Jewelry cleaner is an essential product for maintaining and restoring your gems’ shine, and it’s something that you can find at most grocery stores and beauty shops. But, you can also create a homemade jewelry cleaning solution that’s more cost-effective and uses ingredients that are safer on your pieces than many store-bought cleaners. Homemade cleaners also allow you to have greater control over the formulation and process of the solution, making it easier to customize the cleaning methods for your particular jewels and their different needs.
Most jewelry cleaners are formulated for gold, silver, and other metals, but they can also be used on some soft porous gemstones such as opal and turquoise (although, it’s best to use a less harsh, more mild formula on these types of stones). While many commercial cleaners have a wide range of uses, there are several benefits to opting for a homemade recipe—it’s often much cheaper, gentler on your jewelry and the environment, and provides you with a cleaner that will meet the specific needs of your collection.
One of the easiest DIY jewelry cleaners is baking soda, which you can mix into a paste with water to create a powerful yet safe cleaner that works on most gems and hard metals. The baking soda mixture can be applied with a cloth or gentle brush to buff away dirt and grime, especially in the crevices of settings, allowing you to see and feel your piece sparkle again. For a more thorough clean, you can soak your jewelry in this cleaner for a few minutes, then rinse it off, dry with a cloth, and enjoy its newfound sparkle.
Another simple DIY cleaner is a mixture of white vinegar and water, which can be used to remove oil, dirt, and tarnish from most jewelry. This cleaner can be especially useful for silver or brass pieces that have become dull or tarnished, and it’s also safe to use on most gemstones, provided they’re not too porous. To make this homemade cleaner, line the bottom of a bowl with aluminum foil, then pour in the solution, letting your jewelry sit in it for 30 seconds or so. Then, remove the jewelry, rinse off, and dry it with a lint-free cloth.
You should clean your jewelry regularly, but it’s best to visit a professional jeweler every six months to have exceptional pieces, like family heirlooms or wedding bands, cleaned professionally. During the cleaning process, a jeweler can remove any buildup from the inside of the ring that might cause irritation or damage, as well as replace the prongs on diamond rings or polish the surface of precious stones to restore their shine.
For a quick, convenient, and affordable option, we recommend Weiman’s Fine Jewelry Cleaner, which comes with a handy dipping tray for putting on your jewelry to dip it in the liquid solution. It’s suitable for most precious metals and stones, including gold and gemstones, and can even remove tarnish in a few seconds. It retails for around $10, which is a bargain compared to similar fine jewelry cleaners.
