How do you clean pearls correctly without damaging them? Our guide outlines how to clean pearls and protect their lustre surface.
Pearls are wonderful natural products that cost quite a lot of money not without reason. Of course, you want to keep your shiny jewels as much as possible, including regular cleaning. But the other treatment also decides whether your pearls look really good in the long term – or not. We delve a little deeper into the matter and clarify what kind of care pearls like and how to clean pearls correctly without damaging them.
Clean pearls correctly: How often and in what way?
Experts recommend thoroughly cleaning pearls about twice a year. Of course, this does not happen with scratchy or aggressive means, but in the most gentle way possible. Because pearls are sensitive and want to be cleaned gently.
- Fill the bowl with lukewarm water.
- Add a little detergent.
- Dip pearls briefly.
- Clean every pearl with a soft cloth.
- Use clear water for rinsing.
- Allow to dry extensively.
Attention to pearl necklaces: If your necklace is not completely dry before the next use, then the threads may tear. So it’s better to take about 24 hours until you put the piece of jewelry back on after cleaning.
Second cleaning method: with baby soap
A wonderful care product for pearls, whether in the form of earrings or other jewelry, is the baby soap. The remedy is wonderfully pH-neutral and gentle, so that your jewelry is guaranteed to do nothing. The procedure is the same as for cleaning with water and detergent.
To top it off, you can use a special polishing cloth for beads in both of the above-mentioned cleaning methods. This polishes your jewelry to a high gloss so that it really looks like new again. A splash of olive oil has about the same effect, it also makes the surface shine.
If there is any uncertainty regarding cleaning, you can also take your pearls to the nearest jeweller. This cleans your jewelry in a professional way and does not leave any annoying traces.
How to keep your pearls clean and protected
Pearls don’t like certain things and react very sensitively when in doubt. That’s why we now provide a few important tips that will be good for their jewelry and preserve it in the long run.
1. Wear your beads as rarely as possible directly on the skin, because the acidic sweat attacks them.
2. If you are sweating more due to you having illness or taking medication, this is all the more true.
3. Cosmetic products should not have contact with your pearls. Neither make-up nor deodorant have a positive effect on the sensitive surfaces.
4. Always keep your beads well protected, but always in contact with natural humidity so they do not dry out.
5. Also, when cleaning, avoid that your beads come into contact with detergents, otherwise they may turn ugly.
6. Place your pearls before visiting the hairdresser, as there is often spraying around with chemicals.
7. With some alcohol and a soft cloth, you can remove sweat and other deposits from your beads in between.
TIP: Never store your pearls together with other jewelry made of metal or gemstones. Harder materials quickly leave scratches on the surface of the bead – and you certainly don’t want that.
