Accessories aren’t just add-ons—they’re powerful style amplifiers that elevate your entire look with minimal effort. But as stylish as they seem, they also attract dust, sweat, perfume residue, and daily wear. Whether it’s your metal bracelets, fabric hairbands, or stone-studded earrings, each piece requires the right cleaning approach to stay flawless. Here’s your complete guide to keeping your accessories fresh, gleaming, and long-lasting—all with simple at-home hacks. 

Metal Care 

Metal accessories—like chains, bangles, ear cuffs, and rings—tend to lose their shine over time due to oxidation or exposure to humidity. Luckily, bringing them back to life is much easier than you think. 

Start by mixing a small bowl of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Soak your metal pieces for five minutes, then gently scrub them with a soft toothbrush. This helps remove dirt from crevices without scratching the surface. 

For stubborn tarnish on imitation or plated metals, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it gently, rinse with cold water, and pat dry with a microfiber cloth. Remember never to soak jewelry with stones, pearls, or enamel in this paste—it may damage their adhesive or finish. 

Finally, end with a quick polish using a clean cloth to restore shine. Keep your metal accessories in zip-lock pouches or anti-tarnish bags to prevent moisture exposure. 

Fabric Fresh 

Fabric accessories like scrunchies, headbands, bags, belts, and cloth-covered bangles require delicate handling. These pieces absorb sweat, oil, and environmental dust, making regular cleaning essential. 

Start by checking if your fabric accessory is detachable or stitched onto metal parts. If it’s detachable, handwash it separately using a mild baby shampoo. For non-detachable items, use a damp cloth with a very gentle soap solution to dab—never rub, as it can distort the weave. 

For stubborn stains, apply a tiny drop of liquid detergent mixed with water and softly blot with a cotton cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or hot water as they may cause color bleeding or fabric shrinkage. 

Once cleaned, air dry your accessories completely before storing to prevent mold or odour. Remember: fabric pieces last longer when stored in breathable cotton pouches. 

Stone Sparkle 

Stone accessories—whether faux gems, crystals, rhinestones, or semi-precious stones—need special attention to maintain their brilliance. Dust dulls their shine, while moisture can weaken the glue or backing. 

To clean them safely, dip a soft brush into warm soapy water and lightly sweep across the stone’s surface. Avoid soaking stone-studded pieces entirely, as water can seep underneath the settings. 

For deep cleaning, use a microfiber cloth sprinkled with a little glass-cleaning solution—but only on hard, non-porous stones. Never use this trick on pearls, turquoise, opal, or soft stones, as they may lose their natural sheen. 

Once cleaned, gently wipe dry and place your stone accessories in a lined jewelry box. Storing stones separately prevents scratching and keeps their clarity intact. 

Smart Storage 

Even the best cleaning routine won’t work without proper storage. Keep metal items in airtight pouches, fabric pieces in breathable ones, and stone accessories in padded compartments. Rotate your accessories regularly to avoid excessive wear and tear on your favourites. 

With these simple yet effective cleaning hacks, your metal, fabric, and stone accessories will continue to shine just as bright as your style. A little care goes a long way—helping you preserve your favourite pieces, elevate your outfits, and keep every look effortlessly polished.