When you’re wearing jewelry, it is inevitable that it will be exposed to dirt and grime. Throughout daily activities like cleaning, cooking and washing dishes, your hands come into contact with a wide range of substances that can damage or discolor your favorite jewelry pieces. Leaving dirty rings, earrings and necklaces on can also encourage the growth of bacteria which can cause skin irritation and other ailments. The crevices of gemstone inlays and the metals of ring bands and bracelets are ideal places for bacteria to hide, making it essential that you regularly clean your jewelry to keep it sparkling.
Fortunately, there are several easy-to-use jewelry cleaner products available that will safely and effectively clean your precious bling. These include sonic jewelry cleaners, cleaning solutions, chemical polishers and cleaning brushes. The best jewelry cleaner for your specific type of jewelry will depend on the materials it is made from and what types of stains, dirt or tarnish it has accumulated.
Sonic jewelry cleaners are a quick and effective option for removing tarnish, heavy buildup and oxidation from all your metal jewelry. These machines generate 42,000 Hz of ultrasonic sound waves that vibrate and loosen the particles trapped in the small spaces of your jewelry. The process removes the particles without damaging your jewelry, which allows for a deep clean in minutes. When choosing a sonic jewelry cleaner, look for one that has a large enough tank to fit your items, and that can be turned off when you’re done using it. You’ll also want to be sure that it is safe for all of your jewelry items, including pearls and soft gemstones.
Another convenient and inexpensive method of cleaning jewelry is to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This solution is safe for most metals, and will quickly and easily remove most types of tarnish, water marks, light scratches and dirt.
If you have a more stubborn buildup, you can try soaking your jewelry in a bowl of warm water with a couple of drops of dish soap. This can be a great way to gently clean your jewelry before using a sonic cleaner, or as a temporary fix until you have the time to get your jewelry professionally cleaned.
Lastly, you can also use a toothbrush and jewelry cleaning solution to clean your jewelry. This is ideal for items that have hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, or for delicate jewelry like pearls and opals. Simply mix a bit of water with a teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of your favorite liquid dishwashing soap, place your jewelry in the mixture for a few minutes, and then scrub it lightly with a toothbrush to thoroughly clean it.
Although it is not possible to prevent all scratches, abrasions and dirt, a good practice is to remove your jewelry before doing any messy or dangerous tasks such as gardening, cooking and cleaning. This will help protect your treasured pieces from damage and extend their lifespan.
