Jewelry is an investment, and over time, even the most carefully tended pieces can tarnish, dull or lose their shine. Regular cleanings are an essential part of maintaining your bling and prolonging its lifespan. But rather than resorting to harsh chemicals or paying a professional, you can clean your jewelry with a few items you probably already have in your home.
Whether you’re dealing with gold, silver, or gems, these hacks will help you make your jewelry sparkle and shine like new again. And they’re a lot cheaper than a trip to the jeweler.
A few drops of dish soap and some warm water are all you need to spruce up most types of jewelry. Simply mix the solution in a bowl and let your bling soak for a few minutes. Then, use a toothbrush to remove any dirt or grime that’s still stuck on. Finally, rinse with cool water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
While this technique works best for gold, silver and diamonds, it’s not recommended for rings with semi-precious stones such as opals, jade or turquoise. This is because these gemstones can be damaged by chemical exposure. Instead, try using a mild antibacterial soap or sanitizing hand wash with warm water to clean these kinds of pieces.
Harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners can damage certain types of gemstones, especially softer ones such as pearls, amber and coral. Using these cleaners on these types of pieces may cause them to fade or lose their color or even crack. If you’re unsure about the type of gem in your piece, be safe and err on the side of caution by contacting your local jeweler.
Jewelry cleaners that come in a handy travel-size bottle are a great option if you’re on the go and don’t have the time to clean your bling at home. The jar comes with an inner and outer cloth that’s designed to clean and polish your jewelry without any abrasive chemicals or ammonia. It’s also compact enough to easily fit in your bag so you can keep it handy when going out and about.
This jewelry cleaner from Weiman contains a combination of baking soda and citric acid to break down dirt and grime on your jewelry, making it shinier and more sparkly. It’s a quick and easy way to clean your favorite pieces, and it’s safe to use on most metals (not including heavily tarnished pieces that are past the point of no return). It also comes with a convenient dipping tray and brush to get into those hard-to-reach crevices.
If you’re in need of a more thorough jewelry cleaner, this product from Weiman is one of our top picks. This professional-quality formula is ammonia- and alcohol-free, so it’s gentle on your jewelry, but effective at removing tough buildup. It’s also made with an advanced polymer system that repels soil to extend the lifespan of your lustrous gems and jewelry.
