If you wear jewelry often, it’s likely your pieces need a good cleaning at some point. But rinsing and rubbing can actually cause damage or premature wear, so it’s important to clean delicate pieces correctly. The good news is that you can keep your favorite earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, and chains sparkling clean by following a few easy tips.
While you can use jewelry cleaner bought at a jeweler or even DIY solutions like baking soda and vinegar, we’ve rounded up our favorite products for a quick, effective cleaning that won’t scratch your beloved pieces.
For our top pick, we turned to the experts. Gemologists, jewelers, and jewelry lovers shared their tried-and-true methods for keeping your treasured baubles sparkling new. They all agree that a bit of elbow grease goes a long way, but you shouldn’t rub and scrub fragile pieces too hard. They also recommend visiting a professional for major heirloom pieces and frequent wearers every six months, while using at-home techniques for regular upkeep.
Safe for gold, silver, and platinum, this specialized jewelry cleaner is designed to break down build-up and target grime with a gentle touch. Its powerful formula contains a mix of surfactants, ammonia, and a dirt-removing agent that dissolves tarnish, targets gunk, and restores luster to your pieces. The included dip tray and brush make it easy to apply the cleaner and get into those tough-to-reach nooks and crannies.
This kit comes with a jar of pre-mixed jewelry cleaner, a plastic tray that holds your rings and other items in place, and a small soft brush for loosening dirt and grime. You can also add the solution to your cleaning machine for a more thorough job, and the jar is large enough to last you a long time. The kit’s only drawback is that it can be difficult to rinse all the liquid from your pieces after you’re done, but this is a minor quibble overall.
Unlike most fine jewelry cleaners, this nontoxic, eco-friendly option is safe for both metals and soft porous gemstones (like opals). It also provides a fast, gentle cleaning that requires no scrubbing or rubbing. Simply spritz on the cleaner, let it soak for a few minutes, and rinse.
This budget-friendly solution works wonders on sterling silver, gold, and platinum. It’s especially great for tarnished pieces, and the kit includes a dipping tray and brush to help you apply the cleaner with precision and ease. You can even use it to scrub your delicate heirloom pieces, but be careful not to apply the spray directly onto pearls and other glued stones. The only drawback is that the kit doesn’t come with a polishing cloth, which is a minor drawback given the low price.
