How to Get Rid of Metallic Smell on Fake Jewelry: Tips & Tricks
Do you love fashion jewelry but can’t stand the metallic smell it sometimes develops? Many of us have experienced that strange, pungent odor that can come from costume jewelry after it’s been worn a few times. Fake or fashion jewelry, often made from metals like nickel, brass, copper, or alloys, can produce this odor due to chemical reactions between the metal, moisture, and skin oils. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to remove this smell. In this article, we’ll guide you through each step to keep your jewelry fresh, address related odor issues with other metals, and even provide tips on preventing odors in the first place.
Why Does Fake Jewelry Smell?
Fake jewelry often emits a metallic smell because of the metals used in production. Unlike gold or silver, materials like copper, brass, and other alloys can react with moisture, perfumes, and our natural skin oils. These metals can oxidize, leading to not only discoloration (like green skin marks) but also that distinctive metallic odor. Sweat, moisture, and exposure to household items like perfumes, lotions, and even some soaps can accelerate this process. But don’t worry—you don’t need to throw away your beloved jewelry pieces. With a few easy steps, you can get rid of that smell and make your jewelry smell fresh again.
How to Get Rid of Metal Smell on Fake Jewelry
1. Clean with a Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer that can neutralize metal odors effectively. Here’s how to use it:
- Prepare the Paste: Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to form a paste.
- Apply the Paste: Gently rub the paste onto the jewelry using a soft cloth or a toothbrush. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can scratch the metal.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with cool water and pat it dry with a clean cloth.
Pro Tip: Baking soda is a great choice for jewelry without gemstones or embellishments, as it won’t harm most metals.
2. Use White Vinegar for a Quick Refresh
White vinegar is another great option to eliminate metallic odors. Follow these steps:
- Mix Vinegar and Water: Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a small bowl.
- Dip the Jewelry: Dip the jewelry into the solution for about a minute or two.
- Pat Dry: Rinse the jewelry with cool water and dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Note: Avoid soaking your jewelry for too long, as the acidity in vinegar can be harsh on some metals.
How to Get Rid of Metal Smell on Zipper
If your clothing zippers are giving off a metallic smell, here’s an easy fix:
- White Vinegar Wipe: Moisten a cotton ball with white vinegar and wipe down the zipper.
- Baking Soda Treatment: Sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the zipper, leave it for a few hours, and then brush it off.
- Dry Completely: Ensure the zipper is completely dry before wearing the item again.
This method also works for metallic smells on bags and other accessories with metal zippers.
How to Remove Odor from Gold Jewelry
Even gold jewelry can sometimes develop an unpleasant odor, especially after exposure to sweat and oils. Here’s a safe cleaning method:
- Soapy Water Soak: Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Let the gold jewelry soak for a few minutes.
- Gently Scrub: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub any crevices.
- Rinse and Buff: Rinse with cool water, then dry with a soft cloth.
Tip: Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can tarnish gold, especially if it’s gold-plated.
Why Does My Jewelry Smell Like Onions?
If your jewelry smells like onions, it might be due to sulfur compounds from metal oxidation. Here’s what you can do:
- Lemon Juice Dip: The acidity of lemon juice can neutralize sulfur compounds. Dip the jewelry in lemon juice briefly.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the jewelry under cool water to remove any acidic residue.
- Dry and Buff: Pat dry with a clean cloth and give it a light buff for a fresh look.
Quick Tip: Keeping jewelry stored in a dry place can reduce sulfur odor buildup.
How to Get Rid of Metal Smell from Jewelry
If the metallic odor persists, try these step-by-step solutions for a thorough clean:
- Baking Soda Paste: Apply a baking soda paste (1 tbsp baking soda + a few drops of water) to the jewelry, scrub gently, then rinse and dry.
- Vinegar Solution Dip: Soak in a vinegar solution (equal parts vinegar and water) for a minute or two. Rinse and dry.
- Toothpaste Rub: Non-gel toothpaste can also be used to scrub away odors. Rinse well afterward.
Each of these methods can help combat tough metallic smells effectively.
How to Get Rid of Metal Smell on Keys
Keys, like jewelry, can also develop a strong metallic odor over time. Here’s how to tackle it:
- Soapy Water Scrub: Wash your keys with warm water and a drop of dish soap.
- Vinegar Rinse: Dip the keys in a vinegar solution briefly, then rinse with water.
- Dry Completely: Let the keys dry thoroughly to prevent future odors.
Pro Tip: Avoid prolonged soaking to prevent metal corrosion.
How to Make Cheap Jewelry Not Smell
Cheap jewelry often contains metals that oxidize quickly, leading to unpleasant smells. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Clear Nail Polish Coating: Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to create a barrier between your skin and the jewelry.
- Avoid Moisture Exposure: Moisture is a major culprit, so try to keep your jewelry dry.
- Store Properly: Keep your jewelry in a dry, airtight container when not in use.
Personal Story: After a long day wearing my favorite rings, I noticed a metallic smell. A quick baking soda scrub took care of it immediately!
Why Does My Gold Chain Smell Like Sweat?
Even gold chains can smell like sweat after heavy wear. Here’s how to refresh them:
- Warm Soapy Water: Fill a bowl with warm, soapy water, and let the chain soak for a few minutes.
- Brush and Rinse: Use a soft brush to clean any crevices, rinse with cool water, and pat dry.
- Buff Gently: Use a soft cloth to buff the chain, leaving it looking fresh and odor-free.
Final Note: To avoid a sweaty odor, take off your gold chain before intense activities.
Preventative Tips for Keeping Jewelry Odor-Free
While it’s great to know how to clean jewelry, prevention is always better. Here are tips to keep your jewelry smelling fresh:
- Store Properly: Keep each piece in an airtight bag or container to limit moisture exposure.
- Clean Regularly: Wipe down your jewelry after each wear with a dry, soft cloth.
- Limit Exposure: Avoid wearing jewelry in the shower, while swimming, or during heavy exercise.
Final Advice: The better you care for your jewelry, the longer it will last. Investing in higher-quality pieces, like demi-fine or fine jewelry, may cost more upfront but offers greater durability and resistance to odors.
Read More about How To Know If Gold Is Real: Complete Guide for Testing Authenticity at Home
Following these tips, you can enjoy wearing your favorite jewelry without worrying about any unpleasant metallic smells. With a little regular care, your jewelry will stay fresh, shiny, and odor-free for many years to come.
Looking for detailed steps to clean your accessories safely? Check out this comprehensive guide on cleaning fake jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How do you get rid of metallic smell?
To get rid of the metallic smell on items like jewelry or keys, you can use a few simple household remedies:
Baking Soda Paste: Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water, then apply it to the metal surface. Baking soda neutralizes odors and helps remove any buildup on the metal. After a light scrub, rinse and pat the item dry.
White Vinegar Solution: White vinegar is another natural odor neutralizer. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then dip the item briefly or wipe it down with a vinegar-soaked cloth. Rinse and dry completely afterward to avoid corrosion or residual smell from the vinegar itself.
Toothpaste Rub: Non-gel toothpaste can act as a gentle scrub for metal surfaces. Apply a small amount and rub gently, then rinse well and dry. The mint in toothpaste also helps mask any lingering metallic odors.
Lemon Juice: For stronger odors, try a quick dip in diluted lemon juice or a wipe-down with a lemon-soaked cotton ball. Lemon’s acidity helps neutralize odors and leaves a fresh scent.
These methods are effective for jewelry, zippers, keys, and other metal items that tend to develop a metallic smell over time.
How do you make fake silver not smell?
To prevent fake silver jewelry from smelling, regular cleaning and protective measures can help:
Clear Nail Polish Coating: Apply a thin coat of clear nail polish to the surface of the jewelry. This creates a barrier between your skin and the metal, preventing reactions that cause odor.
Baking Soda Cleanse: Gently scrub the jewelry with a baking soda paste. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Baking soda removes the odor while also eliminating residue that can lead to smell.
Avoid Moisture: Keep your jewelry dry by removing it before activities that could cause sweating or exposure to water. Moisture accelerates the reaction between your skin and metals in fake jewelry, which can lead to a stronger smell.
Proper Storage: Store fake silver jewelry in a dry, airtight container. This limits exposure to moisture and prevents tarnish, which can also contribute to odors.
Following these steps will keep fake silver jewelry odor-free and looking fresh.
Why does my silver necklace smell like metal?
The metallic smell on a silver necklace often results from the reaction between the metal and external factors such as sweat, oils from your skin, perfumes, or lotions. While pure silver is less likely to emit an odor, sterling silver (which contains other metals like copper) or silver-plated jewelry can react to form metal oxides, which produce that distinct metallic smell. Here’s how to minimize it:
Regular Cleaning: Clean your silver necklace frequently with a mild soap and water solution to remove any sweat, oils, or product residues that may cause odor.
Avoid Certain Products: Try to keep the necklace away from lotions, perfumes, and oils, which can accelerate metal oxidation and intensify the smell.
Polishing Cloth: Wipe down the necklace with a polishing cloth after each use. This removes any buildup and reduces the likelihood of developing an odor.
Regular care and cleaning can keep your silver necklace odor-free and help maintain its shine.
What does vinegar do to fake jewelry?
Vinegar is an effective, gentle cleaning solution for fake jewelry due to its natural acidity, which can remove tarnish and eliminate odors. Here’s what vinegar does:
Removes Tarnish: The acidity in vinegar helps to lift away tarnish that may have built up on fake jewelry, particularly on metals like brass or copper. This restores the jewelry’s shine without using harsh chemicals.
Neutralizes Odors: Vinegar naturally neutralizes smells, making it ideal for getting rid of any metallic or unpleasant odor on fake jewelry.
Disinfects: Vinegar also has mild disinfectant properties, which can help kill bacteria or germs on jewelry.
Note: Avoid soaking fake jewelry for long periods in vinegar, as extended exposure to acids can damage the finish or cause discoloration on some types of metals. A quick dip or wipe-down is usually sufficient.
Using vinegar carefully can help keep your jewelry clean and fresh without damaging it.
