracelets.
Material Needed
- Polishing cloth
Instructions
- Pick a small part of the bracelet and rub it with the polishing cloth in a back and forth motion.
- Pick another part and repeat until you have polished the entire bracelet.
💡 Pro-Tip: When you see black stains on your polishing cloth, it shows that it removes the tarnish on your bracelet. Your polishing cloth can still work even when it is entirely black.
How to Clean Alex and Ani Bracelets
Alex and Ani bracelets are typically made of sterling silver known to tarnish. You can clean Alex and Ani bracelets and remove the tarnish using water and dishwashing soap.
Materials Needed
- Bowl of water
- Mild dishwashing liquid
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Soft cloth or microfiber cloth
Instructions
- Mix a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid, like Dawn, into a bowl of water.
- Soak your bracelet in the mixture for about 2-3 minutes.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub your bracelet gently.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- Pat dry with a microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Pura Vida bracelets
Pura Vida bracelets are made from wax-coated string cords and may come with charm metals attached. They’re easy to clean and the process is not particularly different from washing clothes.
Materials Needed
- Bowl of water
- Dishwash soap
Instructions
- Mix a few drops of water in a bowl of water.
- Soak your bracelet in the mixture for 1-2 minutes.
- Rub your hand over the bracelet repeatedly to dislodge any remaining dirt.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- Air dry completely before storing away or wearing.
How to Clean David Yurman Bracelets
David Yurman bracelets are classics and are often made of silver. The bracelets usually come with polishing cloths, but if you don’t have yours, you can clean them using the paste version of silver polish.
Materials Needed
- Silver polish
- Soft cloth
Instructions
- Put a small amount of silver polish on a soft cloth.
- Rub the polish on your bracelet in a back and forth motion.
- Rinse in warm water.
- Pat dry and buff with a soft dry cloth.
💡 Warning: Be careful not to rub your metal polish on the gemstone to avoid damaging it.
How to Clean Luca and Danni Bracelets
Luca and Danni bracelets are typically made of naturally oxidized brass, or silver plated wire. You can clean your Luca and Danni bracelets using this method.
Material Needed
- Microfiber jewelry cloth
Instructions
- Dampen part of a microfiber jewelry cloth.
- Rub it gently on your bracelet to remove the grime.
- Use the dry part to buff the jewelry.
How to Clean Beaded Bracelets
Many bracelets fall into this category, some requiring more care than others. So, we’ll share one that you can use for most types.
Materials Needed
- Soft damp cloth
Instructions
- Wipe down your beaded bracelet with a soft, damp cloth.
- Air-dry the bead before storing away.
Tips for Cleaning Tarnished Bracelets
Silver is the most common metal that tarnishes. Tarnish is a natural oxidation process that occurs when the metal is exposed to air or moisture. Use the tips to help you clean your tarnished bracelets.
- Use a polish cloth to rub your bracelet till it shines like new.
- Apply silver polish paste with a soft, damp cloth.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush for bracelets with intricate designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even though we’ve covered specific methods for different bracelets, you may have questions about other ways to clean bracelets. We’re providing answers to some frequently asked questions.
Does Coke clean Pandora?
Yes, coke may clean pandora bracelets, but it is not a recommended cleaning method because it may be too abrasive and ruin the jewelry piece.
What is the best homemade jewelry cleaner?
The best homemade jewelry cleaner will depend on the material being cleaned. Typically, water and dishwashing liquid is a good jewelry cleaner for most metal jewelry.
General Tips for Cleaning Different Bracelet Metals
- Use water and mild dishwashing soap to clean gold, gold-plated, sterling, brass, and platinum bracelets.
- Be gentle when cleaning brass-plated or gold-plated bracelets so you don’t wear off the plating.
- Dry all bracelets properly before storing or wearing them again.
- Use jewelry cleaners specially designed for your specific bracelet metal.
Bring Back The Shine
Some jewelry stores will offer to clean any jewelry piece you purchased. However, this might not be sustainable since you may need to clean often. The methods we’ve shared can be used without stepping out of your house. Pick the best method for your bracelet and get it to look like when you first bought it.
💎 You should know: We use affiliate links throughout our site. This means we may earn a cent or two when you make a purchase on our site. Thanks for adding to our shine.
