When you wear jewelry, oils and grime accumulate on the surface of your pieces. This can leave a dull appearance, and over time can cause tarnish or corrosion of certain metals. Cleaning your jewelry is important, and there are a variety of ways to clean jewelry at home that are safe for both the pieces and their stones. This article covers steam, manual, and ultrasonic jewelry cleaner methods, as well as some tips on how to keep your pieces looking their best.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a common ingredient in many household cleaners, and it can be used to effectively clean jewelry. However, because it is acidic, you should avoid using vinegar on softer gemstones such as pearls, ammonite, jade, opal, turquoise, and coral. These soft gems can be damaged by the acid in vinegar, so it’s best to only use mild soap and water for cleaning these types of jewelry.
A Quick Scrub
If your jewelry is in need of a bit more than just a basic cleaning, try a quick scrub with a toothbrush. The tiny bristles on a toothbrush can get into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, where dirt and dust tend to settle. This method can be especially effective for silver jewelry that has developed a light layer of tarnish, or for other pieces with a slight build-up of oils.
A Gentle Soap
Most people have a bottle of mild dishwashing soap in their kitchen, and this is an easy and effective way to clean your jewelry. Simply add a bit of soap to a bowl of lukewarm water, soak your jewelry for a few minutes, and then gently scrub with a brush or cloth. This is an excellent option for removing tarnish and other minor issues, but it won’t be strong enough to tackle major spots or rust.
A Simple Hot Water Bath
A simple hot water bath can do wonders for a wide range of jewelry, including gold and hard metals like sterling silver and brass. Simply place your jewelry in a heatproof container and slowly pour in boiling water until it’s completely covered. The heat of the water will loosen the grime, making it easy to wipe away with a cloth or toothbrush.
An Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner
Ultrasonic cleaners are a specialized type of jewelry cleaner that can remove stubborn, stuck-on debris in a fraction of the time it would take to manually scrub or hand wash. It works by creating millions of microscopic bubbles that dislodge contaminants such as oils, sweat and lotions. This specialized technique is commonly used in medical and dental practices, and can be an invaluable tool to have at home. It’s also a great choice for larger pieces of jewelry, or those with intricate or hard-to-reach designs. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully for your specific ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, as some require de-gassing before use. This prevents damaging the interior of your jewelry cleaner tank. Also, make sure that you don’t overcrowd your jewelry in the tank; this can scratch and damage the pieces.