Jewelry cleaner helps breathe new life into worn pieces, restoring luster and shine. A variety of commercial cleaning products are available for use at home, but you can also make your own solution using inexpensive household items that are safe and effective for most metal jewelry pieces. These homemade methods of cleaning jewelry offer greater control over the ingredients used, and they’re often less expensive than store-bought cleansers. These homemade cleaners should be used sparingly as they may erode delicate metal pieces, and they shouldn’t be sprayed directly onto stones or soft porous gemstones, which can be damaged by the chemicals.
Jewelry cleaning is a common chore that’s easy to overlook, but regular care and cleaning helps your favorite pieces look their best. Most jewelry can be cleaned using a combination of antibacterial cleaner or hand sanitizer and water, with a few other tools and tips. For example, a gentle dishwashing soap can be used to loosen oil, lotions and grime that’s caked into the surface of most jewelry, while a little baking soda mixed with boiling water can help remove tarnish or major spots. This method is especially effective for sterling silver and costume jewelry metals, as well as faceted gemstones like cubic zirconia.
For more serious grime, a good quality ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is a worthwhile investment. These cleaners create millions of microscopic bubbles that dislodge dirt and residue from crevices and pockets, and they can often restore previously tarnished jewelry pieces to their original, sparkling condition. These cleaners are relatively inexpensive compared to other jewelry cleaning solutions, and they can usually be found at local hardware stores. The LifeBasis ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is a budget-friendly choice that’s ideal for most jewelry types, and it offers a variety of features, including an indicator light to let you know when the tank needs emptying.
While a good jewelry cleaner can go a long way in restoring your most beloved jewelry, it’s important to have the proper tools for the job. A few key items you’ll need include a jewelry polishing cloth, a small soft brush and an appropriate size glass container to keep your jewelry in while cleaning. A small bottle of jewelry cleaner is also a handy addition to your arsenal of cleaning tools, as it can be used to quickly re-polish tarnished jewelry pieces before they’re worn again.
Rather than investing in a commercial jewelry cleaner, you can make your own solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and baking soda in a glass bowl and soaking your jewelry for a few minutes. This recipe works great for most metals, including sterling silver and gold, as well as a variety of faceted gemstones, but be careful with pieces that are glued in place or made from soft, porous materials such as opals and corals, as this cleaning solution can be too caustic for them. It’s also not recommended to soak natural pearls in this solution, as it can melt the glue holding them in place.
