How to Clean and Care Your Bracelets

Bracelets are exposed to dangers throughout the year. It could sink into the ocean like the Titanic (sorry for the spoiler) or fly off during a football game … you never know when an accident is going to happen. So your bracelet needs a little help.

The only way to prevent your bracelet from being lost or damaged is to never wear it. But who cares about that?

Instead of giving up your favorite piece of jewelry, follow these simple guidelines to keep your bracelet safe and in the same condition as when you received it. And if it ends up getting dirty, learn how to clean it with the tricks you’ll see below.

WHEN DO YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE BRACELETS?

1. Take off your bracelets before going to the beach or exercising in the sea. Not only because of the damage that salt water can cause to most bracelets, but because, as is well known, shiny objects attract sharks. Another great reason not to go in the water with bracelets! Sweat also deteriorates sterling silver, leather, and bead bracelets.
2. Take off your bracelets before getting into the pool or hot tub. You may have ever imagined that you are relaxing in a pool covered in gold like in a rap video. But if you really want to go to the pool, you better forget about that dream. Chlorine can damage and discolor many metals (even stainless steel), as well as erode the shiny surface of some gemstones.
3. Remove your bracelets before applying moisturizer, sunscreen, self-tanner, or cologne. Think of your bracelets as the finishing touch and put them on after using the products, because the products could get into the cracks, clog the clasps and cover the beads, all of which are damaging to your bracelets.
4. Take off the bracelets if you are spending time in direct sunlight. This does not mean that you cannot wear your bracelet outside, but do not wear it while sunbathing at the beach or pool. Sunlight can discolor certain materials and cause plastic derivatives, such as the elastic bands that tiger eye beads are strung on, to weaken and break.
5. Take off your bracelets before playing in the sand or gardening. No matter how beautiful our men’s bracelets are, they won’t help you win at beach volleyball. If you do not remove them, you run the risk that the sand will scratch the gold or rhodium plate, or the surface of the stones. And the same goes for gardening. It is convenient to remove the bracelets to avoid that the small stones damage them or that you end up planting them by mistake. And trust us, there is no way to grow a tree out of a completely black set of bracelets.

HOW TO CARE FOR MEN’S BRACELETS

1. Clean your bracelets regularly. Sweat, oil from your skin, and fingerprints can reduce the shine of your bracelets. To clean most men’s bracelets (except leather ones) you only need warm water with a drop or two of a mild soap and a soft cloth or toothbrush. Put the cloth in the water, clean the bracelet with it and then dry it with another cloth.
2. Store your bracelet properly. Keep the bracelets in a place where they won’t scratch each other. Do not stack them in the closet or put them in the sock drawer. Invest in a good jewelry holder. Ours are male and do not look like your aunt’s. And when you take them off to go to the beach or pool, do not put them in a plastic bag, since they trap heat and humidity, and this favors the growth of mold, especially in the case of leather bracelets.
3. Pay attention to warning signs. With a little care and attention you will have a bracelet for a long time, but take a look at it from time to time to check that it is right and put it on the right way. As you can see in the following drawing, to put on a beaded bracelet you must join your fingers and slide the bracelet over the hand without stretching it or pulling it too much.
   For men’s bracelets, avoid bending or stretching the material so it doesn’t weaken. To adjust a bracelet, put it on your wrist, wrap your hand around it tightly, and gently bring the ends together. As in the drawing, put it on and take it off from the narrowest part of the wrist.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF MEN’S BRACELETS

There are many people who have asked us what is the best way to care for bead bracelets. Although the quality of the beads is the main factor to consider when determining their longevity, there are also some things you can do to make it last longer.

• Don’t let your beaded bracelet get wet. If a few drops fall on it, nothing happens, but do not take a shower or go into the pool with it. And be careful when washing your hands or playing in the rain.
• Take off the bracelet. Your bracelet is designed for you to wear every day and help you tell your story. However, it is advisable that you remove it before going to the gym or practicing vigorous activities so as not to damage or break the beads. It is also good that you take it off when you go to bed so you do not stretch it too much while you move to find the perfect posture.
• Protect your bracelet from creams and oils. Take it off before putting on lotion, sunscreen, self-tanner, or cologne. Yes, men should also use moisturizer and sunscreen, but these types of products can accumulate between the beads and metal spacers causing them to become damaged or discolored.
• Protect the beads from direct sunlight. Not all gemstones are the same. Some are damaged after prolonged exposure to sunlight. The best way to care for your men’s beaded bracelet is to hang it on a jewelry holder placed away from direct sunlight. This also suits the inner elastic band. On the beach you should keep it away from the hot sand.

The following gemstones are known to lose color due to direct sun exposure: Opal, Sapphire, Amethyst, Ametrine, Turquoise, Carnelian, Citrine, Kunzite, and Smoky Rose Quartz.

Stones that do not fade include lava, howlite, jade, lapis lazuli, black onyx, black obsidian, jasper, and malachite.

• Clean your bracelet. No matter how careful you are, sooner or later you will have to clean your bracelet.
  To clean a beaded bracelet, gently scrub it with a warm cloth or toothbrush moistened with a mixture of warm water and a little mild soap. As you can see in the drawing, use a damp cloth to remove the remains and then dry it with a cloth.

Metal spacers and labels should be cleaned with a soft cloth. This method is safe for most gemstones and wood beads.

CAN I GO SWIMMING WITH THE BRACELET ON?

Both chlorine and salt water can damage the beads, elastic, or metal wire that holds the bracelet. We advise you to always take it off before getting into the water.

There are many gemstones that have received some type of treatment. These can be of high temperatures (heat treatments) or radiation, or the cracks are filled with dyes and waxes to camouflage the imperfections (impregnation). The purpose of this is to make the stone look perfect and to lower its cost.

While those treatments aren’t bad, they make the stones more vulnerable to chemicals in swimming pools or salt water. The more the stone has been treated, the greater its tendency to discolor. At Trendhim we use many natural stones that have been polished, but have not received additional treatments.

Aside from stone beads, salt water can also damage the elastic band that binds them together and cause it to break. Water can also rust and deteriorate the metal wire that is part of many men’s bracelets.

HOW TO CARE FOR MEN’S STEEL BRACELETS

While stainless steel is known to be strong, durable, and anti-corrosion, there are some important things you need to know to protect your bracelet.

In the photo Bracelet with 10 mm golden links

• Do not get the stainless steel bracelet wet. Showering with a stainless steel bracelet is safe, but you have to be careful if it includes some other type of metal or is plated. Even gold plate can be damaged after prolonged exposure to water, and rubbing from the shower can make this happen more quickly.
  As it is not good for soap or water to get trapped in the cracks or clasp of the bracelet, we advise you to remove it before showering. Do not let the water stay on the bracelet or bracelet and dry there; it is best to always dry it right after it is wet.
• Take off the bracelet before going to sleep. While stainless steel is strong enough to survive the night, there is a risk that the sheet metal will rub off night after night. You can also experience a nickel allergy reaction if the bracelet has not passed the proper tests. But, even if it is the case, there are still chances of that happening. Always check that the bracelet is safe for use.
• Protect your stainless steel bracelet from oils and creams. Remove the bracelet before putting on lotion, sunscreen, self-tanner, or cologne. While most products will not damage stainless steel, they can leave a residue that you will need to clean with a soft cloth later.
• Clean your stainless steel bracelet. To do this, mix a few drops of mild soap with warm water in a container and place a cloth in it.
  As you can see below, you can use the cloth to gently clean the bracelet. Rinse the soap off with water and dry the bracelet with a soft towel. To finish, let it air dry and rub it with a polishing cloth.

CAN I GO SWIMMING WITH A STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET ON?

No, you must not. While it is true that the material is durable, strong and resistant to oxidation, chlorine from the pool and sea salt can cause the bracelet to deteriorate.

And do you remember what we told you about shiny objects attracting sharks? Yes, that could definitely ruin your bathroom.

It should also be mentioned what salt water and chlorine can do to non-stainless steel parts of the bracelet, such as the clasp. If you have no choice but to wear a bracelet or bracelet while in the water, opt for one made of medical grade 316L stainless steel and dry it completely afterwards.

The main reason not to go in the pool with stainless steel bracelets and jewelry is that chlorine can break down the surface layer of the metal.

Stainless steel contains chromium which reacts with oxygen and forms a thin, invisible layer of chromium oxide on the surface, and it is this “passive layer” that gives stainless steel its resistance to corrosion.

When chlorine passes through this chrome layer, the underlying layer of the steel becomes vulnerable to rust and corrosion, something that can ultimately lead to the destruction of the bracelet.

HOW TO CARE FOR MEN’S LEATHER BRACELETS

From suits to hoodies, men’s leather bracelets can be worn with formal or casual wear. Take good care of yours and you will see how you can put it on with everything you have in the closet. If you treat it badly, you will end up with a dry and wrinkled accessory. Or but still … full of mold.

• Don’t get your leather bracelets wet. Real leather works like leather, which means that it is porous and will never be completely waterproof. Water can damage leather bracelets and cause them to stain, discolor or deteriorate.
  If your leather bracelet gets wet, the first thing you have to do is remove the water. Use a soft, absorbent cloth to pat the strip (without rubbing) and allow it to air dry. Read more about water and men’s leather bracelets below.
• Avoid excess heat. You better take off the bracelet to go to sleep or training. But don’t leave it anywhere. Leather does best in cool places or at room temperature. Extreme heat can cause it to dry out, so avoid radiators, stoves, or fires.
• Protect your bracelet from creams and oils. As with most bracelets, remove it before applying a cream, oil, cologne, or sunscreen. Although most of these products are not harmful, they could create a film on the skin that causes it to lose its shine and feel damaged.
• Clean your bracelet. To clean a men’s leather bracelet, use a cloth slightly dampened with water and a drop of mild hand soap (without moisturizing agents) and apply gently. Then rinse it off with a clean cloth and let it air dry before putting it on.
  As you can see in the drawing, do it with small circular movements or taps, and never rub it with force. For some leather bracelets it is necessary to use an additional skin protector. Follow the instructions on the product to do it safely.

CAN I GO SWIMMING WITH A LEATHER BRACELET ON?

The answer is no, you should not go swimming in any case. Don’t let the tough and rugged look of the bracelet fool you; water can damage it.

These are the top 3 reasons why you shouldn’t go into the water with a leather bracelet (no necklace, no jacket!).

1. Leather will lose its natural oils and shrink if you put it in water.
   Wearing your leather bracelet while showering or swimming in the pool or sea can remove its oils. That can also happen if it gets wet in the rain, and when its rich oils are gone, the bracelet can harden, crack, and even shrink.
2. Leather can discolor if exposed to too much water. It may not happen on the first day, but continual wetting can cause the leather color to fade or disappear completely.
   Most leather bracelets are stained or painted in some color. If you get in the water or shower with it constantly the color can fade or come off.
3. Leather can develop mold on prolonged exposure to water.
   If your leather bracelet gets wet and doesn’t dry properly, it may cause mold to grow. And when you start to realize it, the problem will already be too serious. Obviously, mold looks bad, but it can also affect the strength of the bracelet and cause bad odors.

HOW TO MAKE MEN’S LEATHER BRACELETS STOP SMELLING

With proper care, leather does not have to smell. And if it does, then it needs a good cleaning and some time to air out. That also indicates that you have been wearing it for a long time without giving it a break.

Leather is a porous material and absorbs sweat, grease and dirt. This cannot be avoided and is going to happen anyway.

To give your leather bracelet a chance to defend itself, don’t wear it to do activities that you know you’re going to sweat with (like going to the gym, for example) and always take it off before going to sleep.

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