A good jewelry cleaner can help remove tarnish, buildup, and dullness from your precious metal pieces. While light and regular cleanings are the best way to maintain luster, some pieces may require a more in-depth clean. Many professional jewelers use specialized cleaners and cloths, but you can easily get a comparable cleaning at home with household items.
The most common household cleaning products are glass cleaners and baking soda. Both work by creating a chemical reaction when mixed with water that eagerly attacks dirt and grime. To clean jewelry using these cleaners, simply put the item in a bowl and add the product; let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. It’s important to read the labels on your cleaners to be sure they’re safe for your specific jewelry type. For example, some cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage or discolor some gemstones.
You can also clean your jewelry with a standard toothbrush and soapy water. The tiny bristles on the brush can reach into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. Rinse and dry the piece afterward. Be aware that this method isn’t safe for soft gemstones, such as pearls and opals, and could scratch or dull the finish of some precious metals.
Another option is to use an ultrasonic cleaner, a device filled with water or a solution and uses high-frequency sound waves to agitate and clean jewelry. We’ve tested several models, and the best ones are easy to operate and can be used in a sink or bathtub. They’re best for larger pieces that won’t fit in a small, handheld cleaner, and they’re ideal for those with multiple items to clean, as they can often hold up to five at once.
Lastly, you can also use an at-home steamer to clean your jewelry. However, this option isn’t as effective as a commercially-available cleaner and can damage some gems by cracking them through thermal shock. Moreover, most steam cleaners are large, noisy, and can potentially cause damage by overheating the jewelry during the cleaning process.
If you’re on the hunt for a jewelry cleaner, we recommend the one from our Good Housekeeping Institute update test labs. The compact, portable, and convenient spray cleaner is great for on-the-go touch-ups and works in a pinch. The spray is easy to use—simply spritz the jewelry and polish it with a microfiber cloth when done. The cleaner’s light scent (which is similar to Windex) can be a bit overpowering, but it’s a great option for busy people. Alternatively, you can pour the solution into a glass bowl and soak your jewelry for 10 minutes for a deeper clean.
