Jewelry cleaner is a solution that dissolves dirt and oils and restores the luster of jewelry. While some people may opt for DIY hacks like scrubbing their jewelry with toothpaste, experts recommend using jewelry cleaner formulated specifically for the piece’s type of metal and gemstones. This way, it’s safe for delicate stones and metals, which could be scratched by abrasive scrubbers.
Generally, the amount of time your jewelry spends in contact with lotions, soaps and other chemicals will determine how often it needs to be cleaned. However, all jewelry should be given a gentle cleaning at least once per month. For jewelry with hard gemstones (including diamonds), this can be done by gently rubbing the surface with a clean, soft toothbrush or cloth. If there are stubborn tarnish marks on the piece, you can use a mild dishwashing liquid or non-toxic cleaner. For gold, platinum or silver jewelry, we recommend using a special jewelry cleaner, as the harsh chemical ingredients in many glass cleaners can damage these pieces.
Many professional jewelers offer at-home jewelry cleaning services, and they are often the best option for extremely dirty or heavily tarnished jewelry. They can also help you keep your jewelry looking its best by helping you avoid tarnishing and recommending the right cleaning method for each piece.
Before choosing a professional cleaner, though, it’s important to understand the difference between a jewelry polishing cloth and a professional ultra-sonic jewelry cleaning machine. According to Groshong, a professional cleaning machine uses vibration-like waves and water-based solutions to reach deep into crevices, loosening embedded dirt and oil and restoring your jewelry’s luster.
On the other hand, a jewelry polishing cloth is a gentle yet effective tool that can be used to remove minor scratches and tarnishing from jewelry. The only downside is that it doesn’t remove the buildup of heavy tarnish, which is why it is recommended to use this tool alongside a professional cleaner.
There are also at-home sonic cleaners that are designed to be used on all types of jewelry. These devices are easy to use and require no extra cleaning products or tools, and they work by soaking your jewelry in a solution for about two minutes before removing it and rinsing it off with water. However, they may not be as thorough as a professional cleaner, and they are typically single-use.
Lastly, there are also a number of jewelry cleaning brushes that can be used in conjunction with any of the above homemade or commercial cleaners. These have tiny bristles that can get into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. A good brush will come with a special cleaning solution to ensure that your piece is completely clean and free from grime and oil.
If you’re ready to invest in a jewelry cleaner, our top pick is Brilliant’s jewelry cleaner kit, which comes with a jar of pre-mixed cleaning formula, a drop-in plastic tray that keeps rings, necklaces and earrings in place, and a small soft brush for getting into hard-to-reach places. It’s safe for most jewelry types, including diamonds and pearls, and it’s even airplane carry-on friendly.
