How to Clean and Care for Imitation Jewellery: Easy Routine & Storage Tips
Key facts
- Clean plated jewellery with mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft cloth only.
- Never use toothpaste, baking soda, vinegar or ultrasonic cleaners on plated pieces.
- The four causes of tarnish are moisture, sweat, perfume and friction.
- Store each piece separately in a pouch with a silica gel sachet.
- Apply perfume and lotion before putting jewellery on, never after.
Imitation jewellery lasts far longer than most people think, if you look after it. The two biggest killers of plated jewellery are water and friction. Here is a simple, safe routine to keep your pieces bright for years, plus the common mistakes that quietly ruin them.
How to clean imitation jewellery safely
- Add a few drops of mild soap to a bowl of lukewarm water.
- Dip a soft microfibre cloth or a cotton bud into the water.
- Gently wipe the surface, working stones and crevices carefully.
- Wipe again with a cloth dampened in plain water to remove soap.
- Dry the piece completely with a clean dry cloth before storing.
Do not soak plated jewellery, and never scrub with anything abrasive.
What not to use
Avoid toothpaste, baking soda, vinegar, lemon and ultrasonic cleaners. These are recommended for solid gold and silver, not for plated fashion jewellery. On a thin gold coating they act like sandpaper and strip the finish, which is exactly what causes fading and skin marks later.
How to store jewellery so it does not tarnish
Air and humidity are the enemy. Store each piece separately so metals do not rub against each other, and keep everything in a cool dry place. A small silica gel sachet in your jewellery box absorbs moisture and slows tarnishing. Stud and huggie earrings do especially well in small zip pouches.
The daily habit that matters most
Put your jewellery on last. Perfume, deodorant, hairspray and lotion all contain chemicals that dull plating on contact. Let them dry fully, then add your earrings and bangles. After the day is done, a ten second wipe with a dry cloth removes the sweat and oils that would otherwise sit on the surface overnight.
When to take jewellery off
- Before showering, swimming or entering the sea or a pool.
- Before heavy workouts where you sweat a lot.
- Before cleaning with strong chemicals.
- Before sleeping, to avoid bending and friction.
Anti-tarnish pieces handle the occasional splash easily, but they are not designed to be submerged for long periods. For more on that, see our guide on whether anti-tarnish jewellery is waterproof.
Auril Studio jewellery is anti-tarnish by design, so this routine keeps it looking new with almost no effort. See the collection.
Frequently asked questions
How do you clean imitation jewellery at home?
Mix a few drops of mild soap in lukewarm water, dip a soft cloth or cotton bud, gently wipe the piece, then dry it completely with a clean dry cloth. Never soak plated jewellery and never use toothpaste, baking soda or harsh scrubs, as these strip the plating.
How do you stop artificial jewellery from tarnishing?
Keep it dry, wear it after applying perfume and lotion, wipe it after every use, and store each piece separately in an airtight pouch or box. Moisture, sweat, perfume and friction are the four main causes of tarnish.
Can I use toothpaste to clean gold-plated jewellery?
No. Toothpaste is abrasive and will scratch and thin the gold plating, causing it to wear off faster. Use only mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft cloth for plated jewellery.
How should I store imitation jewellery?
Store each piece separately in a soft pouch, zip-lock bag or lined box, kept in a cool dry place. Adding a small silica gel sachet helps absorb humidity and slows tarnishing.
Can anti-tarnish jewellery be worn every day?
Yes. Anti-tarnish jewellery is designed for daily wear. Simple habits like wiping it after use and keeping it away from water when swimming will keep it looking new for years.