Jewelry Care Basics: Homemade Jewelry Cleaner

Regularly cleaning your jewelry is one of the best ways to ensure it retains that fresh-from-the-store shine! Nothing can replace a professional cleaning. However, a homemade jewelry cleaner is an excellent supplement when getting to a specialist isn't feasible, and your jewelry is starting to lose its luster. 

We're going to break down some of the do's and don'ts of keeping your jewelry clean, followed by our favorite (super easy) homemade jewelry cleaner! 

Proper Jewelry Care Basics: 

Do keep jewelry dry. Jewelry should be removed when showering, applying beauty products, and cleaning. When getting ready for the day, a good rule to follow is that jewelry should be the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing to come off at night. 

Don't go swimming with your jewelry on. Both chlorine and saltwater can cause damage and discoloration to your jewelry quicker than you might think. 

Do be mindful of safe storage. Tossing jewelry in boxes without separate compartments and soft padding can result in scratches. Store silver in anti-tarnishing bags to preserve the original color. 

Don't expose jewelry to harsh light or drastic temperature changes. Routine exposure to these harsh elements can cause certain types of gems to dry out, fracture, or discolor over time. 

At-Home & Homemade Jewelry Cleaner:

Cleaning gold and silver jewelry with water and dish soap.

When it comes to jewelry cleaning, there's a stark difference between at-home and homemade. At-home ultrasonic jewelry cleaners are becoming more common. Though this (potentially pricey) option might be suitable for some, it's important to note that not all kinds of jewelry can be safely cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. 

Conversely, search for homemade jewelry cleaner online and you'll see a host of DIY recipes using a range of household products from baking soda and vinegar to tea tree oil and witch hazel. Though effective in removing dirt and grime, many of these recipes are too abrasive or acidic to clean more delicate types of jewelry safely. 

Fortunately, the safest homemade jewelry cleaner is also the easiest! Simply line a bowl with aluminum foil, mix a solution of warm (not hot) water, and a few drops of mild dish soap allowing your jewelry to soak for a couple of minutes. Then, remove the items and gently scrub them with a new toothbrush with soft bristles to remove any stuck-on dirt. Rinse the solution off in a cup of clean water instead of directly over the drain, or risk losing a stone or even the entire piece of jewelry! 

While dish soap and water is the best homemade jewelry cleaner, it's still not a replacement for taking your jewelry to be regularly cleaned and inspected by a jewelry repair specialist. We suggest that fine jewelry be professionally cleaned and inspected every six months, but sometimes life happens, and your jewelry misses a cleaning. Luckily, this easy method is a great way to keep your favorite pieces looking shiny and new between cleanings. 

If you have a piece in need of cleaning, shoot us a message in the comments and we’ll help you get started!