How to clean a necklace chain?

Over time, your chains lose their brightness and shine, or even turn black when they are made of silver. This is a normal phenomenon, even if we would like our jewelry to last forever.
While wearing them, several factors can damage them such as sweat, skin acidity, pollution, cosmetics and hygiene products... But if you don't wear them, it's the dust that takes care of altering their color and shine. In addition to storing them properly, you should clean your jewelry regularly.

How to clean a silver chain ? How to clean a gold-plated choker ? How to clean a steel necklace ? What to use to clean a piece of costume jewelry?
Here are some tips to restore the shine to your jewelry.

Use soap and water

Soak your chain for a few moments in a mixture of hot water and Marseille soap. Then gently rub your jewelry with a soft cloth. You can use a soft toothbrush or a cotton swab to clean the most interlocking links. Then rinse with clear water and dry.
This is a very effective solution for silver, stainless steel, gold-plated, gold-filled chains or your fancy necklaces.
It also works for gemstone chains. But be careful, the water should not be too hot, because some stones are sensitive to heat.

Use baking soda

Baking soda, also called sodium bicarbonate, can also be a good alternative. Put the equivalent of a tablespoon of baking soda in a container with a little warm water and mix until it forms a paste. Then use a soft toothbrush to clean your steel jewelry.
Very effective for all types of chain: Silver, Stainless Steel, Gold-Plated, Gold-Filled, or costume jewelry.
This process can be used for chains with gemstones. Be careful again with the temperature of the water, some natural stones do not like it when it is too hot.

Use white vinegar

White vinegar works well too. To do this, soak your chain in a container filled with white vinegar. After a few hours, you can rinse your jewelry and gently dry it.
This is a good trick to clean your silver chains.
But it should not be used for gold-plated chains, gold-filled chains or chains with a gold, silver or other finish, because the acidity of the white vinegar may damage the plating.

Use lemon juice

Lemon juice will also work wonders. Simply wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth soaked in lemon juice. Once you've done this, rinse with clean water and dry with a chamois or soft cloth.
This is a good idea for cleaning silver chains.
But, you should not use lemon juice for Gold Plated, Gold-Filled or those with a gold, silver or other finish. They don't tolerate chemicals or products that are too acidic and aggressive, which could damage the plating.

Use toothpaste

Take an old soft toothbrush and a dab of toothpaste. Scrub your jewelry without pressure to avoid scratching, then rinse thoroughly before drying with a soft cloth.
This method is effective for silver chains, even those with gemstones.

Use water and rubbing alcohol

In a container, make a mixture of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol. Soak a cloth with this solution and clean your jewelry. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft, dry cloth.
This is an ideal solution for gold-plated or gold-filled chains.

Use olive oil

For pearl necklaces, regular cleaning with a soft, damp cloth, without scrubbing to avoid scratches, is enough to give them a shine. But every couple of years, cultured pearls need a thorough cleaning. For this, you'll need a soft cloth and a few drops of olive oil. Wipe your pearls without rubbing, and the magic happens.