Six Ways to Clean Your Jewelry at Home

From everyday pieces to stately gems, there’s a chance your jewelry is laden with tarnish and grime. While rinsing and brushing may remove some of the buildup, it can also cause unnecessary damage. If you’re worried about damaging your jewelry, it’s best to turn to a professional for the cleanest results. But if you want to clean your jewelry at home, there are plenty of options that are quick, easy, and affordable. We’ve rounded up six helpful hacks that will have your jewelry looking like new in no time.

If you’re in a pinch, you can use the same type of glass cleaner most people reach for to clean their jewelry. However, be sure to check the instructions before submerging your piece in the solution. Some sprays contain ingredients that can damage certain stones or metals. For example, Grandma’s Secret Jewelry cleaner can clean silver, gold, and platinum jewelry, but it may damage coral, pearls, or opals.

A jar of ketchup is another quick and easy way to get your jewelry looking like new. You can either dip the jewelry in the ketchup or rub it with a soft bristled toothbrush to help get into those hard-to-reach crevices. Once you’ve got a nice shine on your jewelry, be sure to rinse it well before wearing it.

One of the quickest ways to clean your jewelry is with a plant-based ultrasonic cleaner that’s safe for a wide range of materials. This highly-rated product by Calyptus uses a specialized liquid that’s gentle on the environment and safe for all metals and gemstones, including sapphires and rubies. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the cleaner and dilute it properly.

For a more traditional clean, you can also try a mixture of warm water and a bit of soap to get your jewelry looking shiny and fresh again. Be sure to soak your piece for the recommended amount of time before scrubbing it with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any marks or residue. Then, rinse and dry the jewelry completely before wearing.

We love Connoisseurs Fine Jewelry Cleaner for its ease of use and great results. This specialized jewelry cleaner works on silver, gold, and costume jewelry. Just put your jewelry into the included tray and allow it to soak in the liquid formula for 30 seconds. Then, use the included brush to scrub your jewelry (especially under any stones), rinse, and polish with the lint-free cloth. This jewelry cleaner is also super convenient and travel-friendly because it comes in a box of 30 wipes.