5 simple steps to cleaning beads

The ancient craft of beading has taken on a new life in recent years, and the baubles are showing up on everything from vases to blue jeans to picture frames. Some beads are remarkably durable, others quite fragile. So when your beads need a little brightening, follow these simple steps.

• Beadwork on casual clothing has become a fashion staple and can be cleaned at home more readily than the fine beading on formal clothing, which is best left to professionals.
• Beads used on jeans and casual clothing are typically made of plastic and can usually be put in the washing machine, with mild detergent, on the gentle cycle.
• Still, double-check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions on the label.

• These are the easiest beads to deal with. Wash them in a bowl of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid.
• If the beads are textured, use a soft toothbrush to loosen grime in crevices.
• Then rinse thoroughly with water and towel dry.

• Strung beads are more vulnerable than loose beads, because the thread that holds them all together needs special consideration.
• Wash a beaded necklace or bracelet in the same solution of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid in a bowl, but don't let the strand of beads soak.
• Rinse them with water immediately after cleaning, pat dry with a towel and leave them lying flat — not hanging, which can stretch the thread — until the thread has had time to dry completely.
• Or use a soft toothbrush that has been dipped in dry baking soda and brush the beads gently. Then rub them with a soft cloth.

• These require even more caution.
• Instead of submerging vintage beads in soapy water, wipe them gently with a damp cloth dipped in a solution of one part vinegar to four parts water.
• Air-dry.

• Glass beads on a vase, picture frame or ornament can be cleaned with glass cleaner, but remember to spray the cleaner onto a cloth instead of directly on the item.
• Try not to soak the cloth with cleaning fluid so that it's wet, just dampen it.
• Then wipe the beads and leave to air-dry.
• Harsh solvents can loosen the glue that keeps the beads in place.