How to Clean Your Steel Jewellery

Steel jewellery is a stylish, durable, and low-maintenance choice for everyday wear. But over time, exposure to dust, sweat, and beauty products can dull its shine.
That’s why knowing how to clean and polish your steel jewellery properly is key to keeping it looking fabulous.

Learning how to clean your steel jewellery the right way ensures it stays shiny, clean, and ready to wear — day in, day out. Here’s your go-to guide for cleaning, disinfecting, and polishing steel rings, bracelets, and earrings — with easy, practical tips to care for your favourite pieces.

Why Cleaning Steel Jewellery Matters

Although steel is generally scratch- and corrosion-resistant, grime and oxidation can still build up, leaving your jewellery looking dull and less hygienic. Wearing steel rings, bracelets, or earrings every day — especially when they come into contact with lotions, bleach, ammonia or alcohol — can lead to discolouration and surface residue.

Looking after your jewellery helps preserve its beauty and extends its life. Let’s explore the best cleaning techniques and products to keep your pieces gleaming.

The Best Ways to Clean Steel Jewellery

Daily Cleaning: Gentle and Effective Method

If your jewellery has lost a little shine but isn’t heavily soiled, a simple daily clean will do wonders:

- Mix lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap in a bowl

- Use a soft cloth or cotton pad to gently wipe the surface

- For hard-to-reach areas (like bracelet links), try a soft-bristle toothbrush

- Rinse with clean water and dry immediately with a microfibre cloth to prevent watermarks

Disinfecting and Sanitising Steel Earrings

Since steel earrings come in close contact with your skin, they need more regular, targeted care:

- Use isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide: dab a cotton pad and gently clean the metal parts

- For stubborn dirt, create a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water and leave it on for a few minutes

- Always dry thoroughly with a soft cloth before storing them

Tip: If your earrings include delicate details, like the FAIRY ICONS drop earrings, avoid harsh scrubbing. Use gentler solutions to protect the design.

How to Polish Steel Rings and Bracelets

Rings (like the bold square-shaped men's ring) and bracelets (like the anchor and stone designs from the Atlante Stones Edition) can lose their lustre from daily wear and contact with soaps and cleaners.

Natural polishing method:

- Mix one part white vinegar with two parts bicarbonate of soda to form a soft paste

- Rub it gently over the jewellery with a soft cloth, focusing on dull spots

- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfibre cloth

Shine Up Your Steel Bracelet

To keep bracelets like those in the Composable® collection looking radiant:

- Wipe off dust and fingerprints with a microfibre cloth

- Soak in warm, soapy water and gently scrub the links with a cotton pad

- Polish with a drop of oil and a soft cloth for extra shine

Cleaning Steel and Gold Jewellery: Extra Care Required

Jewellery pieces combining steel and gold — like the Extension rings or Composable® bracelets with new 18ct yellow gold and 9ct rose gold Links — need a little extra TLC:

- Avoid abrasive products like pure bicarbonate or harsh chemicals

- Stick to mild soap and warm water only

- Dry immediately with a soft cloth to protect the gold finish

Keeping Your Steel Jewellery Shiny for Longer

To keep your jewellery looking its best day after day, adopt these simple habits:

- Avoid wearing it in the shower or pool — chlorine can dull the metal

- Keep it away from perfumes, sunscreens, lotions, and strong detergents

- Store each piece separately in soft pouches or jewellery boxes to prevent scratching

- Wipe with a soft cloth regularly to maintain its glow

With just a little love and care, your steel jewellery will continue to dazzle — wear after wear. Got silver pieces too? Check out our guide on how to clean silver jewellery and keep it sparkling after wear.