How to Make Your Own Jewelry Cleaner

Jewelry cleaner keeps your gems and metals looking fresh, bright, and clean. It dissolves dirt and oils that build up on jewelry over time, which can dull its sparkle and cause it to lose its luster. You can use a commercial jewelry cleaner or make your own at home with ingredients and items you probably already have on hand. A good jewelry cleaner should be formulated to be safe for most types of precious metals and stones, and not contain any harsh chemicals or solvents that could damage the metal or stone in your jewelry.

Whether it’s a sterling silver bracelet or a pair of costume earrings, all jewelry gets dirty over time — greasy residue from lotion and sunscreen, dust that collects in crevices, even soap build-up can leave your jewelry dull and lifeless. A regular schedule of cleaning helps keep your jewelry looking its best, but more intense cleanings should be left to professionals.

When shopping for jewelry cleaner, look for a formula that is safe for your specific jewelry type and stone types, as well as a container and brush or wipe designed to accommodate your preferred method of cleaning. You can find manual and ultrasonic cleaners in a variety of liquid, cream, foam, gel, wipes, and brush formats. Some jewelry cleaners are available with a built-in jewelry stand, while others come in travel-friendly kits or with a convenient pen-like applicator for on-the-go cleaning.

For jewelry with precious gemstones, like opal and jade, a mild and non-toxic formula is essential for maintaining the beauty of your heirloom pieces. This ammonia-free cleaner from Connoisseurs is formulated to clean precious gems like diamonds, sapphires and rubies as well as semi-precious gems like pearls, opal and jade without damaging the jewelry or gemstones. It also has a special polymer system that repels soil to reduce wear and tear on your jewelry over time.

To use the cleaner, mix a solution of half a cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda in a shallow bowl, then place your jewelry in the solution for 2 to 3 hours. After soaking, rinse the jewelry, and dry with a cloth. The solution is gentle enough for most fine jewelry, but the jewelry should be cleaned with utmost care if it contains natural materials such as pearls and opals, which are more delicate than precious gems.

A jewelry cleaning kit is a great option for a quick and easy at-home cleaning. The kit from Shinery is a great choice because it not only includes a spray bottle but also a small, portable brush and tray for the jewelry cleaner that makes it easy to access hard-to-reach places in your bracelets, rings, and necklaces. The soft bristles on the brush are great for removing grime from prongs, and the little tray is the perfect size to fit in your jewelry box or drawer. The cleaner itself is non-toxic and uses only natural ingredients, including hydrating glycerin, so it’s great for your skin and jewelry.