How to clean jewelry

Have you noticed that your beloved ZOE HOOP jewelry doesn't shine as much as it did the first time you used them? This happens with jewelry that is often used and because I try to think sustainably as much as possible and not coat the silver jewelry with plating that unnecessarily harms the environment.

Don't worry if they look a little darker after you've had them on for a while! The jewelry reacts naturally to proximity to your skin and air.

There are some simple steps you can follow to get their shine back and let them shine like new again in an environmentally friendly way. Pick up your jewelry, put on your cleaning gloves, and let's start cleaning!

1. Place your jewelry in a bowl with aluminum foil, sprinkle generously with baking soda, carefully pour boiling water over the jewelry so that it covers the jewelry. A chemical reaction, called ion exchange, occurs and forms a mild basic solution that can help dissolve dirt and deposits from the jewelry.
2. Let the jewelry be for at least 15 minutes, preferably longer, for example overnight.
3. Pick up your jewelry and clean it carefully with your fingers, a soft sponge, toothbrush, or cloth.
4. Rinse each piece of jewelry separately in clean lukewarm water.
5. Gently dry them with a soft cloth. The jewelry has now regained its shine and you can polish them for even more shine by using a jewelry polishing cloth.

We use the method above for our own jewelry. But be careful before using it on jewelry that doesn't come from ZOE HOOP. A little further down, we have compiled some tips that can guide you in the right direction when you want your jewelry to look nice again. We advise you to avoid bathing with our gold jewelry in the pool and sea because salt and chlorine cause the jewelry to discolor. Saltwater is what wears gold the hardest. It's easy to accidentally apply sunscreen or forget to take off your jewelry when washing your hair with silver shampoo or hair dye. You will then damage the gold jewelry and it can be difficult to clean the silver jewelry as the chemicals react with silver and gold, causing them to change color. Of course, you can't wash the jewelry in the dishwasher or washing machine. So avoid chemicals. Keep in mind that even hairspray and perfume contain chemicals that can discolor. Washing the jewelry with mild soap and water is fine.

General cleaning tips for common materials in jewelry

• Gold: Use warm water and dish soap or a mild soap. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush or cloth to remove dirt and oil. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
• Silver: Use warm water and a mild soap or silver cleaning solution. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush or cloth to remove dirt and oxidation. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
• Pearls: Use a soft, damp cloth or sponge to wipe the pearls. Avoid soaking pearls in water or using cleaning agents as it can damage the pearls.
• Gemstones: Use warm water and a mild soap or cleaning solution for gemstones. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush or cloth to remove dirt and oil. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
• Stainless Steel: Use warm water and dish soap or a mild soap. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush or cloth to remove dirt and stains. Then dry with a soft cloth.
• Tin: Use a soft cloth and a mixture of baking soda and water to gently scrub away stains and dirt. Rinse thoroughly and then dry with a soft cloth.
• Copper: Use a mixture of salt and vinegar or lemon juice to gently polish copper objects and remove stains and oxidation. Rinse thoroughly and then dry with a soft cloth.
• Leather: Use a leather cleaner or a mild soap and water to wipe leather surfaces. Then dry with a soft cloth and apply leather balm to preserve and protect the leather.
• Wood: Use a soft cloth and a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice to gently polish and clean wooden objects. Then dry with another clean, soft cloth.Glass: Use a mixture of water and vinegar or lemon juice to clean glass objects. Then dry with a clean cloth or paper.
• Plastic: Use a mild soap and warm water to clean plastic objects. Then dry with a soft cloth or paper. Avoid using harsh scouring agents or cleaning agents that can scratch the plastic.
• Rubber: Use a mixture of warm water and dish soap to clean rubber surfaces. Then dry with a soft cloth or paper.
• Concrete: Use a mixture of warm water and soap to clean concrete surfaces. Use a scrub brush to remove stains and dirt. Rinse thoroughly and then dry with a clean cloth.
• Ceramic: Use a mild soap and warm water to clean ceramic objects. Then dry with a soft cloth or paper.
• Porcelain: Use a mild soap and warm water to clean porcelain. Then dry with a soft cloth or paper. Avoid using harsh scouring agents or cleaning agents that can scratch the porcelain.

Isn't it amazing to see how different jewelry materials react to different cleaning methods? It's like they have their own personalities and needs. But don't worry, with this chart, you can make sure your jewelry gets the care it needs to maintain its shine and beauty.

And remember, even though it's important to take care of your jewelry, it doesn't mean you can't have fun with them too! Wear your jewelry with pride and let them light up your day.

How to handle different types of jewelry during cleaning

When it comes to cleaning jewelry, it's important to consider what type of jewelry it is. Necklaces, earrings, brooches, bracelets, and rings all have different characteristics that require different handling during cleaning. Here are some simple tips and tricks to make handling easier:

• Necklaces: A common problem with necklaces is that they can become tangled and knotted. To avoid this, you can lay the necklace out on a flat surface when cleaning it. If it's really tangled, you can use a needle or toothpick to carefully separate the chains. You can also use a soft toothbrush or cloth to clean the necklace.
• Earrings: It can be difficult to get to the right spot when cleaning earrings. A tip is to use the back of the earring or a piece of regular modeling clay or double-sided tape to hold the earring while cleaning it. You can also use a soft toothbrush or cloth to clean the earrings.
• Brooches: Brooches can have many small crevices and edges that can be difficult to reach with a cloth or toothbrush. A tip is to use a toothpick or cotton swab to reach the hard-to-reach areas. You can also use a soft toothbrush or cloth to clean the brooch.
• Bracelets: Bracelets can have chains or bands that are delicate and can be damaged during cleaning. A good way to handle the bracelet during cleaning is to place it on a flat surface, such as a soft cloth or towel, and then gently clean it with a soft toothbrush or cloth. If it's really dirty, you can soak the bracelet in warm water with a few drops of mild soap. It's important to thoroughly dry the bracelet after cleaning to avoid moisture or water damage to any details or decorations on the bracelet.
• Rings: Rings can have many small details that can be difficult to reach when cleaning them. A good way to hold a ring when cleaning it is to use a jewelry stand or a piece of modeling clay or double-sided tape. You can press the ring into the clay or place it on the jewelry stand to hold it steady while cleaning it. This also makes it easier to reach all parts of the ring without having to worry about losing it. Another method is to use a cotton swab or soft cloth and hold the ring between two fingers while cleaning it. It's important to be careful and not apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the stone or metal.

How to best store your cleaned jewelry

Storing jewelry properly can extend their lifespan and reduce the risk of scratches, damage, or loss. It can also make it easier to find and organize your jewelry, saving you time and reducing stress when you're in a hurry.

To store jewelry properly, you can use different storage options such as jewelry boxes, jewelry organizers, or jewelry hangers. By using these options, you can protect your jewelry from dust, light, and moisture, which can cause oxidation processes and damage to certain materials. Ideally, you should store them in a dry place in an airtight container, avoiding the bathroom as a storage location.

Have we listed the best storage methods for different types of jewelry? Of course! Here's a simple guide: