Whether you have a diamond engagement ring or a simple copper pair of earrings, jewelry is an investment that needs regular cleaning to retain its shine. Oil and dander from your skin, dust, soap residue, and more collect on jewelry over time, leaving it dull and without its luster. This is why it’s essential to maintain a regular schedule of cleaning, and there are several methods that are both safe and effective.
While it’s possible to clean some jewelry pieces with a gentle mixture of baking soda and water or a toothbrush, most items require specialized cleaners. These can be found in the back of a jeweler’s shop, but it’s also possible to clean your jewelry with items you likely already have in your home. GH Institute experts test and review all the best products on the market, including wipes, liquid formulas, and even a handy pen that’s great for on-the-go cleaning. You’ll find our top picks below, along with tips and a comprehensive guide on how to keep your jewelry looking its best between professional cleaning sessions.
Jewelers Use Ultrasonic Cleaners
While you can scrub your jewelry with a toothbrush, most items need to be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner. These nifty machines work by emitting high-frequency sound waves, which create millions of microscopic bubbles that pop almost as quickly as they form. The rapid cycling of these bubbles creates tiny vacuums, lifting away dirt and grime. Some models use heaters to increase the temperature of the solution, which helps to dissolve materials more easily.
Most sonic cleaners are non-toxic and ammonia-free, making them safe for most gemstones and metals. Before you buy a sonic cleaner, it’s important to read the label to make sure the product is appropriate for your jewelry and gemstones. For example, you can’t use some types of sonic cleaner on pearls, opals, and jade, which need to be treated with extra care and may not fare well in hot or cold solutions.
If you do choose to purchase an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, look for one that’s large enough to hold your jewelry. Most have a tank that’s big enough to fit your entire collection and come with a basket to hold each piece of jewelry. You’ll also want to choose a cleaning solution that’s designed specifically for ultrasonic cleaners, which is typically non-toxic and ammonia free.
Once you’ve placed your jewelry into the cleaner and set the machine to a cycle, you can relax until the end of the cycle when it’s safe to remove your necklace or bracelet. Then, rinse off your jewelry with cool, fresh water and pat it dry with a soft cloth.
This sonic jewelry cleaner from Branson Ultrasonics is non-toxic and ammonia free. It comes with a dipping tray and a small brush, so you can get in those hard-to-reach places and scrub off the dirt that collects on your jewelry over time. It’s also convenient to use, with an easy-to-read digital display that shows the timer in minutes and seconds.
