When your jewelry is tarnished or just needs a bit of a shine, there are some easy options available to restore it to its former glory. Jewelry cleaners can come in the form of liquids, wipes, machines, and cloths and are effective at removing dirt and grime without damage or discoloration. However, choosing the right product for your specific needs can be a daunting task. Consider the type, biodegradability, non-toxicity, ease of use, effectiveness, safety, and total cost when selecting a jewelry cleaner.
For everyday use, most metal jewelry can be cleaned with gentle dishwashing soap and warm water. Simply mix a few drops of soap with water in a bowl, add your jewelry and let it soak for a few minutes. If your jewelry is particularly dirty or tarnished, you can also scrub it with a soft brush before rinsing and drying with a cloth. This method is best for general wear-and-tear and mild stains, but won’t remove major spots or rust.
You can also clean gold jewelry by dipping it in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. The acidic solution reacts with the tarnish to remove it, but make sure to test your jewelry for color-fastness before using this technique. The vinegar can also etch some gemstones, so be cautious and only use it on relatively hard gems like diamonds and sapphires.
Alternatively, you can try a homemade mixture of mild detergent and warm water. This is especially good for sterling silver, which tends to attract mildew and tarnish more than other metals. For best results, soak the jewelry in warm water for a few minutes and scrub it with a soft brush before letting it dry. This method will not work on opals and pearls, which are soft and porous.
An ultrasonic cleaner is a more powerful option that works to break down dirt, grease, and oil on the surface of your jewelry. Basically, the sound waves create bubbles that penetrate deep into crevices and cracks. This makes it a great choice for jewelry with intricate designs that would be difficult to clean by hand, as well as for those with delicate stones.
This value-sized cleaner comes with a tray and brush for soaking your jewelry, as well as a jar of the cleaning formula. It’s ammonia-free, safe for most metals and gemstones, and works to minimize scratches on your pieces. It’s a bit pricey compared to other options, but still effective at restoring the shine of your bling. Plus, it has a pleasant floral fragrance, so you won’t have to plug your nose while scrubbing away the gunk.
