From your diamond studs to your gold necklace, all jewelry gets dirty over time. Oils and dander from your skin, dust, build up from hand soap and more – these things can dull and scratch your jewelry’s finish, and it is important to clean your jewelry regularly. This keeps it looking its best and preserves the luster of hard gemstones, precious metals and other materials.
Soap and water are a simple, yet effective way to clean most pieces of jewelry. This method can be used for all metals and stones, even the most delicate ones. So, before you try any DIY hacks or more abrasive cleaning products, start with this first!
The most common way to clean your jewelry is to use a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Soak your jewelry for up to five minutes and swish it around to help loosen any stuck on grime. Then, rinse your jewelry in cool water and dry with a cloth. This simple solution is easy to use, safe for most jewelry, and is less abrasive than some other popular cleaners.
If you’re worried about using any chemicals on your fine jewelry, there are also many natural products you can buy that will clean and protect your jewelry. These can be found at natural food stores or health food stores, and will not damage the material of your jewelry. Some popular DIY jewelry cleaners include toothpaste and lemon juice. These DIY cleaners are not recommended for most types of jewelry because they can scratch and erode the surface of the piece, and they can also cause discoloration. Lemon juice is especially damaging to pearls and opals.
For a more powerful and thorough cleaning, you can also use an ultrasonic cleaner. This device uses high frequency sound waves to create billions of microscopic bubbles in the cleaning solution. When the bubbles implode on the surface of your jewelry, they loosen and carry away debris. This is a great option for pieces that are very dirty or have small crevices. When choosing an ultrasonic cleaner, make sure it is designed for jewelry and that it has a stainless steel basket for holding your items.
Another way to remove tarnish from silver is by using a specialized jewelry cleaner. This cleaner removes tarnishing from silver and gold, and can also be used on other precious metals. This cleaner can be bought online, at most jewelry stores and some home goods stores.
Another option to clean your jewelry is to use a hot steam bath. This is one of the ways that professional jewelers clean their jewelry, and it can be done at home. Line a bowl with aluminum foil and pour in the hot water, then add salt, baking soda, and dish detergent. Place your jewelry in the bowl and let it soak for about 10 minutes. This method is best for rings, pendants, and earrings made from gold-filled, brass, sterling silver, or German silver (nickel). For a more thorough cleaning, you can also use a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush to get into the harder to reach nooks and crannies of your jewelry.
