Even the most beautiful baubles get dirty over time. Oil and dander from our skin, dust in the air, residue from hand and dish soap — these all build up on jewelry, leaving it dull and lifeless. Luckily, there are several easy ways to clean your jewelry so it looks brand new again.
Jewelry cleaner is a solution that helps dissolve dirt and tarnish from jewelry, typically by using some sort of chemical reaction. There are a variety of cleaners available in different forms, including liquid solutions, foam cleaners and wipes. Some require scrubbing, others simply need to be applied and rinsed. The type of jewelry cleaner you need depends on what your pieces are made from and whether they’re fragile or not.
Using a jewelry cleaner at least once a week is the best way to keep your jewelry looking shiny and new. It’s also a good idea to do this before storing or putting it away, as this prevents jewelry from getting tangled or damaged.
When selecting a jewelry cleaner, make sure it’s compatible with your jewelry and that the instructions are clear. Many cleaners are formulated with specific types of jewelry in mind, and they may not be safe for other kinds. Some are formulated for precious metals like gold and platinum, while others are designed for soft gemstones and nonporous materials such as glass.
The Weiman Fine Jewelry Cleaner is a great option because it’s compatible with most jewelry and comes in a convenient dipping tray that makes it easy to lower a piece into the solution. The tray has multiple compartments, each with a different brush for tackling specific areas of the jewelry. We love the little ice pick brush that can reach under settings, the spade for cleaning in and around larger stones, and the wedge that gets in and around baby diamonds. The only negative we found is that this cleaner cannot be used with pearls, opals, or any other soft, porous stone.
Another simple option for jewelry cleaning is toothpaste. Though slightly abrasive, this is a great option for silver jewelry because it’s quick, inexpensive and easy to use. Choose a low-abrasive, solid-color toothpaste without any extra whitening or tartar-control properties and spread a thin layer onto your jewelry pieces. After scrubbing, rinse and dry with a polishing cloth.
Lastly, you can try a jewelry-specific cleaning product like Shinery Jewelry Wash. This cleaner is a great choice for delicate or everyday wear and is formulated with non-toxic and odorless ingredients (plus it doubles as hand soap!) to ensure your jewelry is both safe and clean. To use, just add a few inches of the solution to a bowl and soak your jewelry for about five minutes before rinsing and drying. For extra dirty, heavily tarnished jewelry, you can give it a bit of a scrub and return it to the solution for a deeper clean.
