A Jewelry cleaner is a liquid that removes dirt, tarnish, and other buildup from precious metals or gemstones. It’s important to regularly clean your jewelry to keep it looking its best. But it’s not as easy as just pouring some jewelry cleaner in a bowl and submerging your pieces—the type of discoloration jewelry can take on is very different from one piece to the next, and some materials can’t stand certain chemicals. For these reasons, it’s best to stick with DIY solutions that are gentle enough for everyday use and that contain budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have in your home.
The spray formula of this cleaner is quick and easy, but the results aren’t quite as shiny as some other products we’ve tested. It also doesn’t do a great job of cleaning some crevices, especially on rings and small earrings, which may be more difficult to hold while in the water. That said, it’s a good choice for most materials except soft porous ones like pearls and opals (it could damage them).
You can also try mixing a solution of baking soda and vinegar, but be cautious as this isn’t suitable for pieces with soft or porous stones and can actually damage some silver. It’s also not a great option for pieces with oxidation or patina, which are harder to remove.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can try some of the many recipes online for homemade jewelry cleaner. This works well for sterling silver and some gold and costume pieces, but not for gemstones unless they are synthetic or cubic zirconia (CZ). It can also melt or weaken glue that holds crystals in place within a setting, so don’t soak pieces with these stones for more than a few minutes and be sure to rub gently with a non-abrasive brush before rinsing.
For pieces that are heavily tarnished, you can try soaking them in a bowl of vinegar for several hours. The acidity of this solution can be too harsh for some metals, including copper.
Another way to get rid of heavy tarnish is to soak your jewelry in a solution made from boiling water and table salt. This is a gentle, inexpensive alternative to jewelry cleaner that can be bought at most grocery stores and often has ingredients you’ll have in your pantry. Rinse thoroughly and dry carefully with a cloth to prevent water spots.
The easiest way to clean most gemstones and some metals is to line a small bowl with foil, add warm water, and sprinkle in a little baking soda or salt. Leave the pieces to soak for 20 or 40 minutes, then scrub them gently with a non-abrasive nylon brush (a soft-bristled toothbrush works best). Rinse and dry thoroughly before wearing.
For a more thorough clean, you can try using a jewelry steamer. These devices are typically located on a shelf near a sink, and they work by adding pressurized steam to the water to loosen stuck-on debris. They’re most effective on faceted jewelry, but they can work well on some flat and hollow pieces as well.
