When it comes to jewelry, a little routine maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your gems shining bright. But cleaning can be a tricky endeavor if your pieces are delicate or feature gemstones that require special care. For these reasons, it’s best to leave a professional jewelry cleaner at the store—and use safe homemade remedies for everyday grime-fighting. Whether your jewelry is made of precious metal or gemstones, these DIY formulas are easy to create, budget-friendly, and effective at restoring the sparkle to your favorite accessories.
For most silver jewelry, a gentle dishwashing soap is the perfect home solution. Like the detergents used in your kitchen, the chemicals in a mild soap cut through grease and grime that can cause dullness and tarnish. Simply add a few drops of soap to water and soak your jewelry pieces for a minute or two, then gently scrub them. If you have more serious stains or build-up, a soft-bristled toothbrush is a great tool for getting into the nooks and crannies of your piece.
However, it is important to note that this method won’t work with softer materials such as pearls, opals and other organic stones, and it should never be used on antique or rare artist jewelry, which could be damaged by harsh cleaning solutions. In addition, bleach is never recommended for jewelry cleaning, as the harsh chemical can erode the finish and polish of most metals.
For gold and platinum, it’s a good idea to combine safe home-cleaning methods with annual professional cleanings. A professional cleaner uses high-frequency sound waves to agitate the jewelry solution, dissolving oil and loosening dirt. They can also get into those hard-to-reach crevices that may be difficult to reach with a toothbrush or other hand-held instrument.
An ultrasonic cleaner sends high-frequency sound waves into a tank of solution through a process called cavitation, creating millions of microscopic vacuum bubbles that penetrate surfaces immersed in the solution. When the bubbles collide with the jewelry, they “burst” and carry away dirt and grime. The process also loosens accumulated oils and residue.
When choosing an ultrasonic cleaner, make sure it has a large enough tank to accommodate your jewelry. Some models also come with useful accessories such as baskets and jewelry racks for suspending your jewelry in the solution, and fine mesh baskets for small or delicate items. It’s also important to check out the device’s features, as many offer different cleaning modes and frequency options. Some even offer UV-C disinfection and automatic shut-off, among other features.
