Jewelry can get dirty with daily wear, body oils, and even smudges. Regular cleaning removes grime and makes your baubles shine.
However, certain metals and stones require special care when cleaning.
Vinegar
If you have a bottle of white vinegar in your house, it can be as effective at cleaning your jewelry as any commercial cleaner.
Experts in jewelry repair in Los Angeles recommend a half cup of white vinegar solution and two tablespoons of baking soda for soaking silver jewelry.
Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Another non-toxic solution is to mix a cup of boiling water, a tablespoon of baking soda, and a teaspoon of salt. Soak your jewelry and remove it after ten minutes or when the tarnish has softened.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is mildly abrasive, but when mixed with water, it becomes a gentle paste that can remove tarnish from silver.
This cleaning solution can also be used on metals like gold. This DIY method is simple, cheap, and effective.
Gold ‘N I Jewelers mentioned that combining one part baking soda with two parts water is ideal, as it strikes a balance between being abrasive enough to tackle tarnish but not too harsh on jewelry.
This ratio also allows the paste to be spread evenly on the surface of the jewelry and into all the crevices.
Dip a soft, lint-free cloth into the solution and rub gently over the dirty jewelry until it looks shiny and new again.
Rinse and dry with a clean cloth to avoid any residue causing future damage. This technique is especially effective for ring settings, clasps, and other hard-to-reach areas of silver jewelry.
Lemon Juice
Many of us have jewelry items ranging from everyday staples to precious keepsakes.
Some, like sterling silver, will hold up fairly well under most household cleaners, but others may need a more specific solution to keep them clean and looking their best.
The natural acidity of lemon juice is effective for removing the oxide layer that builds up on metals, causing them to darken.
Simply apply a small amount of fresh or bottled lemon juice to a cloth and rub away your tarnished pieces. Add baking soda to the lemon juice for more heavily tarnished pieces for an extra helping hand.
Avoid using toothpaste on delicate stones such as pearls and opals, which can scratch them. Instead, use a lint-free cloth to buff the gemstones gently.
Regularly cleaning your jewelry is the best way to ensure your favorite pieces are always ready to wear.
Depending on how often you wear your jewelry, it’s recommended that you clean it once every few weeks with mild soap and water.
Scrub With A Toothbrush
If your jewelry is heavily tarnished, a soft-bristled toothbrush can make short work of it without further damaging the metal.
The tiny bristles easily reach hard-to-reach nooks and crannies and are particularly effective at loosening light spots.
Scrub gently and rinse with water before putting your jewelry away. Another simple way to clean jewelry is to place them in a heat-proof container and slowly pour boiling water.
This method is effective for most types of jewelry, but it won’t remove significant stains or build-up. Soak for a few minutes, then wipe dry before putting your jewelry on.
