Jewelry is a beautiful finishing touch to an outfit, and it’s easy for your precious gems and metals to become dull or tarnished with daily wear. The right jewelry cleaner can restore your beloved pieces to their original shine in just minutes. The best jewelry cleaners are gentle enough for delicate stones and metals but effective at removing dirt, body oils, lotions, residue and tarnish.
Some cleaning methods are safer for certain types of jewelry than others, depending on the metal and how it’s constructed as well as if there are any gemstones present. For example, pearls and opals are quite porous and require different cleaning techniques than more hardy diamonds. For this reason, it’s important to know what kind of jewelry you have before using a particular product.
The most commonly used method for jewelry cleaning is a mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid or household glass cleaner. Pour the solution over your jewelry and gently scrub with a soft brush or sponge to remove any loose buildup. You can also soak your jewelry for a few minutes before rinsing and wiping it dry.
A few drops of rubbing alcohol can also be added to this solution for an extra boost of cleanness. However, this solution is not safe for pearls and other soft gemstones, so be careful if you have any.
Using a toothbrush is another simple and affordable way to clean your jewelry. The tiny bristles on a toothbrush are great for getting into tight nooks and crannies, and can even be used to scrub away light tarnish. Just make sure you use a non-metal bristle, since the metal in your jewelry can damage the tooth.
For a bit more money, you can purchase an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner machine that works in a similar manner to the solution you would put into a sink or bowl. These machines work by shooting out little steam bursts to agitate your jewelry, and they’re safe for most kinds of jewels. Some have multiple settings so you can use a more gentle setting for more delicate items and a stronger option for a little harder-wearing jewelry.
For a budget-friendly option, you can also try one of the many DIY jewelry cleaner recipes available online. Baking soda and effervescent heartburn tablets both create a chemical reaction when mixed with water, and they can effectively remove built-up gunk without damaging your jewelry. Just be careful if you have any soft gemstones, as baking soda can scratch them.
