Jewelry is the perfect addition to any outfit, unless it’s dull and tarnished. Storing your jewelry in a box where each piece is separate, and away from sunlight and moisture can help keep it looking great. However, tarnish can still occur. Fortunately, it’s easy to bring back the shine to gold, silver, and even costume jewelry by following expert cleaning steps. Before cleaning, check if there are specific instructions recommended for the jewelry you own.
Remember, all these cleaning methods require gentle rubbing, brushing, or wiping. Be careful not to handle your delicate jewelry too roughly! If you’re unsure about the type of jewelry you have, it’s safer to take it to a professional jeweler. They can figure out what it’s made of and choose a safer cleaning method, reducing the risk of damaging your jewelry. Keep reading to discover the best ways to clean all your jewelry, including those valuable gemstones.
How to Clean Silver Jewelry
The best way to clean tarnished silver and prevent it from tarnishing again quickly is by using a quality silver polish. This polish not only removes tarnish but also leaves a protective layer that helps prevent future tarnish. It can also be used on other silver items. While liquid and paste polishes can be messy, especially when you’re rushed, disposable cleaning wipes or reusable cloths designed for silver cleaning offer a tidier, more convenient option. These cloths usually have one layer for cleaning and another for shining.
If you don’t have silver polish and need a quick fix, you can try some do-it-yourself methods. However, these are not as effective in preventing tarnish from coming back, and using them too often, especially methods like using toothpaste, is not recommended by experts. Only use these DIY methods for quick touch-ups. If your jewelry is silver-plated, be gentle to avoid rubbing off the silver finish.
3 DIY Silver Cleaning Hacks
Dish Soap Method
Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Use a soft cloth to dip into this mixture, then gently rub the silver to clear the tarnish. After that, rinse it with cool water and dry it using another soft cloth.
Baking Soda Method
For tougher tarnish, create a paste by mixing three parts baking soda with one part water. Dampen the silver, then apply this paste using a soft, lint-free cloth. Rub it into the nooks and crannies and rotate the cloth as it picks up tarnish. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
Toothpaste Method
The mild abrasives in toothpaste that clean your teeth can also remove tarnish from silver. Put a small amount of white toothpaste (not gel) on your finger or a soft cloth, and gently rub it on the tarnished silver. Rinse well with warm water and polish it to a shine with a soft cloth.
How to Clean Gold Jewelry
It’s simple to make your gold jewelry sparkle again using items you likely have at home. If your gold pieces include precious or semi-precious stones such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, or sapphires, follow the cleaning steps below but use seltzer water instead of plain water. Our Lab tests showed that the bubbles in seltzer water help loosen dirt and clean out debris from the settings and surfaces of the stones. For cleaning rings and other stone-set jewelry when you’re out or just for convenience at home, consider carrying a portable jewelry cleaning wand.
What You’ll Need
- Dish soap
- Small strainer
- Soft microfiber cloths
- Soft toothbrush
Steps
Make a Cleaning Solution
Mix about one cup of warm water with a few drops of dish soap.
Soak the Jewelry
Place small pieces of gold jewelry in a strainer and then immerse it in the soapy water for up to five minutes. Move the items around gently to loosen dirt.
Scrub Off Grime
Remove the jewelry from the water and place it on a soft cloth. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away any remaining dirt.
Rinse and Dry
Put the small pieces back in the strainer and rinse under running water. Dry the jewelry by buffing it with a soft cloth.
How to Clean Jewelry with Pearls
Because pearls are porous, they easily collect dust and dirt and can quickly lose their shine. Whether your pearls are real, cultured, or imitation, it’s important to clean them gently. The most important rule is to never soak pearls, as soaking can weaken and break their string. This same no-soak method is also good for other porous stones like turquoise and opals. Special pearl cleaning kits make the job easier. These kits usually come with sachets of cleaner and a polishing cloth, simplifying the process of cleaning pearl strands.
What You’ll Need
- Small makeup brush
- Mild shampoo
- Clean microfiber cloth
Steps
Prepare Your Pearls
Place the pearl strand on a soft cloth.
Create a Cleaning Solution
Mix a cup of warm water with a small amount of mild shampoo. Dip a clean makeup brush into this solution, then gently shake off any excess liquid.
Clean the Pearls
Lightly brush each pearl with the damp brush. Use soft, careful movements and minimal pressure to avoid damaging the pearls.
Rinse and Dry
Moisten a clean microfiber cloth with water and wring it out well. Use this damp cloth to gently wipe the pearls clean. Lay the pearls flat to air dry, ensuring the string doesn’t stretch.
How to Clean Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry, often known as fake jewelry, tends to tarnish quickly because it’s made from less valuable metals such as brass, copper, and aluminum. You can keep this type of jewelry looking shiny by using some of the same care tips as for precious jewelry. These tips include keeping it away from water, storing it out of direct sunlight, and applying lotions and perfumes before you put on any jewelry.
What You’ll Need
- Dish soap
- Microfiber cloths
Steps
Make a Cleaning Solution
Mix water with a few drops of dish soap.
Clean the Jewelry
Dip a cloth into the soapy water, wring it out well, and gently wipe the jewelry. Be gentle to avoid damage. Don’t soak costume jewelry in water as the glue holding the stones might loosen and the stones could fall off.
Rinse the Jewelry
Dip another clean cloth in plain water and gently wipe the jewelry to rinse off the soap.
Dry the Jewelry
Pat the jewelry dry and then let it air dry completely. Lay the pieces upside down on a clean microfiber cloth or towel to prevent moisture from seeping into the settings.
Simple Ways to Keep Your Jewelry Clean and Shiny
Keep Jewelry Clean
Remove rings when you wash your hands, apply beauty products, clean the house, or use lotions. This helps prevent grime from building up. Also, put on perfume before wearing necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Care for Pearls
After wearing pearls, wipe them with a soft cloth to remove body oils and perfume, which can make them look yellow.
Protect Jewelry in Water
Take off all jewelry before swimming. Chlorine in pools and salt in seawater can damage it.
Wear Your Silver
Silver stays shinier when worn often because the friction reduces tarnish. Don’t just leave it in your jewelry box. Store it in an anti-tarnish bag when not wearing it.
Regular Check-ups
Have valuable jewelry checked regularly by a trusted jeweler to ensure the stones and settings are secure.