Cleaning jewelry at home can be pretty easy and doesn’t need a lot of fancy tools.
Learning how to clean your jewelry yourself can save you time and money. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your favorite pieces sparkling and looking new.
I’ve tried many different ways to clean my jewelry, and some methods really work better than others. The best part is, you probably already have what you need right in your kitchen or bathroom.
1) Use a Soft Toothbrush
I always find using a soft toothbrush is one of the best ways to clean my jewelry.
It’s gentle yet effective at getting into all those tiny nooks and crannies.
First, I mix a bowl of lukewarm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
Then, I dip the soft toothbrush into the solution.
Next, I gently scrub my jewelry with the toothbrush.
I make sure to go over each piece lightly, especially around settings and engravings.
After that, I rinse the jewelry under lukewarm water.
It’s important to cover the drain or use a bowl to make sure nothing goes down the drain by accident.
Finally, I use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry the pieces.
This keeps them from getting scratched and brings back their shine.
Using a soft toothbrush makes my jewelry sparkle without damaging it. It’s a simple and safe way to keep my favorite pieces looking new. For more tips, you can visit Practical Perfection for similar cleaning methods.
2) Baking soda paste
Making a baking soda paste is a simple way to clean your jewelry at home.
I like to use it because it’s quick and doesn’t require any fancy tools.
First, mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. This will create a thick paste.
Next, take an old toothbrush and dip it into the paste.
Gently scrub your jewelry with the toothbrush. Make sure to get into all the little nooks and crannies.
After scrubbing, rinse the jewelry under cool water to remove all the paste.
Be careful not to drop your jewelry in the sink!
Finally, pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth.
It’s important to get it completely dry to avoid any water spots.
Using baking soda paste is a great way to make your jewelry sparkle again. All you need are a few common items from your kitchen.
3) Mild Dish Soap Solution
Alright, let’s get those jewels sparkling again! Start by grabbing a small bowl.
Fill it with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Stir it gently to mix.
Now, plop your jewelry into the bowl. Let it soak for a few minutes.
After soaking, take a soft toothbrush and gently scrub the jewelry. Pay attention to any tiny crevices or settings.
Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the jewelry under cool water.
Make sure to use a drain catcher so nothing slips away!
Finally, dry the pieces with a soft cloth, like a microfiber cloth.
You can pat them gently to get rid of any remaining water.
Try to avoid using harsh chemicals. Stick to mild dish soap to keep your jewelry safe.
4) Ammonia and water mix
Cleaning jewelry with an ammonia and water mix is easy.
First, I put on some cleaning gloves. Then, I mix one part ammonia with six parts water in a bowl. The bowl should be ceramic, glass, or stainless steel.
I make sure the water is lukewarm, not hot.
Once the solution is ready, I place the jewelry in the bowl. I let it soak for just one minute.
After soaking, I gently scrub the jewelry with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
I need to be careful not to scratch it. Then, I rinse the jewelry under running water.
Finally, I pat it dry with a soft cloth.
If the jewelry isn’t too dirty, I sometimes use a small hand strainer to take it out.
This helps keep my hands out of the ammonia solution.
Remember, don’t let the jewelry sit too long in the mixture. It can damage the metal or stones.
5) Aluminum foil with baking soda
Cleaning jewelry with aluminum foil and baking soda is super easy.
First, grab a sheet of aluminum foil. Make sure it’s big enough to line the bottom of a bowl.
Next, fill the bowl with hot water. Adding some salt and baking soda helps a lot in cleaning. I usually add about two tablespoons of each.
Then, place your jewelry on the foil. Let it soak for about 5 minutes. You’ll start seeing the tarnish fading away.
After soaking, rinse the jewelry with clean water.
Finally, dry it with a soft cloth.
This method works well for both silver and gold jewelry.
It’s quick and doesn’t take a lot of effort, but the results are amazing.
I love using this method because it’s so simple and effective. For more tips, check out how to clean sterling silver.
6) Vodka or Gin Soak
Sometimes, my jewelry gets really dirty. When that happens, I use vodka or gin to clean it.
I pour a little bit of either vodka or gin into a small bowl. I make sure there’s enough to cover my jewelry.
Next, I drop the jewelry into the bowl and let it soak for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps loosen up any dirt or grime.
After soaking, I take the jewelry out and gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush.
This gets into all the tiny spaces and removes leftover grime.
I then rinse the jewelry with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.
My jewelry always ends up looking super shiny and clean after this method.
It’s quick and easy, and I usually have vodka or gin at home.
7) Club Soda Dip
Cleaning jewelry with club soda is easy and gentle.
First, fill a small bowl with club soda. I usually pour in about two to three cups.
Next, add your jewelry to the bowl. Make sure all parts are covered by the soda.
Leave the jewelry to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps loosen any dirt or grime.
After soaking, take a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub your jewelry.
Be careful not to scrub too hard.
Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the jewelry under cold water to wash off any soda and dirt.
Finally, dry the jewelry with a soft, clean cloth.
You can also place it on a towel to let any extra moisture drain away.
Avoid using this method on pearls, as they can be damaged by soaking.
I stick to using it for diamonds, rubies, and other sturdy stones. If you want your gems to sparkle, soaking them in club soda is a great choice.
8) Toothpaste for Silver
I swear by using toothpaste to shine my silver jewelry.
First, I grab a small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a pea. I make sure it’s not the gel kind.
Then, I use a soft cloth or even my finger to apply the toothpaste to the silver.
Once I’ve spread the toothpaste, I gently rub my jewelry with a damp cloth or a clean toothbrush.
This helps remove the tarnish without scratching.
After scrubbing, I rinse the silver with warm water to wash off any leftover toothpaste.
Lastly, I dry my jewelry with a soft towel to make it look shiny and new.
Using toothpaste on silver is quick and easy.
It’s something I can do in just a few minutes whenever my silver jewelry starts to look dull.
I find this method handy, especially when I don’t have any fancy cleaners at home. And my silver always looks great afterward.
9) Antibacterial Cleaner
Using an antibacterial cleaner can help keep your jewelry germ-free.
I like to use mild antibacterial soap mixed with warm water. This works well for most types of jewelry.
First, fill a small bowl with warm water. Then, add a few drops of antibacterial soap. Mix it gently with your fingers.
Next, place your jewelry into the bowl. Let it soak for about five minutes. This will help loosen any dirt and grime.
After soaking, take a soft toothbrush.
Gently scrub the jewelry, paying special attention to any small crevices.
Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the jewelry under cool running water.
Make sure all the soap is washed off.
Finally, dry the jewelry with a soft cloth. If needed, you can also let it air dry on a clean towel.
And that’s it! Your jewelry should now be clean and free of germs. For more tips on cleaning jewelry, you might want to check out this guide on cleaning jewelry.
10) Ketchup for tarnish
I was surprised to learn that you can use ketchup to clean tarnished jewelry. It might sound strange, but it works!
First, get a bowl and add enough ketchup to cover your jewelry. Drop your tarnished piece in the bowl.
Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. Don’t leave it too long, as the acid in the ketchup can damage it.
After it has soaked, take the jewelry out and rinse it with warm water.
You might want to use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away any remaining tarnish.
Dry the piece with a clean cloth, and you’ll see it’s much shinier.
I’ve tried this on my silver necklace, and it worked wonders.
Understanding Different Types of Jewelry
Different types of jewelry need different care to stay shiny and new. Here’s how to handle gold, silver, and gemstones to keep them looking their best.
Materials and Their Care Needs
Gold: Gold jewelry is pretty tough but can get scratched. I usually clean my gold pieces with a mix of baking soda and vinegar or sometimes just mild soap and water. A soft toothbrush works well to get into small areas.
Silver: Silver tarnishes easily, so I clean it more often. The easiest way is using hand sanitizer or baking soda with aluminum foil. You can also use plain white toothpaste. Just remember to rinse it off well.
Gemstones: Hard gemstones like diamonds can be cleaned at home with mild soap and water. For more delicate stones, I usually take them to a professional to avoid damage.
Gentle Cleaning Techniques
These methods are safe for most types of jewelry, helping to keep your treasures sparkling without causing any damage. I’ll explain how to use mild soap and water, as well as a baking soda and vinegar method.
Using Mild Soap and Water
To clean jewelry with soap and water, you’ll need some gentle dish soap, warm water, and a soft-bristled brush.
First, mix a small amount of mild soap into a bowl of warm water. Stir it gently to create suds.
Place your jewelry in the soapy water and let it soak for a few minutes to loosen dirt and oils.
Next, use a soft brush, like an old toothbrush, to gently scrub the jewelry. Be sure to pay attention to crevices where grime might be hiding.
Scrub gently in circular motions.
After scrubbing, rinse your jewelry under warm running water to remove soap residue.
Pat dry with a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid using paper towels as they can scratch delicate surfaces.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
For a deeper clean, you can use baking soda and vinegar, especially on tarnished pieces. Make sure to avoid this method on pearls or delicate stones as they can be damaged by vinegar.
Start by placing your jewelry in a bowl.
Sprinkle baking soda generously over your pieces. Then, pour vinegar over the baking soda. You’ll see it fizz as it starts to work on the grime.
Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a soft brush to clean the pieces, making sure to get into small crevices.
Rinse thoroughly under warm water to remove all baking soda and vinegar.
Finally, dry your jewelry well with a soft cloth before putting it away. This method can make your jewelry look almost new again.
Precautions to Take
When cleaning jewelry at home, it’s important to avoid harsh chemicals and store your pieces properly. Let me give you some tips to keep your jewelry looking its best.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals
When cleaning jewelry, you should never use products with bleach or ammonia. These chemicals can damage metals and gemstones.
Instead, stick to mild soap and lukewarm water.
Always rinse your jewelry well and dry it completely before storing it.
Wet jewelry can lead to tarnish. For tougher spots, a soft toothbrush can help scrub them away without scratching.
A soaking solution of baking soda and water can be great for gold pieces. For silver, use a mix of lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle dish soap.
Remember, a little goes a long way to keep your pieces sparkling.
Proper Storage Tips
Keeping your jewelry in a safe place is just as important as cleaning it. Store items in a soft-lined jewelry box to avoid scratches.
If you don’t have one, individual soft pouches or bags can also work well.
Don’t let different types of metals touch each other. Mixing them can cause tarnishing.
Keep silver separate from gold to maintain their shine.
Hanging necklaces individually can prevent tangles. I like to use hooks or a jewelry tree for this.
For rings and earrings, use sectioned boxes to keep pairs together and easy to find.
Lastly, avoid storing jewelry in damp areas.
Moisture can cause metals to tarnish and gemstones to lose their sparkle. Keep them in a cool, dry place to ensure they stay beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gathered some handy tips to make your jewelry sparkle and avoid any cleaning disasters. Let’s dig into how to keep your bling shiny without any fuss.
What’s the scoop on making my gold and diamonds sparkle with some homemade cleaner?
To clean gold and diamonds at home, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water.
Use a soft toothbrush to scrub gently, then rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
It’s pretty simple and works like a charm every time.
Is it cool to use vinegar to make my jewelry shine, or is that a no-go?
Yes, you can use vinegar for cleaning jewelry. It’s effective in breaking down tarnish, just be sure to test on a small area first.
If you want to try this method, mix half a cup of white vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda. This works especially well for silver.
Got any no-bake jewelry cleaning tips for someone who’s fresh out of baking soda?
If you don’t have baking soda, use mild dish soap and warm water.
Dip a soft toothbrush in the soapy water and gently scrub your jewelry. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
This method is gentle and usually safe for most types of jewelry.
What are the biggest no-nos when it comes to scrubbing up my bling?
Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or acetone, as well as abrasive materials like toothpaste (on soft stones) or paper towels.
These can damage delicate stones and metals. Stick to gentle cleaners and soft brushes to keep your jewelry looking its best.
Can you spill the tea on the best DIY soak to get my jewels gleaming?
One of the best soaks is a mix of warm water, mild dish soap, and a touch of ammonia.
Let your jewelry soak for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse and dry.
Does aluminum foil really work wonders on tarnished treasures, or is that just a myth?
It’s true! Using aluminum foil can remove tarnish from silver jewelry.
Line a bowl with aluminum foil, add hot water, a tablespoon of baking soda, and your tarnished jewelry. Let it sit for a few minutes; the tarnish will transfer to the foil.
Rinse and dry for sparkling results.
