Pearls are beautiful. Its soft shine will make you feel more special. But these pearls are not like gold or silver; you have to be very careful with them, especially while cleaning. This is because, if you clean them in the wrong way, they can lose their shine or even get damaged forever.
Now, you might be wondering how to clean a pearl necklace at home safely. Well, today we are excited to share some steps, handy tips, and common pitfalls to clear it perfectly.
It’s really simple. You don’t need any pricey tools or fancy cleaners, just a bit of time, some care, and gentle hands.
Men’s Pearls Are Trending: Here is Why They Matter
From Hollywood stars to everyday trendsetters, men’s pearl necklaces are making a strong comeback, and many people are following this trend. However, if you are into this growing trend, then you can check out pearls for men on well-reputed brands like Icecartel.
Icecartel has become one of the trusted names in the pearl jewelry industry. They offer modern pearl designs that are especially made for men who care about their fashion and quality.
Why Pearls Need Gentle Care Every Time
Pearls are not like diamonds or metal chains. They are made by living oysters and mussels. Their surface is called nacre, and it is very soft. And the soft beauty makes it vulnerable. If you use strong chemicals or rough cloths, the pearl’s surface will lose its shine within a few time.
Moreover, if you soak them in water for too long, it can also damage the thread that holds the pearls together. Even spraying perfume while wearing pearls can also be the reason for pearl damage over time.
Best Way to Clean a Pearl Necklace
Now let’s get to the most important part, how to clean a pearl necklace the right way. You don’t need to buy anything fancy. Most of the instruments are available at your home.
What You’ll Need:
- A soft towel
- A bowl of lukewarm water
- A few drops of mild soap
- A clean, soft cloth
- A dry, soft towel for drying
Step 1: Lay a Soft Towel
Okay, first things first—grab yourself a soft towel. Nothing fancy, just something that won’t scratch up your bling. Spread it out on a table (or, honestly, the kitchen counter if that’s what you’ve got). Gently lay your necklace down on it. No tossing it like laundry—pearls are drama queens when it comes to scratches.
Step 2: Mix Warm Water and Soap
Find a bowl, fill it with warm water. Not boiling—unless you want to audition your pearls for a steamy sauna (not recommended). Squirt in a drop or two of mild soap, nothing harsh. Give it a little swirl with your fingers. Kind of like making soup, but you know, less tasty.
Step 3: Wet the Cloth, Not the Necklace
Take a clean, soft cloth, no paper towels, unless you’re aiming for that sandpaper effect. Dip it in your soapy water, then wring it out good. You want it damp, not dripping all over the place. Soaking the necklace? Bad idea. That’s a one-way ticket to snapped string city.
Step 4: Gently Clean the Pearls
Hold the necklace and wipe each little pearl gently. Seriously, slow down—this isn’t a race. Pearls are basically the introverts of the jewelry world: they bruise easily and hold a grudge forever.
Step 5: Clasp Check
Don’t sleep on the clasp. Give it a wipe too—it gets just as grimy. While you’re at it, peek at the string. Got any wet spots? Dry them ASAP. Wet string equals weak string, and weak string means heartbreak later.
Step 6: Air Dry, No Hang
Lay the necklace flat on a fresh, dry towel. Let it chill out and dry completely. Go do something else—scroll TikTok, walk your dog, or whatever. Hanging it up? Nope. You’ll just stretch it out, and nobody wants a droopy necklace.
Step 7: Safe Storage
Once it’s totally dry, stash it in a soft pouch or a jewelry box lined with fabric. Keep it away from keys, zippers, coins—basically, anything metal and pointy. Pearls are divas, remember? One bump and they’re scarred for life.
Tips to Keep Your Pearl Necklace Looking Like New
Giving your pearls a good clean is just the first step of dressing to impress. To make sure your necklace stays in top shape, here are some easy pointers to follow.
- Clean after use – Pearls soak up sweat and oils from your skin. Every time you wear them, you need to rub them with a soft cloth.
- Avoid sprays and perfumes – Avoid spraying perfume, hair spray, or cologne on new or old pearls. Put those products on first, then put your necklace on.
- Keep away from sweat – If you are going to the gym or a hot outdoor event, then leave your pearls at home.
- Store carefully – You should use a soft cloth pouch or box. Don’t store pearls with other jewelry, especially metal or sharp ornaments.
- Wear them often – Believe it or not, you should wear pearls randomly. Your skin’s natural oils will help them to keep smooth and shiny.
Icecartel encourages you to wear your men’s pearl necklace with confidence every day but remember, treat it like a treasure and handle it with care.
Common Mistakes People Make While Cleaning Pearls
Pearls are sensitive and soft. Many folks attempt to clean them on their own, but this actually makes things worse in the majority of cases. Simple mistakes when cleaning can result in fractures, a lack of luster, or even strands that are broken strands. Here are some mistakes you should avoid.
Soaking Pearls in Water
Water may look harmless, but it’s not safe for pearls. The string holding them can soak up moisture. Over time, this weakens it. A weak string might stretch or snap. Pearls can also lose their smooth surface if they stay wet too long. Don’t dip them. Just wipe them.
Cleaning with Vinegar or Baking Soda
People often use these for other jewelry. They work well on metals like silver. But pearls are different. They have a soft surface. Vinegar or baking soda can eat away at it. The shine fades. The surface gets rough. One use can cause permanent damage.
Using Alcohol or Bleach
Strong cleaners might sound like a good idea. But alcohol and bleach are far too harsh. These chemicals strip the outer layer. That layer gives pearls their glow. Once it’s damaged, the pearls lose their beauty. There’s no way to fix that.
Scrubbing with a Toothbrush
Toothbrushes feel soft, but they’re still too rough. The bristles can leave tiny scratches. You may not notice at first. But over time, those marks add up. The surface looks worn. The pearl loses its shine.
Wiping is better than brushing.
Leaving Pearls in Sunlight or Heat
Heat is another problem. It dries out pearls. They can crack or change color. Sunlight does the same thing. If you leave them near a window or heater, damage can happen slowly.
Always keep them in a cool, dark spot.
Conclusion
We realize that your pearl necklace is more than just a piece of jewelry; it represents love and memories. We hope you now know how to clean a pearl necklace properly and safely. Remember, you should avoid strong chemicals, never soak them, and always store them with care.
