Mandy PhillipsThe sparkle of stainless steel jewelry certainly adds a touch of class to your outfit.
But one of the many reasons people love stainless steel is that it is highly durable.
You can wear it for a long time, and it will still look as good as new.
However, your stainless steel jewelry requires proper maintenance, especially during and after water procedures.
Here’s what you need to know about wearing stainless steel jewelry in the shower and how to make your stainless steel jewelry last long after various water procedures.
Let’s get right to it!
Can You Shower With Stainless Steel Jewelry?
If you are someone who experiences allergic reactions to certain metals, stainless steel jewelry is a great alternative to consider. The hypoallergenic nature of stainless steel means that it won’t react with your skin, whether it’s wet or dry.
It’s important to note that there are different grades of stainless steel jewelry available in the market.
The best type is the 316L grade, which is commonly used to make luxury jewelry.
This grade has a high chromium content and a low amount of nickel and carbon, which makes it resistant to rust.
Therefore, you can wear your stainless steel jewelry in the shower or while swimming without worrying about rust. [1]
Can You Wear Stainless Steel Jewelry in the Pool?
You can’t wear your stainless steel jewelry in the pool, except in cases when you won’t be entering the water.
If you will, you should pull off your stainless steel jewelry before entering the pool.
The bleach in the water can cause the chromium layer of steel to wear off as it reacts with the water’s chlorine.
Once the chromium layer is damaged, the steel will begin to rust.
Therefore, avoid entering the pool with your stainless steel jewelry on.
Can You Wear Stainless Steel Jewelry in the Ocean?
Stainless steel jewelry reacts badly with salted water.
As stated above, stainless steel doesn’t get rusted easily but can get scratched or stained when exposed to other elements.
The sand in the ocean is harsh and can scratch the surface of the steel.
So we advise you to take off your stainless steel jewelry before entering the ocean.
Does Stainless Steel Rust?
Stainless steel doesn’t rust, which is why most fashionistas prefer it.
You can wear stainless steel jewelry for years without worrying if it will fade.
But just like other metals, stainless steel has its flaws.
Stainless steel jewelry can get scratched or stained when exposed to harsh chemicals—like chlorine.
Because chlorine wears off the steel’s protective layer, causing it to rust, you need to treat it carefully.
Is Stainless Steel Waterproof?
Stainless steel is waterproof and lasts longer than other metals used as jewelry.
When you’re caught in the rain, you don’t need to fret. It won’t rust or get tarnished.
All you need to do is to wipe the water with a soft lint-free cloth.
Stainless steel is an alloy containing metals in different proportions.
Chromium, which is one of its constituents, helps to prevent rusting and oxidation on the metal.
The chromium layer prevents oxidation, which is an active resistance against corrosion.
It also contains molybdenum, a rust-resistant metal that prevents the steel from reacting with chemical substances.
That is why stainless steel jewelry lasts longer and retains its luster even after wearing it for many years.
How to Care for Stainless Steel Jewelry
It is common for us to forget to remove our jewelry before entering the shower.
But if you prefer wearing your stainless steel jewelry in the shower, here are five tips from jewelry experts that will help you keep its sparkle. [2]
Tip #1. Wash stainless steel jewelry with soap and water
One of the easiest ways to maintain your stainless steel jewelry is by washing it with mild soap and warm water.
You can watch a YouTube video or follow these steps:
- Put your jewelry into a bowl containing mild soap and warm water.
- Leave it for a few minutes.
- Use a brush with soft bristles to wash areas that are hard to reach.
- Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Tip #2. Wash stainless steel jewelry with baking soda
Baking soda works perfectly in restoring the luster of any jewelry, including stainless steel.
What’s fascinating is, the process is easy, and you can do it at home (D.I.Y) by following the steps below:
- Mix a little water with two teaspoons of baking soda to form a paste.
- Dip a soft brush into the paste and use it to clean the jewelry.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Dry with a jewelry polishing cloth.
Tip #3. Use jewelry boxes or pouches
You can invest in jewelry boxes or pouches.
These pouches are pretty affordable, and they can help prevent your stainless steel from scratches, rust, or tarnish.
Tip #4. Use jewelry cleaners
Another way to keep your stainless steel shining even after showering with it is by using jewelry cleaners.
Though you need to be selective when buying a jewelry cleaner.
Some jewelry cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can cause the anti-oxidative layer to wear off.
So you need to double-check before buying one.
Tip #5. Invest in expert cleaning services
Lastly, you can pay a jeweler to help clean your stainless steel jewelry.
They offer expert services, and you can do this as often as you want.
The Ultimate Guide to Wearing Jewelry in the Shower
To learn more about what jewelry you can wear in the shower, check out our expert guide. It covers everything from which metals and gemstones are water-resistant to how to care for your jewelry to prevent damage from exposure to water.
