Whether it’s a precious stone pendant or a gleaming silver ring, jewelry tends to attract dust, dirt, and tarnishes over time. The best way to bring your jewelry back to life is by cleaning it. But if you’re not an expert, or you just want to avoid the hassle and expense of taking your pieces to a professional jeweler, there are some budget-friendly DIY options that can do the trick.
It’s important to know the type of jewelry you have before choosing a cleaner, as different materials require a specific treatment. For example, porous organic gemstones such as coral and pearl should be cleaned more delicately than scratch-prone metals like gold. Also, while some Internet hacks recommend using toothpaste to scrub your gems, it’s important to note that toothpaste can actually damage or dull precious metals and stones.
Instead, we’ve rounded up the best jewelry cleaners that will leave your go-to accessories looking brand new. Unlike traditional jewelry cleaners, these DIY formulas are gentle enough for daily use. The best part is that they are super easy to make, requiring only ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Our top pick for a jewelry cleaner on a budget is this spray, which features a blend of surfactants, oxidation inhibitors, and an ammonium-based cleanser that’s safe to use for most metals (though avoid using it on soft, porous stones, such as opals and coral). It’s fast-acting and effective, making it ideal for bringing tarnished rings or necklace chains back to their original shine. Plus, the spray’s convenient design allows you to target even hard-to-reach areas with a toothbrush or other soft brush.
For an even more affordable option, we’ve also rounded up our favorite solid jewelry cleaner. This affordable formula from Brilliant is designed for a wide range of precious metals and gemstones, including platinum, sapphires, and diamonds. It’s a little more complicated to use than the liquid cleaners, as you have to dissolve the cleanser into warm water before applying it. But it’s worth it, as this formula is gentle enough to be used every day.
While these homemade recipes will work for most pieces, it’s important to note that they aren’t strong enough to tackle major stains or rust. We recommend visiting a professional jeweler for high-value pieces, as well as those that have sentimental value. And, as a general rule of thumb, you should visit a jeweler every six months to keep your favorite baubles in tip-top shape.
