Using a Jewelry Cleaner to Make Your Bling Shine

Whether it’s a diamond ring or a copper-colored bangle, all jewelry gets dirty over time. Oil and dander from the skin, dust, buildup, soap residue, and even rust — all of these things can dull or discolor your favorite pieces over time. It’s important to keep a regular cleaning schedule and use an effective Jewelry cleaner to make your bling shine.

A simple solution of hot water, a few drops of dishwashing soap, and a non-abrasive brush is all you need to get your jewelry extra clean and shiny. Just add your pieces to a bowl of warm, soapy water and let them soak for about 20 minutes, then use a soft-bristled brush to loosen any dirt that’s still clinging to the piece. Rinse and dry before displaying or wearing it again.

While this method works well for most metal jewelry, it’s not strong enough to remove major stains or tarnish from some items, especially those made of sterling silver. For these items, we recommend using a jewelry cleaner specifically designed to work with fine jewelry, like Connoisseurs Fine Jewelry Cleaner. This quick-acting formula is safe for most metals, including gold-filled, brass, sterling silver, and German (nickel) silver. It’s also a great option for most stone jewelry, but not for pearls, opals, coral, and doublets, as well as some other organic materials that can be damaged by harsh chemicals.

If you want to save time, you can use an easy homemade Jewelry cleaner that only requires ingredients you already have at home: baking soda and aluminum foil. Simply line the bottom of a small cereal bowl with foil, then fill it with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Carefully add your jewelry and let it sit for a few minutes. The foil and liquid will help protect the items from scratches, and you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to get into any hard-to-reach spots.

Another convenient Jewelry cleaner option is a spray formula, like Brilliant Jewelry Cleaner, which can be used on most jewelry types and stones. The product contains a gentle solution that easily removes oil, lotion, grime, and tarnish with just a few sprays. It has a pleasant scent that smells similar to Windex and is very affordable, but it’s not strong enough to remove heavy tarnish or stains from some jewelry items, so you may need to repeat the process.

There are also many Jewelry cleaner machines on the market, either manual or ultrasonic. Brittany Groshong, cofounder and chief creative officer of jewelry maker Valley Rose, says to choose one based on your needs, your budget, and how hands-on you want to be with the cleaning process. Manual cleaners come in the form of liquid, cream, gel, foam, and wipes, while ultrasonic machines are filled with water or a cleaning solution and use high-frequency sound waves to agitate and clean the jewelry inside. Choosing the right Jewelry cleaner for you will keep your jewelry looking great for years to come.