How to clean stainless steel jewelry: soap, water and a soft brush

Step by step: how to clean stainless steel jewelry

1. 1

   Check what the piece is made of

   Look for a stamp such as 316L or "stainless" and check whether the piece is plated gold, black or rose. Solid, unplated steel can take a full soak and a brush. Plated steel, glued-in stones and leather or fabric cords need the gentler wipe method instead.

2. 2

   Mix warm soapy water

   Fill a small bowl with warm tap water and add 2 or 3 drops of mild dish soap. Stir until it is lightly sudsy. Plain soap and water is all most stainless steel ever needs.

3. 3

   Soak for 5 to 10 minutes

   Drop solid steel rings, chains and bracelets in the bowl for 5 to 10 minutes to loosen skin oil, lotion and soap scum. Close clasps on chains first so they do not knot. Do not soak pieces with glued stones or cords.

4. 4

   Brush the links, clasps and engraving

   Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush, working into chain links, the back of pendants, clasp springs and any engraved lettering where grime collects. On brushed or satin finishes, brush in the same direction as the fine lines. You should see gray film lift into the water.

5. 5

   Rinse in clean water

   Rinse each piece under clean running tap water, with the sink plugged or a strainer underneath so nothing goes down the drain. Rinse until no soap feels slippery on the metal, since leftover soap dries into a dull film.

6. 6

   Dry it completely

   Pat the piece dry with a paper towel, then buff it with a lint-free microfiber cloth until it shines. Let chains lie flat on a dry towel for 15 minutes so water trapped in the links can evaporate before you put them away.

7. 7

   Remove leftover fingerprints or oily film

   If smudges remain after the wash, wipe them with a cloth lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner, then rinse and dry again. This works well on polished bands and watch-style bracelets that show every fingerprint.

What should you not use on stainless steel jewelry?

Do not use chlorine bleach, chlorine-based cleaners, steel wool or abrasive powders. Stainless steel resists rust because of a thin protective surface layer, and harsh chemicals or scratchy pads work against it.

• Bleach and chlorides. The Australian Stainless Steel Development Association says plenty of water, mild detergent and a cloth or soft brush handle everyday cleaning, and warns against bleach because it is too easy to make the mix too strong and too hard to rinse off. The Specialty Steel Industry of North America also says cleaning with chloride-containing detergents must be avoided. That includes hot tubs and chlorinated pools, so take steel jewelry off before you swim.
• Steel wool and wire brushes. SSINA advises against carbon steel brushes and steel wool on stainless surfaces, because loose particles can leave rust spots. Stick to a soft toothbrush and microfiber.
• Abrasive powders and whitening toothpaste. Even fine powders can scratch or dull a polished finish, and they are hard to rinse out of chain links.
• Silver dips. Dips are made for tarnished silver. Stainless steel does not tarnish the same way, and a dip can strip the color off plated steel.

How to clean plated, stone-set and corded stainless steel pieces

Clean plated, stone-set and corded pieces with a damp cloth instead of a soak. The steel underneath is tough, but the plating, glue and cord are not.

For plated pieces worn every day, a quick wipe after each wear does more than a monthly scrub. Once plating wears through, cleaning will not bring the color back. For gold-plated jewelry in general, see our guide to cleaning gold plated jewelry.

Why does stainless steel jewelry still bother some people’s skin?

Most stainless steel jewelry contains some nickel, and a nickel allergy can still cause an itchy rash even when the piece is clean. MedlinePlus lists nickel in jewelry, watch straps and other metal items among the common causes of allergic contact dermatitis.

Cleaning helps with irritation that comes from trapped soap, lotion and sweat under a ring or watch band, so wash and dry the piece and the skin under it. If a rash keeps coming back in the same spot, stop wearing the piece and talk to a doctor or dermatologist. A green or dark mark on your skin usually means the piece is plated base metal rather than solid stainless steel.

Can you polish scratches out of stainless steel jewelry?

Light hairline scratches can be softened, but deep scratches need a jeweler. The British Stainless Steel Association notes that soap or mild detergent and warm water, followed by a clear rinse, is usually enough for everyday cleaning, so save polishing for when the surface itself is worn.

On a brushed finish, a non-scratch pad rubbed along the grain can blend fine scratches, but test it on the inside of a band first. On a mirror finish, a jeweler can buff the piece on a wheel. Do not polish plated steel at home, because you will take the color off. For rings with gemstones, our ring cleaning guide covers which stones handle water and brushing.

Mistakes to avoid

• Soaking gold-plated or black-plated steel for long periods, which loosens and dulls the plating.
• Using bleach or chlorine cleaners, or wearing steel jewelry in a hot tub or chlorinated pool.
• Scrubbing with steel wool or a wire brush, which scratches the finish and can leave rust specks.
• Putting chains away damp, so water sits in the links and leaves spots.
• Dropping pieces with glued stones into an ultrasonic cleaner, which can shake the stones loose.