Jewelry cleaner is a liquid formula that removes dirt, tarnish, and grime from precious metals and gemstones. These cleaners come in a variety of formats such as sprays, wipes, or drops. Some cleaners also have additional bonus features such as a degassing function or a sweep function, which is especially helpful for cleaning intricate jewelry designs.
Regular jewelry cleaning is one of the easiest ways to maintain a polished, beautiful appearance. Even the most pristine pieces can benefit from a little extra care and attention to detail every once in a while. While some people may be tempted to use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean their jewelry, this is not recommended, and can actually cause irreparable damage to delicate gems and metals.
The best jewelry cleaner is often the simplest, using ingredients that you probably already have at home. There are several DIY jewelry cleaner recipes that are safe for all types of metals and stones, including pearls, opal, and amber. The most important thing to remember is that no matter which method you choose, gentle rubbing or brushing is always the best approach to avoid any scratches or other surface damage.
Many jewelry cleaners on the market are specially formulated for specific types of jewelry. For example, a tarnish removal jewelry cleaner is the perfect choice for sterling silver and other tarnished precious metals. For this type of jewelry cleaner, simply line the bottom of a bowl with aluminum foil and pour in the cleaner. Allow the jewelry to soak for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Another type of homemade jewelry cleaner that can be used on all metals and most gemstones is vinegar. This works by combining equal parts white vinegar and table salt. This mixture creates a bubbling action that adheres to and removes unwanted particles from your jewelry, leaving it shiny and new. This type of jewelry cleaner is easy to use and is safe for all metals, including antique jewelry.
An ultrasonic cleaner is an excellent choice for larger jewelry collections, and it can also be effective on smaller jewelry items such as earrings or necklace chains. The ultrasonic cleaner uses high-frequency sound waves within a tank of water to create a phenomenon called cavitation, which is the rapid creation and collapse of microscopic bubbles that scrub away dirt and debris from the surface of jewelry. The best part is that there is no need to rinse jewelry after a cleaning with an ultrasonic cleaner.
For more difficult to clean jewelry, try using a dry toothbrush to remove any stubborn buildup. The tiny bristles of the toothbrush can get into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, and are particularly useful on delicate jewelry such as opal or amber. Alternatively, a simple solution of soap and water can be very effective for cleaning most jewelry. If your jewelry needs a deeper cleaning, however, you should use professional jewelry cleaner rather than abrasive or acidic materials.
