How to Get a Knot Out of a Necklace

Stress-free strategies to untangle thin necklaces

Co-authored by Joseph R. Villarreal, G.G. (GIA) and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: July 26, 2023 Fact Checked

You’re about to put on your favorite necklace, but you discover a huge knot in the center of the chain. Yikes! While necklace knots can be tricky to untangle, there are a few methods to remove the most difficult twists and ties (and prevent them in the first place). In this article, we’ll teach you how to unknot your tangled necklaces with some small picking tools and household supplies. Whether you have tangled chains or pesky knots, here’s how you can fix your jewelry in no time!

Things You Should Know

Place your necklace on a flat surface and add a small amount of baby oil, baby powder, or Windex directly on the knot.
Rub the knot in between your fingers to loosen it, then use a needle to pick apart the knot.
Rinse the necklace in warm soapy water to remove any residue.

1

Lay the necklace on a flat surface.

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Find a workspace with a solid background so you can see the knot clearly. Be careful not to pull the knot tighter when you spread out your necklace, and undo the fastener holding the ends together. If you’re dealing with multiple necklaces, unfasten the clasp or latch for each one.^{[1]
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- Try to work in a well-lit space, or turn on an overhead light or desk lamp so you can identify the knots and tangles easily.

2

Lubricate the knot with baby oil.

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Add 2-3 drops of oil to thoroughly coat the knot. Gently rub the knot between your fingers to reduce friction and help loosen it. The oil allows the strands of the necklace to slide past each other more easily as you untangle the knot.^{[2]
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- Alternatively, apply olive oil or mineral oil to lubricate the knot.

3

Sprinkle baby powder onto tangled areas.

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Use baby powder to separate twisted or tangled chains. As an alternative to baby oil, dust enough powder to coat each necklace link, then gently rub the tangled areas to help loosen them.^{[3]
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- You can also use cornstarch or flour.^{[4]
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- Don't use powder in combination with oil or Windex, or it will create a goopy mess.

4

Spray Windex onto the knots.

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Use Windex to loosen multiple tangles. If your entire necklace is full of knots (or you have multiple necklaces tangled together), spray a light layer of Windex over everything as an alternative to oil or baby powder. Windex acts as a lubricant to loosen tangles, without damaging your jewelry.^{[5]
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- Windex also makes an excellent jewelry cleaner—just spray your necklace with it, then use a clean toothbrush to buff away any surface stains or dirt.

5

Set the necklace on top of the washing machine.

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Place the necklace in a container, then leave it on the washer for 5 minutes. After lubricating your necklace with oil, powder, or Windex, store your necklace in a small jewelry container or Tupperware, and let the vibrations of your washer loosen any knots or tangles.^{[6]
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- You can place your necklace on any object that vibrates like the roof of your car or a massage gun. Just make sure it doesn't fall off.

6

Pick apart the knot with a needle.

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Poke the needle in the center of the knot, then gently rock back and forth. Once you get an opening in the knot, take the needle and pull apart each chain within the knot. If necessary, add more baby powder, oil, or Windex to reduce the friction between the knotted areas, then use your free hand (or another needle) to help you pull the needle away from the knot.^{[7]
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- You can use any fine needle like a sewing needle, safety pin, or thumbtack. Alternatively, use a screwdriver to separate the tangles and knots
- If you’re trying to untangle a multi-layer necklace, work on the knots in the center of the chain before moving toward the ends.^{[8]
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7

Clean your necklace in soapy water.

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Fill a small bowl with warm water and a squirt of mild dish soap. To remove all traces of oil, powder, or Windex, gently swirl your necklace in the cleaning solution. Rinse the necklace off in clean water, then pat it dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.^{[9]
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- If there’s any baby powder stuck in between the links of your necklace, scrub away any residue with an old toothbrush.
- You can also use store-bought jewelry cleaner to remove any residue on your necklace.

8

Store your necklaces neatly to keep them from tangling.

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Use straws, bags, or a jewelry tree to prevent knots. Thread your necklaces through a straw to hang them separately. Unclasp the ends of your necklace, and drop the smaller end of your necklace clasp through a straw. When the necklace comes out through the bottom of the straw, reconnect the two ends of your necklace, and hang your necklace from the clasp like a clothes hanger.^{[10]
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- Alternatively, hang your necklaces on a jewelry tree.
- You can also store your necklaces in separate snap-closure bags when traveling. Just leave the clasp closure outside of the bag, then snap as much of the small bag as you can shut (except for the area where the clasp is hanging out).

Expert Q&A

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Question

What is the easiest way to untangle necklaces with tweezers?

Joseph R. Villarreal, G.G. (GIA)
Jeweler
Joseph Villarreal is a Gemologist and President of Villarreal Diamonds and Fine Jewelry based in Austin, Texas. With over 36 years of industry experience, Joseph and his team specialize in custom jewelry design, diamond sales, and consignment jewelry for private clientele. Joseph is a Graduate Gemologist from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) with additional certifications in Diamond Grading and Gem Identification. Villarreal is also a member of Jewelers of America and is a Jewelers of America Certified Senior Management Professional.

Joseph R. Villarreal, G.G. (GIA)

Jeweler

Expert Answer

Very carefully! Use one set of tweezers to grab onto the chain, and use another set to pull on a separate part of the chain that's looped around or knotted. Just keep in mind that this method can take a bit of time.

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Question

What can I do if the knot is too tight to pull apart?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Staff Answer

Lay your necklace on a flat surface and gently tap the knot with a firm object to loosen the knot. You can use the back of a spoon or a metal file.

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Question

Can you use WD 40 to untangle 2 necklaces?

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Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Staff Answer

Yes, it is safe to use on silver and gold necklaces, and it can help loosen the knot. Just spray a small amount directly on the tangle, then use a needle to pick apart the knot.

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