Can Hydrogen Peroxide Clean Jewelry?

One of the best ways to keep your jewelry long-lasting is to make sure you clean properly once in a while, which can also retain the shine on the piece for a long time.

Now, among the several home-made remedies we have to clean jewelry – one is using hydrogen peroxide, which is said to not only clean the surface dirt but also disinfect the piece.

However, it is said that hydrogen peroxide can also be harmful to your jewelry since harsh materials can damage certain materials.

So, can hydrogen peroxide clean jewelry? Which metals is it applicable for? Are there any safer alternatives? To know, all you need to do is continue reading.

Can Hydrogen Peroxide Clean Jewelry?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide is a good method to clean your jewelry, especially if it’s made of gold and silver, and has diamonds or hard stones attached to it.

With hydrogen peroxide, you can not only disinfect and oxidize the piece, but it also helps to remove bacteria, grime, and any signs of tarnishing.

Applicable

• The method is applicable and safe to use for metals like platinum, silver, and gold jewelry.
• The center stone should be diamonds or hard gemstones.
• Stainless steel pieces are also included. 

Not-Applicable

• It is not recommended to use on antique or costume jewelry where the components are glued together and have fragile finishing. 
• You must not use it on jewelry containing oxidized or coated metal because it can damage the finish. 
• It is not safe to use on soft stones, such as emeralds, opals, pearls, and turquoise. 

Benefits & Risks

Benefits 

• Hydrogen peroxide has medium disinfectant properties that can help you kill germs and bacteria on jewelry.
• It can help you get rid of grime and dirt, especially in an organic sense. 
• If you handle it properly in low concentrations, then it is generally seen as non-toxic. 

Risks

• You must avoid using it on specific metals like sterling silver, brass, bronze, copper, plated jewelry, and soft/porous stones. 
• It can dull out some stones and weaken solder joints or settings.

Safer Alternatives 

• You can opt for professional jewelry cleaning services.
• A mild dish soap soaked in warm water can help you clean it thoroughly.
• You could get some help from jewelry cleaning solutions specifically invented for jewelry. 
• Ultrasonic cleaners can do a good job when used with caution on certain settings and stones.
• Polishing clothes, if available for you, can make cleaning easier.

Final Words 

In conclusion, while hydrogen peroxide is a popular cleaning method for gold and silver diamond jewelry – it is very important to not use it or not-applicable materials, and only take responsibility when you can handle it with care. 

With that, we have reached the end of this article, and we hope you now have the detailed answer to your question – Can hydrogen peroxide clean jewelry? 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will hydrogen peroxide damage jewelry?

• Yes and no; while hydrogen peroxide is a great way to clean your jewelry, if not handled with care and used on not-applicable materials, it can also damage your jewelry. 

1. How long to leave jewelry in hydrogen peroxide?

• Leaving your jewelry in hydrogen peroxide solution for a couple of minutes is enough. 

3. Is it okay to clean earrings with hydrogen peroxide?

• Yes, it is okay to clean earrings with hydrogen peroxide, but make sure you handle the solution with care and only use it on applicable materials.