The best Jewelry cleaner helps you maintain the sparkle of your favorite pieces. Whether they’re your newest additions or your prized vintage pieces, a little maintenance goes a long way to keeping them looking like new. The right cleaning solution is also key, and some can be harsh on some materials, so it’s important to know which kind of jewelry cleaner you need for your specific item. Thankfully, there are plenty of different options available to give your jewelry a refresher without damaging it.
The simplest jewelry cleaner is a mix of warm water and dish soap. Just soak your jewelry in the mixture for about five minutes to remove any accumulated dirt or tarnish. Afterward, rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth to get your jewelry back to its original shine.
If you want to take it a step further, consider using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. These machines use vibration-like waves to shake the water and loosen buildup, making them more effective at cleaning small crevices than traditional cleaning solutions alone. When choosing an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, make sure to check the frequency—measured in kilohertz (kHz)—and power of the device before buying. Frequencies around 40 kHz are good for most types of jewelry, as they offer a balance between effective cleaning and gentleness. You’ll also want to look at the other features of each machine, such as its automatic shut-off and one-touch settings.
You can also try soaking your jewelry in household items that are safe for most materials, such as baking soda and effervescent heartburn tablets. These chemicals have a natural reaction with water, producing bubbles and fizz that eagerly attack tarnish, dirt, and grime. Simply place your jewelry in a bowl with the liquid, let it soak for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a cloth. This method works well for gold and silver jewelry, but it’s not recommended for delicate gems or glued stones.
Some of the more popular jewelry cleaners are a mix of surfactants and ammonia that can lift dirt, oils, and tarnish from jewelry without damaging it. They can be particularly useful for removing oxidation, but you’ll still need to clean your jewelry frequently to keep it in great condition.
Our top pick for the best Jewelry cleaner is this highly rated solution from Simple Shine. The ammonia-free formula can be used multiple times without causing damage, and it’s safe for most metals and stones. It comes in a convenient 8-ounce bottle, which will last you a while, and the product also includes a dipping tray and brush. It’s a bit pricey, but its effective formula makes it worth the extra money.
Another good option is this jewelry cleaning solution from Weiman, which is gentle enough to use regularly on most metals and gemstones. The non-toxic formula is quick-acting and can be used on a variety of jewelry items, including precious gems. It’s easy to use and has a pleasant fragrance, though we wish the dipping tray and brush were a bit sturdier.
