parels require gentler cleaning than other edelstenen. Their nacre — a layered composite of aragonite and conchiolin protein — dissolves in acidic substances, scratches under abrasive cleaners, and dulls under chemical residue. This guide walks through safe cleaning step by step.

What you'll need

• Soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber or juwelen polishing cloth)
• Distilled or filtered water (tap water minerals can deposit on nacre)
• Mild dish soap (Castile or unscented)
• Soft natural-bristle brush (optional, for cleaning around clasps)

What to avoid

• Ultrasonic cleaners (vibration cracks nacre)
• Steam cleaners (heat damages nacre)
• Alcohol-based cleaners
• Toothpaste (abrasive)
• Vinegar or lemon juice (dissolves nacre)
• Bleach
• Scrubbing pads

Daily care (after each wearing)

1. Wipe parels gently with a soft cloth
2. Remove perfume, lotion, or skin oil residue
3. Allow to air dry briefly (1-2 minutes) before storing

Light cleaning (every 1-3 months for dagelijks dragen)

1. Slightly dampen a soft cloth with distilled water
2. Wipe each parel gently, paying attention to the boren hole area
3. Dry with a clean soft cloth
4. Lay flat to air dry completely before storing

Deeper cleaning (every 6-12 months)

1. Mix one drop of mild dish soap in a cup of distilled water
2. Dampen a soft cloth with the solution (not soaking wet)
3. Wipe each parel gently
4. Wipe with a clean cloth dampened with plain distilled water to remove soap residue
5. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth
6. Lay flat to air dry for 1-2 hours before storing

Cleaning the slot

Use a soft natural-bristle brush dipped in mild soap solution. Gently scrub the slot and any metal links. Rinse with distilled water. Dry thoroughly. For tarnished sterling zilver clasps, use a zilver polishing cloth (away from parels).

What NOT to do

• Never submerge parels in water (especially knotted strands — zijde weakens when soaked)
• Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners
• Never use commercial juwelen cleaning solutions on parels (most are too harsh)
• Never wipe with paper towels (microscopic fibers can scratch)
• Never store wet parels (encourages mildew and weakens zijde)

Professional cleaning

For valuable parel pieces ($1,000+), annual professional cleaning is recommended. Most jewelers offer parel cleaning at $30-80 per piece. Professional cleaners use specialized tools and microfiber techniques that gently remove buildup without risk of damage.

Veelgestelde vragen

Kan ik use vinegar to clean parels?

No. Vinegar is acidic and dissolves nacre — the cleaning will permanently damage the parel.

How often should I deep-clean parels?

Every 6-12 months for dagelijks-wear pieces. Wipe dagelijks with a soft cloth after each use.

Kan ik use juwelen polishing cloth on parels?

Ja, the soft microfiber type. Avoid zilver or chemical-treated polishing cloths — the chemicals can transfer to parels.

What about parel cleaning products in stores?

Most commercial juwelen cleaners are too harsh. Stick with mild dish soap and distilled water — it is what professionals use.

Kan ik use my parel ketting right after cleaning?

Allow 1-2 hours to air dry completely before wearing or storing. Wet zijde thread can stretch when worn.