Whether you’ve got diamonds, gold, or silver, jewelry needs a little regular care to stay shiny and sparkly. That means keeping it clean and preventing buildup from dirt, oil, lotions, and other debris from accumulating in the nooks and crannies.
Luckily, it’s not hard to do, either. Many cleaners are made to safely and effectively remove built-up grime, stains and oils on the surface of your jewelry without damaging it.
The process involves soaking your jewelry in the solution for up to thirty minutes, then brushing it with a soft toothbrush or small bristeled brush to remove buildup in crevices and around stones. You may also want to consider using a polishing cloth after the cleaning is done.
This inexpensive, all-natural cleaner works on any hard metal item, including rings and bracelets. It uses heated water to produce powerful a steam that loosens grime and tarnishes. It can also revitalize and restore a piece’s shine.
Soak your jewelry in a solution of a few drops of dish soap and a cup of warm water. This method is great for cleaning silver and is safer than scrubbing it with harsher chemicals.
Try this trick on your favorite silver or gold necklace, ring or pair of earrings. For a natural, chemical-free cleaning solution that doesn’t require much scrubbing or rinsing, try a few drops of liquid dish soap and a cup of hot water.
A baking soda or effervescent heartburn tablet can also be used to help fight buildup. Both of these substances react with water to create bubbles that are eager to attack the tarnish on your jewelry. However, do not use this technique on soft gemstones or pearls as they can be damaged by abrasives.
If your bling has some serious tarnish, you’ll need a stronger cleaner to get it off. That’s where a good ultrasonic cleaner comes in. These are a bit more expensive than their non-ultrasonic counterparts, but they work wonders at removing dirt and sanitizing your jewelry.
This model from Brilliant has a slew of features that make it worth the price. It includes a tray and a small, scrubbing brush that can easily fit in a slot in the tray for storage. It’s also ammonia-free, making it safe to use on your entire collection.
To get the most out of this product, Brilliant recommends using it on items that are prone to tarnishing. Its mild formula isn’t strong enough for major rust or spots, and it won’t remove oxidation from the metal itself.
iUltrasonic is another all-natural, eco-friendly option for cleaning jewelry and other objects. Its stainless steel tank houses generator-powered transducers that vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. The vibration generates billions of tiny vacuum bubbles that are able to penetrate the delicate surfaces of your jewelry.
This unit is easy to use and works on a variety of items, from glasses and watches to knives and scissors. The unit features five different working cycles to ensure that your jewelry stays clean and sanitized.
