Jewelry cleaners help remove the tarnish, build-up and residue that can make your precious jewelry dull. They come in a variety of forms and formulas, some with special ingredients that work better on certain metals and gems. Some even protect against further tarnishing, keeping your jewelry looking its best. The cleaner you choose should also be easy to use. Some are ready to use right out of the box, while others require mixing the solution with water or other components. It’s important to look at the directions carefully and read reviews to gauge how well they work on your particular jewelry.
If your jewelry has a lot of build-up, it may need to soak in the cleaner for some time. Be sure to check the jewelry cleaner container for a recommended soak time and if it needs to be rinsed. Many cleaners include a brush or other tool for cleaning hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in your jewelry pieces. Look for a bristle brush that’s designed specifically for jewelry and will not damage your fine gems or metals.
You can buy jewelry cleaner online or at a local jeweler. The most common products contain a chemical that reacts with the metal in your jewelry to break down and dissolve the dirt and tarnish. Other jewelry cleaners have more natural ingredients like citric acid or lemon juice that don’t have the same chemicals but are just as effective. The best choice for your jewelry depends on the type of metal and whether it has soft gemstones such as opals or pearls that need to be treated gently.
Some jewelry cleaners are formulated to be used in a home jewelry cleaning machine, such as an ultrasonic cleaner. This is a great option if you have multiple pieces that need to be cleaned at once and don’t mind using a special machine to clean them. Many jewelry cleaners for the home will have specific instructions for use with your particular brand of ultrasonic cleaner.
You can also clean your jewelry in the shower, with soap and warm water. This method is especially helpful for silver jewelry, which can be tarnished by regular household products. However, it’s not safe for delicate or porous stones, such as opals and emeralds. To clean these types of jewelry, you should use a gentle detergent or a solution made with warm water and a soft-bristled brush. Be sure to store your jewelry properly so that it doesn’t become tarnished or damaged in the first place. For example, don’t wear your diamond ring to bed, as the blanket might grab and bend the prongs holding the gems in place. Also, be sure to hang up your pearl necklaces instead of storing them in a box or a bag. This prevents them from getting bent and twisted, which can cause the string to weaken or tear.
