When jewelry isn’t cleaned regularly, it can become dull and tarnished. The best Jewelry cleaner can remove the buildup and restore your precious pieces to their original beauty. However, not all Jewelry cleaners are created equal. Some have harsh chemicals that can damage certain gemstones or metals. To protect your investment, you should choose a gentle and non-abrasive cleaner for your Jewelry.
You may think it’s best to visit a professional Jeweler to get your jewelry professionally cleaned, especially for exceptional pieces like an engagement ring or family heirloom. But with the right Jewelry cleaner, you can keep your valuables clean on a budget.
Most jewelry experts recommend scheduling cleaning sessions for pieces at least once a month. However, you may wish to schedule more frequent cleanings for more heavily worn or delicate pieces that tend to collect a lot of dirt.
Before choosing the right Jewelry cleaner for your pieces, it’s a good idea to determine what kind of jewelry you wear most often and at what times. For example, if you tend to wear your favorite stud earrings daily, you should use a jewelry cleaner that is safe for delicate stones and hard metals. While you can safely use glass cleaner on most pieces, it’s not recommended for more delicate gems and metals.
Many jewelry cleaners have a special formula that is safe for most precious metals and gems. However, some also contain ammonia or alcohol which can damage certain precious stones. So it’s important to read the label and follow the instructions carefully when using any jewelry cleaner.
One of the most popular Jewelry cleaners on the market is Weiman’s. Its powerful yet gentle formula is perfect for gold, silver, and diamonds and is safe for most gemstones. It’s also available in a convenient spray, making it easy to apply to difficult-to-reach areas.
Another option for a DIY Jewelry cleaner is a simple mixture of water and baking soda. You can create a similar solution by adding two tablespoons of baking soda and one teaspoon of salt to a bowl of lukewarm water. Then add your jewelry and let it soak for 30 minutes. Once you’re done, rinse it off and wipe it down with a soft cloth.
A final option for DIY jewelry cleaning is a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. The tiny bristles can reach all the nooks and crannies in your piece of Jewelry, including around prongs and stones. This technique is best used for rings, necklaces, and bracelets and can be combined with a homemade or commercial Jewelry cleaner to remove any remaining buildup.
Another way to protect your jewelry is to always take it off before taking a shower or swimming. The soap scum and hair products that build up can damage some types of metal, as well as weaken the adhesives that hold softer jewelry in place. Additionally, it’s a good idea to take off Jewelry before going to bed to prevent it from picking up sweat and skin-care products overnight.
