Your favorite necklaces, earrings and rings can get pretty caked in the oils, lotions and sunscreens of everyday wear. But with these handy jewelry cleaners, you can revive your prized pieces with just a few drops of cleaning liquid and a gentle brush. And they’re a lot safer for your precious gems and metals than toothpaste, toothbrushes (which can scratch metal) or Windex (which can damage gemstones like opals and emeralds).
When picking a jewelry cleaner, it’s important to consider both the formula and the type of jewelry you’ll be cleaning. For example, some are formulated to work with silver only while others may only be safe for certain types of stones. Then there are the different options for scrubbing and soaking—some products require only a few minutes of your time, while others can take up to 30 or more. You’ll also find a range of prices for both manual and ultrasonic options, so make sure you do your homework to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
For ease of use, we chose the liquid cleaners that are best for a variety of metals and gemstones—including diamonds—and are free of phosphates, butyls and ammonia. We also looked for options with convenient accessories like dip baskets, mini brushes and polishing mitts that are easy to keep on hand or in the shower and won’t require a chemistry lesson or elaborate setup on your countertop.
We also found a few budget-friendly homemade cleaners that work on a wide range of metals, as well as some softer gems. But beware of DIY tips like using Tarn-X, or the old standby baking soda and aluminum foil method, which are both too harsh for most jewelry and can damage delicate soft stones.
To test these home-based solutions, we lined a cereal bowl with foil, and filled it about half way with boiling water. We then added a little salt, baking soda and dish detergent—as much as you’d find in a standard laundry detergent packet. We placed our jewelry in the bowl, let it soak for a few minutes, then brushed away any excess grime with a soft brush before gently rinsing with cool water.
For those who want an extra-deep clean, we also tested an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner that works on a wide range of metals including gold, platinum and sterling silver, as well as most gemstones. Its high-frequency vibrations create a whirling, bubble-filled solution that penetrates the tiny spaces and crevices between stones and links. This jewelry cleaner is easy to use, and the manufacturer recommends a 10-minute immersion for a deep cleaning. It’s also a great option for soaking larger pieces of jewelry or for those with intricate details that can be difficult to reach with a brush or cloth.
