Cleaning jewelry can be a bit of a drag because it’s tedious and time-consuming. Because of this, some people might consider speeding up the process by putting the jewelry in the dishwasher. But is this safe for the jewelry?
Putting your jewelry in the dishwasher is risky, but you can safely clean jewelry in a dishwasher if you use a mesh bag, gentle soap, and a light dishwasher cycle. However, other ways to clean jewelry are just as effective and less risky.
In this article, I’ll explain how to clean jewelry safely in the dishwasher, the risks of putting your jewelry in the dishwasher, and other ways to clean jewelry. Let’s get to it!
How To Safely Clean Jewelry in a Dishwasher
I don’t recommend cleaning any precious or delicate jewelry in the dishwasher because the dishwasher may be too rough and cause damage. You may even lose the piece in the dishwasher if you’re not careful.
I also don’t recommend cleaning any small jewelry pieces in the dishwasher. The likelihood of losing a smaller piece of jewelry in the dishwasher is pretty high. Bigger pieces, such as pendants and statement necklaces, are typically safe in the dishwasher.
If you insist on cleaning your jewelry in the dishwasher, follow these steps to ensure that you clean it safely and don’t damage the jewelry:
- Ensure that the jewelry is secure before cleaning it in the dishwasher. If there are any loose stones, you shouldn’t attempt to clean the piece in the dishwasher because the wash cycle will be too extreme.
- Place the jewelry in a dishwasher-safe mesh bag so the jewelry isn’t loose in the dishwasher and rattling around. I recommend this Green Sprouts Store Multi-Use Washer Bag from Amazon because the mesh allows soap and water to get in and clean the jewelry thoroughly and is the perfect size for smaller pieces. I also appreciate that it is made in BSCI-compliant factories and with fair labor practices.
- Tie the bag to the rack in the dishwasher to reduce how much tumbling the jewelry does during the cycle. I recommend only putting one piece of jewelry in the bag at a time, so the pieces don’t knock into each other and cause damage.
- Add a small amount of gentle dish soap to the dishwasher and set the dishwasher to a light setting.
- Allow the dishwasher to go for one complete cycle.
If you follow these steps, you can make your jewelry squeaky clean in the dishwasher while keeping it as safe and secure as possible.
The Risks of Putting Your Jewelry in the Dishwasher
If you follow the process outlined above, you can get away with cleaning some jewelry in the dishwasher, especially larger and sturdier pieces. However, here are some risks you should consider before putting your jewelry in the dishwasher:
- The heat and banging around can damage prongs. If you want to wash a ring in the dishwasher, you may damage the prongs to the point that the stone gets loose or may even fall out.
- Some dish soap is abrasive. You may strip off plated metal if you don’t use gentle enough soap, reducing the overall value and diminishing the piece’s appearance.
- You may lose the jewelry. If the jewelry gets loose during the dishwasher cycle, it could fly around and even get lost in the machine.
- You’ll have to wait longer. The wait isn’t necessarily a risk per se, but it is a downside to using this method to clean the jewelry. If you use the dishwasher, you’ll have to wait for the entire cycle before you retrieve the jewelry.
It is important to consider these potential dangers before putting your jewelry in the dishwasher to clean it.
How To Clean Your Jewelry
You don’t have to use the dishwasher to get your jewelry completely clean. Here is a better way to do it that is less risky and just as effective:
- Put a few drops of Dawn dish soap in a bowl with warm water. I recommend the Dawn Dish Soap Platinum Dishwashing Liquid from Amazon because it contains strong grease-cleansing power that ensures that all dirt and debris come from the jewelry. I also like that this soap has a refreshing, pleasant, and not overpowering rain scent.
- Place the jewelry in the bowl and allow it to soak for at least five minutes.
- Remove your jewelry from the soapy water and place it in a bowl of warm water without any soap. Allow the jewelry to soak in the non-soapy water for at least two minutes.
- Place the jewelry on a microfiber cloth to allow it to dry. I like these MR. SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloths from Amazon because they are ultra soft, highly absorbent, and gentle enough for delicate surfaces. They are also made with high-quality stitching, so you can wash them and use them repeatedly.
- If you still notice grime and debris on the jewelry, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the jewelry. Ensure you’re using a new toothbrush because any old toothpaste residue could damage and scratch the jewelry.
- After scrubbing the jewelry, place it in non-soapy, lukewarm water again and allow the piece to soak for at least a few minutes.
- Place the jewelry on a microfiber cloth and allow it to dry completely before wearing it again.
I suggest using this method to clean your jewelry over putting it in the dishwasher because it is far safer and better for delicate pieces. This method also doesn’t take as long as waiting for an entire dishwasher cycle, so it’s also more efficient.
Conclusion
You can put your jewelry in the dishwasher, but it does come with risks, as you may lose the jewelry or damage it. If you want to put your jewelry in the dishwasher, you should put it in a mesh bag first so you don’t lose the piece. Other ways to clean jewelry are less risky and more effective than putting it in the dishwasher.
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