3 Convenient and Easy Ways To Clean Jewelry At Home

We’re all guilty of it from time to time- jewelry neglect. From the dusty jewelry dish on your dresser to those holiday rings adorned with an abundance of sweater fuzz you once told yourself you’d pick out next year when it’s time to wear them again. Though jewelry has proven that it can stand the test of time, elemental attacks of oxidation, dust, garden dirt, skincare products, soaps, cooking, and yes, even hand sanitizer, wreak havoc on our treasures. You will amaze yourself with what the power of a baby toothbrush and a little T-L-C every now and then can do.

Jewelry Prevention and Care

You may find this hard to believe, but there are right and wrong ways to clean your jewelry. Think of cleaning your sorted jewelry in the same manner as you would choose to clean glass, wood, tile floors, and dishes. Your everyday jewelry may require a slightly different approach compared to those stately pieces you break out for special occasions and holidays. There is a fine line between cleaning too much and cleaning too little as both can cause a fuss in the long run depending on the type of jewelry you’re tending to. 

We recommend professional routine cleaning and maintenance on your items at least 2-3 times per year. 

Prevention

It is always a quality idea to take your jewelry off when you choose to do any chores around the house- in particular, gardening, dishes, remodeling, and chores around the house. However, personal care, such as showering, skincare routines, spa days, and even washing your hands can be hard on your jewelry. If you think about it, find a safe space to leave your jewelry before you grab that dish sponge.

Cleaning and Care For Fine Jewelry

1. Mild Soap and Water 
Sometimes, the simplest ways are the most effective. Gather a small dish, some warm water, and a drop of mild dish detergent for your solution. Soak your item(s) for at least a minute to loosen any casted dirt. Next, take a soft-bristle toothbrush or a children’s toothbrush to swipe and buff away any hard-to-reach dirt and grime. Rinse your item(s) underwater and brush, repeat until no suds remain. Finally, lay your jewelry on a paper towel to pat dry water spots and air dry completely before storing.

*Strung Pearls Soaked In Any Colored Solution Is At Risk Of Staining/Dying The Cord/Silk That The Pearls Are Strung On.

2. Hot Water and Mr. Clean 
For a good deep clean, take a mason jar (any size) and fill 60% with water, and microwave till close to boiling- you want the water HOT, but you do not want it boiling hot! Carefully remove the jar from the microwave and add 40% Mr. Clean solution to the jar. Submerge your jewelry items stirring occasionally to swish vibrations through the solution. Allow your item(s) to soak for 3-10 minutes then rinse, brush, and dry.

*Do Not Soak Opals, Pearls, Amber, Tanzanite, Peridot, Turquoise, and Emeralds in Hot Water. These Stones CAN Be Soaked in ROOM TEMPERATURE WATER AND MR. CLEAN. These Stones Cannot Accept HEAT.

*Strung Pearls Soaked In Any Colored Solution Is At Risk Of Staining/Dying The Cord/Silk That The Pearls Are Strung On.

Cleaning and Care For Silver Jewelry

3. Tinfoil, Salt, Boiling Water, and Baking Soda
Cleaning your precious metals and gemstones will differ from the way you clean your silver jewelry items. Sure there’s silver polish out there, but it is way more fun (and safer) to make your own silver cleaning station with tinfoil, baking soda, salt, and water. Create your soaking station by lining the bottom of a disposable aluminum baking/roasting pan with aluminum foil (you want the shiny side up). Next, you’ll lay your silver jewelry directly on the foil then sprinkle baking soda and salt into the pan. Try to start with about one tablespoon of each for every cup of water you end up using. Pour your boiling water over your jewelry until all pieces are saturated and covered well. You will notice the tarnish lifting away from your item(s). Use a fork or tongs to remove your pieces to rinse and pat dry.