Tips on Cleaning Imitation Pearls

A string of imitation pearls can be a great addition to your collection of trinkets. If your set has begun to yellow, it may need polishing to restore its shine. Helping your pearls recapture their shine is easy.
You will need:
- Imitation pearl jewelry
- Gentle laundry soap
- Warm water
- Soft bristled toothbrush
- Chamois or lint free cotton cloth
- Glass or plastic bowl
Inspect the pearls. Be sure to thoroughly check your fake pearls before you begin to clean them. These strands are often covered with a sealer.
Avoid damage to the sealer while cleaning, so be sure to identify cracked or chipped areas which should be left alone.
Put warm water and soap into a bowl. Pick the size of bowl according to how large the pearls are or how long the strand is. Putting too many in the water all at once is not a good idea.
Wash and cleanse the pearls thoroughly. With a soft toothbrush, gently scrub each pearl to get rid of any buildup. If the thread between the pearls is visible, it is important to brush that thoroughly also because oils and dirt from your skin will easily collect here.
If you are worried that the toothbrush may damage the pearls, for example, if the paint is damaged already, you can instead try buffing the pearls with a chamois.
Wash off. The next step is to empty the bowl and add fresh, warm water. After you have washed the soap suds off, look over the pearls again to see if they are all fully cleaned, and if not, wash them again.
Use a soft cloth -- such as a chamois cloth -- so as not to scratch the surface. After cleaning the pearls, dry them on a cloth made of chamois, to prevent scratching. In a very gentle manner, pat it dry.
Unless you are a jeweler, who will truly know if your pearls are faux or real? As long as you are careful to watch for cracks and chipped paint, an occasional cleaning will help your fake pearls keep their glow. Your newly-cleaned pearls are now ready to be worn wherever and whenever you like.