How to Care for Your Medical Alert Jewelry
Protecting Your Lifesaving Jewelry
Medical alert bracelets and necklaces need some occasional care and attention to keep your jewelry looking its best. Custom engraved medical IDs can take hours to make, but only require a few seconds to clean properly. Here are some helpful tips from our product team to keep your ID in great shape.
Recommended Cleaning Frequency
We recommend your medical ID be worn at all times to keep you safe in an emergency. This means that this important accessory is often worn during activities where chemicals such as laundry detergent, soap, or shampoo, and even bacteria may come in contact with the ID.
To help reduce wear from these harsh substances, we recommend cleaning your medical alert jewelry once a week. If contact with chemicals and harsh substances occurs daily, we recommend wiping down your ID each day to prevent unwanted tarnish. The proper cleaning methods for your ID will depend on the type of metal your jewelry is made with.
Cleaning Methods for Your Medical ID
Keep your medical ID looking its best and your engraving legible. Find your metal type below for the right cleaning, storage, and care advice.
Sterling Silver
How to clean: Gently buff your jewelry using a treated polishing cloth.
Storage: Store separately in a compartmentalized jewelry box to avoid scratching. Do not mix with gold jewelry.
Avoid: Harsh household cleaners containing ammonia or chlorine.
Stainless Steel
How to clean: Wipe with a non-abrasive cloth dipped in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a clean cloth.
Storage: Keep in a sealed container or zip-lock bag to protect the metal from scratching.
Avoid: Chlorine bleach and heavily chlorinated environments like swimming pools.
Gold & Gold-Filled
How to clean: Gently clean and buff your jewelry using a soft chamois cloth.
Storage: Store separately or wrap each piece in a soft cloth. Do not store with other metals.
Avoid: Highly acidic environments and harsh chemicals. Cleaners containing ammonia or chlorine can quickly tarnish the gold.
Titanium
How to clean: Wash gently using water and a mild, non-abrasive soap or cleanser. Dry completely with a soft cloth.
Storage: Keep your jewelry protected inside a soft cloth or dedicated jewelry bag.
Avoid: Abrasive scrubbing soaps and harsh metal polishers.
Understanding Jewelry Tarnish
Tarnish is a natural dark coating that can appear on silver and other metals over time. Here is how to keep your ID looking brand new.
How to Prevent Tarnish
Tarnish is a natural chemical reaction caused by exposure to air and moisture. You can significantly slow this process down by storing your medical ID in a cool, dry, and air-tight space whenever you aren’t wearing it.
Catch Tarnish Early
Tarnish happens in stages, usually starting as a light discoloration. For the easiest maintenance, gently polish your jewelry as soon as you notice any darkening to prevent it from spreading deeper into the metal and engraving.
Use a Polishing Cloth
Pre-treated polishing cloths are the safest and most effective tool to restore your medical ID’s original shine without scratching. Store your cloth in a resealable plastic bag so it doesn’t dry out and lose its effectiveness!
Have Questions About Care?
Keeping your medical ID clean and legible is crucial for your safety. If you need personalized advice on cleaning methods, tarnish prevention, or general maintenance, we are just a click away. Thank you for choosing Universal Medical ID!