During normal wear and tear, jewelry can get dirty and tarnished. Not only does that take away from the beauty of your bling, but it can also create breeding grounds for bacteria and other contaminants that can cause damage to your precious metals and gemstones. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to keep your rings and bracelets sparkling clean, from household items to professional-grade cleaners. But which one is right for your jewelry?
A gentle dishwashing liquid is a safe option for most metal pieces because it cuts through oils and grime just like the soap does on your dishes. Pour a few inches of the solution into a bowl and add your jewelry to soak for a few minutes. This method is best for mild stains, tarnish and general wear-and-tear. It isn’t strong enough to remove rust or major buildup, however.
Many jewelry stores have ultrasonic cleaners that use high-frequency sound waves to agitate and loosen dirt and oil from jewelry. The process, called cavitation, works by creating and rapidly collapsing microscopic vacuum bubbles in a solution (in this case, water). When the bubbles hit the jewelry, they shake it loose, leaving your pieces shiny and lustrous. It isn’t the most affordable option, but it can make your jewelry look as good as new.
Another way to clean your jewelry quickly and inexpensively is with rubbing alcohol. This is a great hack for silver jewelry because it dissolves quickly and won’t leave any residue. However, it’s not recommended for plated or costume jewelry and should be used with extreme caution with gemstones because it can dull their shine and cause them to become brittle.
If you have a lot of plated jewelry and don’t mind cleaning it more often, there are chemical-free cleaners specifically designed for that type of metal. These cleaners usually come in the form of wipes, which are convenient to carry in a purse or work bag for on-the-go touchups. These cleaners are usually formulated with special ingredients that dissolve grease and grime without damaging the surface of the metal.
For a professional-grade solution, there are also steam and ultrasonic cleaners that you can purchase for at-home use. These devices function in much the same manner as their commercial counterparts, but are often less expensive and require no electricity to operate.
Some jewelry cleaners are also available in the form of pens that make it easy to carry in a pocket or pouch for on-the-go touchups. Some are refillable and can be used for multiple cleaning sessions, while others are disposable. GH Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab experts carefully curate our list of jewelry cleaners to include options that will work well with the widest range of metals and gems, from basic sterling and gold-filled pieces to delicate pearls and unique fashion jewels. You’ll also find a variety of sizes, shapes and price points, making it easy to select the best jewelry cleaner for your needs.
