Before cleaning your jewelry, it is important to inspect it for damage or loose stones. If you find any, you should not wear it until they are repaired. To dry it completely, pat it gently and let it air dry. If you have diamonds, you may want to use a diamond polisher, which comes in cream or wax form. A professional cleaner should also be used for these items. However, if you are unsure of how to clean them, you can make your own jewelry cleaner.
To begin, mix a solution of liquid dish soap with water. Look for a mild soap without antibacterial ingredients, as it could strip the finish off the jewelry. Fill a separate bowl with warm water. Do not boil the water as this will cause damage to the jewelry. Add the liquid dish soap and stir well. Use a strainer if necessary. Repeat the process until all of the jewelry is clean. Then, dry it gently.
For extra cleaning power, use half a cup of witch hazel or vinegar mixed with a drop of tea tree oil. Alternatively, you can use a toothbrush to scrub baking soda into the jewelry’s crevices. Make sure to avoid toothpaste, though. Toothpaste can scratch softer stones and plated jewelry. Make sure to clean your jewelry thoroughly before wearing it. This can prevent damage caused by abrasive substances and will keep it looking like new again.
In addition to regular cleaning, you should also consider the use of a home jewelry cleaner to prevent dirt and buildup from forming. Then, you can mix the cleaner with your favorite household items for a safe cleaning every few weeks. It will take less than a minute to clean your jewelry and you can avoid paying high prices for professional cleaning. If you are not sure of the cleaning solution, make a homemade jewelry cleaner first. It is best to check the ingredients list before you make any changes to your jewelry. Some chemicals may cause permanent damage.
Jewelry cleaners contain both acid and alkaline ingredients to keep your jewelry sparkling. Professional jewelers use a specialized chemical solution to clean your jewelry. A typical cleaning solution contains around 80 percent water and a few percent of an acid. Strong acids can be dangerous to your health and damaging to your jewelry. Many commercial jewelry cleaners contain terpenes and D-limonene, which were investigated as carcinogens. Because these are harsh chemicals, it is important to choose a jewelry cleaner that is gentle enough to maintain the shine and brilliance of your pieces.
Another homemade jewelry cleaner works best on silver-based pieces. To prevent gold plate from weakening, use a microfiber cleaning cloth. It helps remove dirt and boosts shine. Small pieces of jewelry can also be cleaned using warm soapy water. However, you must remember to do a test on a small piece to be sure the solution is safe for your items. It is always better to test a homemade cleaner on a small piece before applying it to larger items.
