Your favourite necklace, pair of earrings, or silver rings can become lacklustre over time as dirt, grime and sloughed-off skin follicles accumulate on them. Cleaning them is unavoidable, but you don’t have to buy expensive chemical-laden products to get the job done. There are many effective, natural home remedies worth trying.
Green Alternatives Grow On Trees!
One popular green alternative is tea tree oil. Known for its strong pungent scent, it’s a natural antifungal and antibacterial essential oil. Try this simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of white distilled vinegar or witch hazel
- 1 drop of tea tree oil
- Baking soda
Step 1
Put your jewelry in a glass jar and cover with vinegar or witch hazel. Add one drop of tea tree oil and swirl the contents gently to ensure it is thoroughly mixed. Allow the jewelry to soak in the solution overnight.
Step 2
Carefully scrub away loosened debris with an old toothbrush and a coat of baking soda. Rinse with cold water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. And, voila, good as new.
Witch Hazel Works Too!
Witch hazel is a leaf extract, which contains tannins (a class of astringent molecules) thought to be effective when applied directly to the skin to reduce swelling, help repair broken skin, and fight bacteria. As a cleaning product, witch hazel cuts through the greasy build-up of natural oils accumulated on your much-loved pieces of jewelry.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Only use for high-quality jewellery and sturdy stones, do not use it on opals, pearls or tanzanite.
If you’re concerned about harsh chemical cleaning products you can choose our Green Housekeeping Service for your next home cleaning. Our teams are trained to provide eco-friendly solutions that are safe for everyone in your household. To learn more about the MOLLY MAID Green Housekeeping Program and to submit a service inquiry, click here!
Image by Adriano Gadini from Pixabay