The best jewelry cleaner helps you breathe new life into tarnished pieces, banishing dullness and reviving sparkle. But not all jewelry cleaners are created equal, so it’s important to make sure you use the right one for your specific piece—and that you follow the label guidelines carefully. To help, we spoke to jewelry experts from Valley Rose and Gemological Institute of America (GIA)-certified gemologist Megan Cooper, as well as stylist and blogger Brittany Groshong. They offered their tips on what to look for when selecting a jewelry cleaner and shared some of their favorite DIY jewelry cleaning methods.
The most effective and budget-friendly jewelry cleaner is often made with household items that you already have on hand. A little bit of dish soap, for instance, can remove oil, lotions, and other residue from gold and sterling silver jewelry, according to Cooper. She suggests soaking pieces for a few minutes in a solution of warm water and just a few drops of soap. Afterward, you can brush away any remaining grime with a clean toothbrush. For hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, try using a jewelry cleaning stick with a brush tip that can get in small crevices.
For more serious issues, like rust and heavy build-up, you may need to resort to the classic heat of boiling water. The steam and heat loosen dirt, grime, and tarnish from your jewelry, making it easy to wipe away with a soft cloth. This method, however, isn’t recommended for delicate or porous stones like pearls, coral, and opals, as it can damage the stone or metal.
If you’re not a fan of the heat, try a commercial jewelry cleaner that uses steam or sound waves to break down oils and tarnish. These types of cleaners are typically available as sprays that you can use to clean your jewelry, or they come with a jar to submerge pieces for a deep-cleaning soak. Alternatively, you can also find pre-loaded jewelry cleaning sticks that feature a brush tip to reach into tight crevices and stone settings. These are a good choice for on-the-go cleaning, and some even include anti-tarnish polishing agents.
No matter your level of expertise or budget, you should make an effort to clean your jewelry on a regular basis to ensure it looks its best. If you wear your jewelry often, it can be cleaned as needed or biweekly; pieces that aren’t worn as frequently should be cleaned a few times per year. Without routine cleanings, jewelry loses its luster and radiance and becomes less hygienic. So, grab your jewelry cleaner of choice and get to scrubbing!
