6 Homemade Jewelry Cleaning Hacks You Wish You Always Knew
One of the reasons we enjoy buying new things is that they are exactly that: new. Everything new and shiny looks great, whether it is an inexpensive toy or a valuable piece of jewelry.
Even the most valuable items can eventually show signs of wear. Dirt, oils, and residue can dull the appearance of jewelry and, in some cases, contribute to damage if they are not removed. That is why regular, appropriate care is important. Here are several simple jewelry-cleaning methods, along with important cautions about when not to use them.
1. Dish Soap, Water, and a Soft Toothbrush
For many durable jewelry pieces, a mild solution of warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid is one of the simplest cleaning options. Learn more about the different types and colors of gold used in jewelry. Soak the piece briefly, then use a clean, soft toothbrush to loosen dirt in hard-to-reach areas. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Before soaking any jewelry, consider the gemstones, treatments, adhesives, and setting. Some delicate or porous stones should not be soaked. If you are unsure, ask a jeweler first.
2. A Soft Jewelry-Polishing Cloth
For plain gold jewelry without delicate gemstones, a clean, soft polishing cloth is often safer and more predictable than household liquids. Gently wipe the metal surface and avoid excessive pressure around prongs and settings.
3. Commercial Jewelry Cleaner
A jewelry cleaner formulated for the specific metal and gemstones in your piece can be useful. Always read the product instructions and confirm that the cleaner is suitable for every material in the jewelry. A cleaner that is safe for gold or diamonds may not be suitable for pearls, opals, emeralds, treated gemstones, or glued components.
4. Cleaning Silver Jewelry
Silver tarnish can often be removed with a purpose-made silver polishing cloth or a silver cleaner that is appropriate for the item. Be especially careful with silver jewelry that also contains gemstones, plating, oxidation finishes, or other decorative treatments.
5. Avoid Improvised Acidic or Abrasive Cleaners
Household products such as ketchup, vinegar, baking soda, toothpaste, and strong window cleaners are frequently suggested online, but they can be too acidic, alkaline, or abrasive for some jewelry finishes and gemstones. A mild method designed for jewelry is generally the safer choice.
6. Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners
Ultrasonic cleaners can remove dirt effectively from suitable jewelry, but they are not safe for every gemstone or setting. Vibrations can worsen loose stones or damaged prongs, and some treated, included, porous, or fragile gemstones should not be cleaned ultrasonically. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and, for valuable jewelry, ask a professional jeweler whether ultrasonic cleaning is appropriate.
In addition to occasional cleaning, try to minimize contact between jewelry and lotions, oils, household chemicals, chlorine, and other substances that can leave residue or damage certain materials. Remove jewelry when cleaning, swimming, gardening, exercising, or doing activities that could bend a setting or loosen a stone.
It is also wise to have valuable jewelry inspected periodically. A jeweler can identify worn or loose prongs and other setting problems that may be difficult to notice at home.
Explore our selection of rings, earrings, necklaces, and fine jewelry.
Share
