Introduced in the year 2000, Pandora's charm bracelets soared in popularity and are now well known for their milestone and life token charms. However, like most things, with frequent use, they can become dirty. So, how can you clean your Pandora bracelet to keep it looking shiny and new? Well, we've researched the methods in-depth and have some suggestions for you.
You can use several things to clean your Pandora bracelet, and you probably already have most of them in your home. You can clean your Pandora bracelet with:
- Mild Soap
- Toothpaste
- Baking Soda and White Vinegar
- Corn Starch
- Pandora Care Kit
You're probably excited to find out that your Pandora bracelet can be cleaned with some common household items, but keep reading as we go into details about how to use each method. We'll also answer some other questions you might have about your Pandora jewelry and whether it can tarnish.
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Cleaning Your Pandora Bracelet
Jewelry can get dirty pretty easily, especially if it is an item you wear frequently, and Pandora bracelets are a versatile jewelry item that can be worn for many occasions. Above, we listed several ways to clean your Pandora bracelet. You can use the same methods to clean your charms— just make sure you clean and dry each one individually, because drying them together can cause them to scratch each other! We'll now go into detail about each cleaning method beginning with using mild dish soap.
Mild Soap
If you're wondering what is considered a mild dish soap, Joy, Ivory, and Dawn are all examples of popular mild dish soaps. Many eco-friendly soaps also fall into this category.
Things you will need:
- A bowl of warm water
- Mild dish soap
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
Add a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of lukewarm water. Using an old soft-bristled toothbrush, apply the water to the jewelry. Make small circular motions with your toothbrush, but do not apply too much pressure. The bristles will help remove dirt from the hard to reach places. If the toothbrush cannot remove the dirt, allow the jewelry to soak in clean water for a few minutes. This will help loosen it up.
Note: If your jewelry includes pearl, don't use this method as it will damage them.
Click here to see Dawn dish soap on Amazon.
Toothpaste
Not just for cleaning teeth, toothpaste is a product we always have on hand, and it can also be used to clean your Pandora bracelet!
Things you will need:
- Toothpaste (non-gel)
- Cloth
- Water for rinsing
Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a cloth. Make sure to use non-gel toothpaste for this. Like the method above, make small circular motions with the cloth and coat the jewelry with the toothpaste. Allow the toothpaste to sit on the jewelry for a few minutes. Rinse the toothpaste off with clean water and dry. Make sure you remove all toothpaste traces because it can damage your jewelry if left on too long.
Baking Soda and White Vinegar
Using baking soda, white vinegar, salt, and aluminum foil is a great method for silver jewelry that is extra tarnished. It reverses the chemical reaction that caused the tarnish in the first place. If you're up for feeling like a scientist, this method is for you.
Things you will need:
- Baking soda
- Aluminum foil
- White vinegar
- Cloth
- Small bowl
- Boiling water
- Salt
Line a bowl with aluminum foil and add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of white salt to the bowl. Slowly add 1/2 cup of white vinegar. It will begin to fizz. Mix the solution until the baking soda and salt are dissolved. Then add 1 cup of boiling water. Place your jewelry into the hot water and allow it to soak for at least 30 minutes. You can leave it to soak longer if your jewelry is filthy. Once it has soaked, remove the jewelry, rinse it clean, wipe it with the cloth and allow it to dry.
Click here to see white vinegar on Amazon.
Corn Starch
If you bake or cook, you probably have cornstarch in your pantry, making this a super quick and easy way to clean your Pandora bracelet.
Things you will need:
- Corn starch
- Water
- Cloth
Mix cornstarch and water together in a bowl until it is a paste-like consistency. Apply the paste to your jewelry using a cloth until it is fully coated. You can also use a toothbrush to apply your cornstarch in the grooves and hard to reach places like in our other method. Rinse off the cornstarch, making sure to remove it all, and dry your jewelry.
Click here to see Cornstarch on Amazon.
Pandora Care Kit
If you're a bit nervous to try a homemade cleaning method, Pandora does sell a pandora care kit. It can be purchased online or in-store for around $15. The kit contains a cleaning solution, a tray to hold your jewelry while cleaning, a soft brush, and a double-sided polishing cloth. One side of the cloth can be used on Pandora's sterling silver and gold jewelry, and the other side can be used for Pandora Rose or Pandora Shine. The cleaning solution is safe for Pandora bracelets and other jewelry. However, if your charms contain any gemstones, be sure to check the instruction manual that comes with your kit on how to clean them.
If you want to keep your bracelet looking clean and polished, you can purchase silver polishing cloths. These cloths won't remove scratches, however.
Click here to see Silver Polishing Cloth on Amazon.
After Cleaning
After you have finished cleaning your jewelry, make sure any cleaning product is completely removed. Toothpaste and baking soda can be abrasive, so you shouldn't leave them on your bracelet. Once your bracelet is dry, store it in a location free from heat and moisture. Do not store it in a bag with other jewelry items because they can scratch the metal.
Can I Clean My Pandora With Coke?
You might have seen or heard that Coke has some cleaning properties. It can turn a dull, dirty penny into a shiny one again, so it is understandable why you might want to use Coke on your Pandora bracelet, but this is not a good idea. Coke will clean plain silver jewelry fine, but using it to clean your Pandora bracelet, or especially the charms, will likely cause it more harm than good. Coke contains carbonic acid, and it will remove any decorative tarnishes your charms and bracelet might have. Please choose one of our other methods above!
Does Pandora Clean Your Bracelet For Free?
We have given you lots of ways to clean your Pandora bracelet at home, but you might be wondering if Pandora can save you the time and effort and clean it for you. Most jewelers have a jewelry cleaning machine on site, and many Pandora stores and retailers will clean your bracelet for free, but be sure to call and check with your local store before making the trip in. Pandora recommends getting your jewelry checked by a professional once a year, so you could always take advantage and get it cleaned and inspected at the same time. Clasps, mounts, and soldering should all be checked.
Do Pandora Bracelets Tarnish?
Pandora bracelets are available in several different metals—silver, Pandora Rose, and Pandora Shine. Pandora Rose and Pandora shine are both plated metals, so they will resist tarnishing longer. However, if the plating becomes chipped or scratched and exposes the metal beneath it, it will begin to tarnish.
Pandora's silver bracelets are about 93% silver. Pure silver jewelry is rare because silver scratches easily, so it is mixed with stronger, more durable metals to help make it last longer. However, tarnishing is a natural process. It is a chemical reaction between silver and silver-containing gases. It is inevitable that your silver jewelry will tarnish at some point, but there are ways to slow down and reverse the process.
If you're wondering whether Pandora rings also tarnish, check out another one of our blog posts here: "Do Pandora Rings Rust or Tarnish?"
Ways To Prevent Tarnish
You can slow down tarnishing by taking care of your jewelry. It should be stored away from natural light and heat. It might be worthwhile to invest in a tarnish-resistant pouch or lined jewelry box. Even storing your bracelet in a Ziploc bag will help reduce tarnishing because it is airtight, and the chemical process needs air to work. Pandora does not recommend storing your bracelet in the gift box it comes in because they are not airtight, and tarnishing will occur.
Click here to see Anti-Tarnish Zip Top Bags on Amazon.
To remove tarnishing, try one of the cleaning methods we discussed above or visit our other blog post, "My Pandora Bracelet Turned Black – What To Do?" for more tips!
Can You Shower With Pandora Jewelry?
It can be a chore to have to remove your jewelry when you shower, but Pandora does not recommend wearing your jewelry when you shower or bathe. You should even avoid keeping it in your bathroom for any reason because high moisture can damage the jewelry. Fragrances, lotion, cleaning agents, saltwater, and chlorine can also damage your Pandora jewelry. So it is best to remove your items when you are showering and when you are swimming and cleaning.
Final Thoughts
If your Pandora bracelet is dirty, don't worry, you don't have to throw it away and buy a new one. We've given you several ways to clean your bracelet. If you're still concerned about the condition of your bracelet, don't be afraid to reach out to a professional jeweler or retailer that sells Pandora! Good luck!
