Guides & JournalHow to Clean Artificial Jewellery at Home
To clean artificial jewellery at home, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth, then — only if needed — dab it with a cloth barely dampened in lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap, dry it straight away and let it air-dry fully before storing. Artificial and costume jewellery has a thin plating over base metal, and stones are often glued in, so soaking, scrubbing or harsh cleaners do more harm than good. Here's how to clean each type safely and keep it shiny for longer.
Why artificial jewellery needs gentle cleaning
Most artificial jewellery is base metal with a thin gold- or silver-coloured plating. Water, sweat, perfume and rough cleaning wear that plating away, and once it's gone the metal underneath shows through. Stones and kundan settings are usually glued, and water can loosen the glue. So the goal is to remove dirt without soaking or scratching.
The safe everyday method
Gentle and regular beats strong and occasional.
- Wipe each piece with a soft, dry microfibre or cotton cloth after wearing.
- For more dirt, barely dampen a cloth in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap.
- Dab and wipe gently — don't soak or scrub.
- Use a soft, dry makeup brush or cotton bud around stones and small gaps.
- Dry immediately with a clean cloth, then leave it to air-dry before putting it away.
Toothpaste, vinegar and baking soda: careful
Many home tips suggest toothpaste, vinegar or baking soda. On artificial jewellery these can do more harm than good: toothpaste and baking soda are mildly abrasive and can scratch plating, and vinegar is acidic and can dull it or loosen glued stones.
If you do try one, test it on a hidden spot first, use a tiny amount on a soft cloth, never soak, and rinse and dry quickly. For most pieces, mild soap is enough.
⚠️ Careful here
Never soak artificial jewellery or leave it wet, and avoid bleach, harsh cleaners and scouring pads — they can strip the plating for good.
Cleaning oxidised and stone jewellery
Oxidised jewellery is darkened on purpose to give it an antique look, so don't try to polish it bright — you'll remove the finish. Just wipe it with a dry soft cloth.
For stone, kundan and pearl jewellery, avoid water as much as possible. Clean the metal with a dry cloth and dust between stones with a soft brush. Faux pearls are coated, so wipe them only with a dry cloth.
How to stop artificial jewellery turning black
These habits keep plating shiny much longer than any cleaning trick.
- Put jewellery on last — after perfume, lotion and hairspray.
- Take it off before washing hands, bathing, cooking or exercising.
- Wipe it after every wear to remove sweat and oils.
- Store each piece separately in a small zip bag or pouch to limit air and scratches.
- Add a silica gel packet to your jewellery box to keep moisture away.
When to replace instead of clean
If the plating has worn through to a different-coloured metal, cleaning won't bring it back. That's normal for well-loved artificial jewellery. Choosing well-made pieces and storing them carefully helps them last.
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Frequently asked
How do I clean artificial jewellery at home?
Wipe it with a soft dry cloth; for more dirt, dab with a cloth barely dampened in lukewarm water and mild soap, then dry immediately and air-dry before storing.
Can I wash artificial jewellery with water?
Only lightly with a damp cloth. Never soak it — water wears the plating and can loosen glued stones.
Can I clean artificial jewellery with toothpaste?
It's risky. Toothpaste is mildly abrasive and can scratch the plating. Mild soap on a soft cloth is safer; if you try toothpaste, test a hidden spot first.
How do I clean oxidised jewellery?
Just wipe it with a dry soft cloth. The dark finish is intentional, so don't polish or scrub it.
How do I stop artificial jewellery turning black?
Keep it away from perfume, lotion and water, wipe it after wearing, and store each piece in a separate zip bag with a silica gel packet.
How do I clean stone or kundan jewellery?
Avoid water. Wipe the metal with a dry cloth and dust between the stones with a soft brush.