How do I clean a stainless steel navy bracelet gently?

I have an engraved navy link bracelet that’s over 75 years old. I think it’s stainless steel. I want to gently clean it

  7 answers
  • Janice Janice on May 05, 2019

    Hi Margaret, just mild soap and water and a soft cloth, like a wash cloth should work well. Here's a link with a few other ideas. How wonderful that you have such a piece of jewelry!

    https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Stainless-Steel-Jewelry

  • Joye R. Foster Joye R. Foster on May 05, 2019

    I know this is a dry forum, but I would take to a jeweler.

  • Joye R. Foster Joye R. Foster on May 05, 2019

    That is DIY.


  • Beth Beth on May 05, 2019

    I used to work at an antique shop, and I don't think it's made of stainless steel. That wouldn't have been a common metal to make jewelry out of 75 years ago. It's likely silver plated or made of base metals. If it's silver plated, you could use a silver polishing cloth. If it's made of a base metal, you could start with soap and water, plus a gentle plastic brush or a soft cloth.

  • William William on May 05, 2019

    Use white toothpaste (not gel) and a damp toothbrush. A dab of toothpaste on the toothbrush and gently brush till foaming. Rinse and wipe dry.


    I sell a lot of silver on Ebay. Jewelry, silverware, serving sets. Silver polish like Wrights and dips like TarnX tend to remove some of the metal. The foil method doesn't work that great and still leaves a grey film that still needs to be removed. I use white toothpaste (not gel) and a damp toothbrush. For large items I use a damp cloth. Also works on copper, brass, gold, porcelain, ceramics, sneakers, plastics, etc. For my sales I needed one product for cleaning everything.

  • Deb K Deb K on May 05, 2019

    Hi Margaret, first try dish soap with a soft toothbrush, rinse it well, and if that does not work, it is likely a silver alloy, try a white toothpaste with a soft toothbrush, try silver cleaner last.

  • Wanda Wanda on May 05, 2019

    I would take it to a jeweler. Being that old it more than likely is Platinum. Stainless steel has only recently been used for jewelry because it doesn’t tarnish like Silver does. Silver can be rhodium plated so it won’t tarnish tho and stays shiny. It could be an expensive piece that you do not want to ruin.