Blog

Your jewelry tells a story — it’s part of who you are. But did you know that everyday wear can lead to buildup not just of oils and dirt, but also germs and bacteria?

Experts warn that jewelry that isn’t cleaned regularly can harbor microorganisms, potentially leading to skin irritation or even bacterial transfer. The good news? Keeping your jewelry clean and luminous doesn’t require harsh chemicals — just mindful care.



Why does Jewelry accumulate germs?

 

Everyday pieces like rings, necklaces, and earrings naturally collect bacteria, oils, and residue from skin, sweat, and lotions.

Rings, in particular, can trap buildup in small crevices around stones and settings, while moisture from handwashing or sweat creates a warm environment where germs thrive.

 

 

Why clean your jewelry with Dish Soap?

 

Traditional jewelry cleaners often contain ammonia and other harsh chemicals that can irritate skin and corrode delicate metals or stones.
Dish soaps use naturally derived surfactants that lift away dirt and oil without stripping or dulling your jewelry’s finish.

Unlike alcohol-based or chemical cleaners that can leave behind a cloudy residue, L’AVANT’s Dish Soap rinses cleanly and completely, restoring your jewelry’s natural brilliance with no film, no stickiness — just pure shine.

 

 

How to Clean Your Jewelry

 

You’ll Need:

A small bowl

Warm water

Two drops of dish soap (we love the L’AVANT Dish Soap)

A soft toothbrush

A dry microfiber cloth

 

Steps:

 

Mix & Soak (when safe)

 Combine warm water with your gentle cleaning solution. Let pieces soak for about 5 minutes — perfect for everyday metals like gold or silver.

 

Brush Softly

 Use a soft toothbrush to loosen dirt or buildup, especially around crevices. Be gentle; small circular motions work best.

 

 

Rinse Thoroughly

 Rinse each piece with clean lukewarm water. Don’t let the Dish Soap sit for too long.

 

 

Dry Carefully

 Pat dry with a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid air-drying in humid environments, as this can cause the finish to dull.

 

 

Buff to Finish (Optional)

 Use a polishing cloth lightly to bring back the luster — but only on metals that can handle it. Avoid brushing delicate or encrusted gems.

 

Everyday Tips to Keep Your Jewelry Clean & Shining

 

Wipe After Wearing
Gently wipe pieces with a soft cloth after removing them to clear oils, sweat, and lotion before storing.

Avoid Lotions & Perfume Contact
Apply perfumes, lotions, and hair products before putting on jewelry to prevent buildup and tarnish.

Remove for Chores or Workouts
Cleaning products, sweat, and natural oils can dull metals over time. Remove jewelry before workouts or household tasks.

Store It Smart
Keep jewelry in a clean, dry place, ideally in a soft pouch or individual compartments to prevent scratches.

Clean Regularly with a Dish Soap Formula
A gentle weekly or biweekly clean helps prevent residue and keeps your jewelry as radiant as the day you bought it.

Mind the Moisture
Avoid wearing rings or bracelets while washing hands or showering, as trapped moisture can encourage bacterial growth and tarnish.

 

Final Note

 

Jewelry care is self-care. Choosing dish soap is a small but powerful way to protect your skin, your jewelry, and the planet,  all while keeping your favorite pieces beautifully brilliant.

Up Next

How to Use Wool Dryer Balls — and  Why They Belong in Every Laundry Room

How to Use Wool Dryer Balls — and Why They Belong in Every Laundry Room

Ready to make laundry day a little more luxurious, and a lot more sustainable? Meet the eco-friendly essential that transforms every load into a soft, fresh experience. Thoughtfully crafted from 100% New Zealand wool, our Wool Dryer Balls are a natural alternative to single-use dryer sheets and synthetic softeners. They gently soften fabrics, reduce static, and cut drying time, all without synthetic fragrances or waste. Here’s how to use them to their fullest potential, the L’AVANT way.

Read more

How To Wash and Care for Bamboo Clothes and Fabrics

How To Wash and Care for Bamboo Clothes and Fabrics

Have you tried wearing clothing made from Bamboo? It is time that you meet our latest obsession. We recently discovered loungewear from Faceplant Dreams and now it is all we want to wear. This means we also needed to understand how to wash and care for Bamboo fabric properly. Bamboo clothing is soft, moisture-wicking, antibacterial, and eco-friendly. To keep the soft, smooth feeling of bamboo fabric, we put together this guide for how to clean and care for bamboo clothes and fabrics in partnership with our favorite Bamboo products, Faceplant Dreams. 

Read more