Jewelry may be expensive, and you want it to appear as good as the day you got it. You may not even realize that your jewelry has lost its luster after years of use. Dirt, debris, and everyday filth accumulate over time, dulling the appearance of the jewelry. Fortunately, there are several simple methods for cleaning jewelry. There is no need to purchase pricey jewelry cleaners to keep your jewelry in good condition. It only takes a little time and the appropriate chemicals to ensure that your diamonds sparkle and your gold shines.
So, if you’re wondering how to clean jewelry, these simple home jewelry cleaners are made using inexpensive materials that you most likely already have on hand.
Keep in mind that some hacks are ideally suited to specific types of jewelry. The harsher cleaning techniques meant for gold and platinum, for example, are ineffective on soft gemstones. Make sure you understand the materials used in your jewelry. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution and get your jewelry inspected by an expert, instead of wondering how to clean jewelry at home.
Your Toothbrush & Toothpaste Clean More Than Your Teeth
A clean, soft-bristled toothbrush is the ideal tool for cleaning filthy jewelry. Tiny bristles make it simple to reach hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. Consider scrubbing away the dirt with water for light areas. To remove harder buildup, dilute toothpaste with water before scrubbing the jewelry. Clean with a microfiber cloth after rinsing with water. Allow the jewelry to dry before storing it.
Use Ammonia To Make Your Diamonds Shine
Ammonia is commonly used to clean floors, but it also works well to clean diamonds without harming them.
In a jar or dish, combine the ammonia and water. Place your gems in the container and set them aside for 15 minutes. After your jewelry has soaked, carefully clean it with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any remaining dirt.
Make a point of cleaning the piece’s setting and crevices, as filth and debris tend to accumulate in these locations. Rinse the item with water and carefully dry it with a soft towel.
Use Baking Soda For A Thorough Clean
If you don’t want to scrub, let a chemical reaction do the cleaning for you. When baking soda and effervescent heartburn pills are combined with water, they both produce a chemical reaction. This reaction creates bubbles and fizz that attack the buildup on your jewelry with zeal. Put your jewelry in a small dish, cover it with water, and add an active substance.
Allow the jewelry to soak for a few minutes before removing it from the bowl and wiping it down with a cleaning cloth. Allow jewelry to dry before storing it. This approach is best suited for cleaning diamond rings, silver jewelry, or gold jewelry; do not use it on pearls or delicate gemstones.
Vinegar & Diatomaceous Earth Is The Best For Gold & Gemstones
One of the most common answers to the question ‘how to clean jewelry’ is vinegar. Vinegar can be used to clean virtually anything, but it is especially effective on gold and diamonds.
Fill a jar or dish halfway with white vinegar and fully cover the jewelry you’re washing. Allow the jewelry to soak in vinegar for about 15 minutes, swiping it around every few minutes to stir it.
After it has finished soaking, carefully clean your jewelry with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove dirt and residue. Rinse with cold water and pat dry. A little dusting of diatomaceous earth on your jewelry can also keep it from tarnishing.
Go Back To The Basics With Soap & Water
There’s a reason why soap and water are such a popular cleaning combination. This easy home remedy to clean jewelry removes spots, stains, and general dirt quickly and without causing harm to the surface. Mix a few drops of liquid dish soap with a few glasses of water to clean the jewelry. Mix everything together, then dip your jewelry in for a few seconds. Remove with a clean towel, then buff out any stains with a clean cloth. Allow time for jewelry to dry before storing it.
Keep in mind that this approach works best for minor stains, tarnish, or general wear and tear, such as those found in sterling silver. It’s unlikely to be robust enough to handle significant blemishes, corrosion, or accumulation. This will keep the shine on your jewelry, as well as clean the posts and decrease the risk of infection.
Aluminum Foil Is Ideal For Silver Jewelry
Aluminum foil may be used to clean tarnished silver jewelry. It’s the ideal method for cleaning silver at home.
Spread your jewelry out on a tray lined with a clean piece of foil. Make sure each piece of jewelry is completely coated with baking soda. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then carefully pour it over the jewelry. The tarnish on the jewelry is collected by the foil, which then scoops it up and cleans it. So, if you’re wondering how to clean jewelry DIY, this method is great.
It’s best to clean one side of your jewelry first, then turn it over and wipe the other side. This ensures that your jewelry cleans evenly. Rinse with warm water and pat dry carefully.
Nothing Brings The Clean Like Hot Water
Hard metal jewelry may be cleaned with hot water, which is a simple (and inexpensive) option. Dirt and debris loosen from the jewelry as a result of the steam and heat, making it easy to wipe away. Place the jewelry in a heatproof container and slowly pour boiling water over it until it is completely coated. Allow for a few minutes for the water to cool before removing the jewelry.
Remove the jewelry from the bowl and clean it with a clean towel to remove any dirt. Allow time for jewelry to dry before storing it. Keep in mind that pearls, opals, and a variety of other jewels will not work with this approach. Silver, gold, platinum, and diamonds are the only metals for which this method is appropriate.
FAQs on Cleaning Jewelry
Baking soda combined with hydrogen peroxide is an excellent cleaner for a variety of home items, as well as a safe and effective cleaner for gold, silver, and costume jewelry. To get the best results, mix a few drops of hydrogen peroxide with the baking soda and gently rub it on your jewelry.
Cleaning expensive jewelry at home with this DIY solution of a dish, tepid water, a soft-bristle toothbrush, and mild dish detergent is the most tried-and-true, gentle way to do it. This is preferable to using a gentler soap. In a bowl, combine a drop of dish soap with some tepid water to produce the DIY jewelry cleaner.
Vinegar makes cleaning your gold and gemstone jewelry a breeze. Simply place the jewelry in a container of vinegar and leave it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring regularly. If required, remove and clean with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Yes, you can. Rub tarnished silver with a dab of toothpaste (not gel) and a soft cloth. Then, rinse well with warm water and buff with a soft cloth to a sheen.
Conclusion
We recognize the value of cleaning jewelry in the convenience of your own home now more than ever. By employing these quick, easy, and effective best ways to clean jewelry at home. To learn more about jewelry and cleaning different types of items, keep reading Seema.
