How to Clean Jewelry at Home: A Quick Guide Clean Jewelry
Here's a quick guide on how to clean your jewelry at home!
Best practice: Dish soap & warm water
For most jewelry, using warm water and dish soap is enough to store it back to its shininess.
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
- Soak your jewelry for 10–15 minutes.
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away dirt.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
If you have a tarnish silver, the tarnish is not a defect. Think of it like a patina on leather. It shows that it's a vintage or antique item! So it's part of the jewelry's character!
What to avoid when cleaning jewelry
Before we start cleaning, here are some things to avoid when you're cleaning your jewelry:
- Abrasive household cleaners, like baking soda and toothpaste
- Aggressive scrubbing, because it can scratch the metal or damage delicate surfaces
- *Chemical cleaning dips
- Household chemicals, including ammonia and glass cleaners, unless specifically recommended for that particular piece
- Soaking delicate gemstones, especially pearls and opals
- Ultrasonic or steam cleaning without checking the gemstone
* For chemical cleaning dips, confirm that it is suitable for the jewelry you have.
Additionally, tarnish on silver isn't always something that needs to be removed. Sometimes, it's part of the item's character like age or patina.
What to use when cleaning jewelry
Here are a couple of items that you should use when cleaning jewelry:
- Mild soap and lukewarm water for many gold and durable gemstone pieces.
- A soft-bristled brush to gently remove dirt from hard-to-reach places.
- A soft, lint-free cloth for wiping jewelry after wearing and removing oils and residue.
- A proper polishing cloth to restore shine, especially for silver.
- A slightly damp cloth for pearls and opals.
There are two alternative options for cleaning that's involves more of a little more investment.
You can try an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, but only when the jewelry or gemstone is suitable for it.
For the safest option, you can take it to a professional cleaner for anything valuable, antique, delicate, or heavily soiled jewelry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to clean jewelry at home?
The safest and best way to clean jewelry at home is to soak it in a bowl of warm soapy water and gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
What should you not clean jewelry with?
Never clean jewelry with an abrasive material like toothpaste or baking soda, chemicals like bleach, or acidic solutions like vinegar and lemon juice.
What is the best homemade jewelry cleaner?
A simple mix of warm soapy water is the best homemade jewelry cleaner.
In closing
Cleaning your jewelry at home doesn't have to be complicated.
For most jewelry pieces, soaking it in warm soapy water and gently scrubbing with a soft brush or cloth is all you need to keep it looking its best.
Remember: every metal and gemstone is different. But it's always best to avoid harsh chemicals and aggressive methods. If anything, you can always have a professional clean it for you!