How to clean a necklace chain?

Over time, your chains lose their shine and luster, and even blacken when they're made of silver. This is a normal phenomenon, even if we'd like our jewelry to last forever.

Good news: you don't need professional products to restore the shine to your jewelry. Here are 8 effective solutions to try out at home, with the right gestures depending on the metal of your chain.

Why do necklace chains tarnish?

Several factors accelerate the oxidation of your jewelry:

• Skin's natural acidity and perspiration
• Creams, perfumes and hair care products
• Dust during storage
• Ambient humidity (bathroom, swimming pool)

Regular cleaning is therefore essential, even for jewelry you don't wear very often.

What type of cleaning? We tell you:

Use soap and water

Soak your chain for a few moments in a mixture of warm water and Marseille soap. Then gently rub your jewelry with a soft cloth. You can use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to clean the most interlocking links. Then rinse with clean water and dry.

This is a very effective solution for silver, stainless steel, gold-plated or gold-filled chains, or for your fancy necklaces.

It also works for chains adorned with gemstones. But be careful, the water must not be too hot, as some stones are sensitive to heat.

Using baking soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, can also be a good alternative. Put the equivalent of a tablespoon of baking soda in a container with a little lukewarm water and stir until a paste forms. Then use a soft toothbrush to clean your steel jewelry.

Highly effective for all types of chain: silver, stainless steel, gold-plated, gold-filled or costume jewelry.

This process can also be used for chains adorned with gemstones. Once again, be careful with water temperature: some natural stones don't like it too hot.

Use a damp microfiber cloth

If you're looking for a gentle solution that won't attack your costume jewelry, a microfiber cloth is the way to go. Simply rub your chain gently with it and you're done!

This technique is particularly effective for metal chains with gold or fine gold finishes, which are sensitive to water and chemical solutions.

It also works on fancy necklaces with gemstones, mother-of-pearl or crystals.

Use white vinegar

White vinegar also works well. Soak your chain in a container of white vinegar. After a few hours, you can rinse your jewel and gently dry it.

This is a good trick for cleaning your silver chains.

However, it should not be used on gold-plated chains, gold-filled chains or chains with a gold, silver or other finish, as the acidity of the white vinegar may damage the plating.

Use lemon juice

Lemon juice works wonders too. Simply wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth soaked in lemon juice. Rinse with clean water and dry with a chamois or soft cloth.

This is a good idea for cleaning silver chains.

But don't use lemon juice on gold-plated, gold-filled or other types of chain. They don't tolerate chemicals, nor overly acidic and aggressive products that could damage the plating.

Use toothpaste

Take an old soft toothbrush and a dab of toothpaste. Scrub your jewel without applying pressure to avoid scratching, then rinse thoroughly before drying with a soft cloth.

This method works well for silver chains, even those with gemstones.

Use water and methylated spirits

In a container, make a mixture of equal parts water and methylated spirits. Soak a cloth in 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 rubbing to avoid scratching, is all that's needed to give them their shine. But every two 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.

Which cleaning method for which metal?

Tips for prolonging the shine of your jewelry

Good cleaning is good. Proper storage is even better!

• Store your chains separately to avoid tangling and scratching.
• Avoid wearing your jewelry in the shower, during sports or at the pool.
• Remove your necklaces before applying perfume or cream.
• Always dry your chains thoroughly before storing them (moisture accelerates oxidation).