FOR many TikTok has become the source for life-saving cleaning hacks – but a lot of them can cause more damage than good.

As Christmas Day arrives many Brits may be delighted to unwrap a new piece of sparking jewellery – here's what not to use to clean it.

TikTok has provided millions of users with reliable and affordable hacks, but not all of them are trustworthy, according to Hatton Jewellers.

One video that has recently seen over 62,000 views is a “jewellery cleaning hack” where gold plated jewellery is cleaned with boiling water and bicarbonate soda.

Another content creator, preached that baking soda and salt with boiling water can polish rings, bracelets and necklaces in their video.

However, Robert Cuomo, Managing Director of Hatton Jewellers has revealed the reality of some at home jewellery cleaning “hacks”. 

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But Robert said: “The ingredients in this self-cleaning solution can be abrasive, especially baking soda which could scratch your jewellery if used to clean, this  can be harmful particularly if it is a hollow piece of jewellery.

"A high volume of salt can also be corrosive on the alloys.”

Other TikToks suggest white vinegar with bicarbonate of soda, but this could be equally as dangerous.

"Vinegar is slightly acidic which may cause damage to plated jewellery and bicarbonate of soda can be abrasive which may scratch precious metals," Robert added.

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An unusual solution in another TikTok being promoted as a 'hack' is beer, but it should probably remain as an after work drink.

“While beer may be a good solution to make your gold sparkle, alcohol can actually dim the sparkle of a diamond," said Robert.

Believe it or not, tomato ketchup even made the list for a cleaning product, but it should definitely be kept in the fridge – or the cupboard.

Apparently while it is known to contain an agent that will shine silver jewellery, if it is left on too long the acidity can cause damage.

How Often Should You Clean Your Jewellery

To stop the growth of germs and bacteria on your jewellery, it is recommended you should gently clean jewellery you wear regularly at least every 2 weeks.

But it is also a good idea to take it to a professional every six months.

How often you should clean your jewellery can also depend on the metal.

How To Clean Gold Jewellery

• Don’t put too much pressure on pieces of gold jewellery or use abrasive materials when cleaning them. 
• Use a delicate soap and warm water solution to gently remove any tarnishing or dirt.
• Going to a jeweller and having your gold jewellery given a thorough clean, once every 12 months is recommended to keep it sparkling.

How To Clean Silver Jewellery

• Light tarnishing can be easily removed by using warm soapy water and brushing gently with a soft brush or a children's toothbrush. 
• Rinse in cool water and dry carefully with a soft lint-free cloth.
• Keep your silver jewellery shiny by using a silver cloth. 

How To Clean Diamond Jewellery 

Get a small bowl of warm (not hot) water and mix with any mild liquid detergent.
Brush your jewellery gently with a small soft brush and be careful not to scratch the metal and diamond.
Rinse thoroughly under water and pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth.
Use a quick dip liquid jewellery cleaner to keep your diamond jewellery shiny.

How to Properly Store and Protect Your Jewellery

Storage is key to keeping your jewellery clean and sparkling, alongside removing your jewellery when carrying out certain everyday tasks.

It is a good idea to keep valuable pieces stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight and in a dust-free location.

Amazingly, mixing old jewelry with new can actually result in the transfer of tarnishing.

In any case it is best to keep different items away from each other as diamonds may leave scratches on other pieces.

When getting dressed jewelry should be the last thing you put on, and keep any away from perfumes, deodorants and hair styling products.

It may go without saying, but it is also important to take off any rings, bracelets etc when using household cleaning products.

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The same is true if you are taking a shower, bath or going for a swim – whether it be in a pool or the sea.

Sweat can also dull the shine of your jewellery so it is best to leave it off before you go for a workout.

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