Jewelry: We love it. We wear it every day. But how often do we clean our earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings?
Life is messy and it’s no secret that jewelry can get dirty. Our hands constantly come into contact with different surfaces, which can leave behind oils, sweat, and dirt. Even if you’re careful to take your jewelry off before doing any heavy work or cleaning, it’s inevitable that some grime will build up over time.
But what happens when gold or diamonds get dirty? Oftentimes they lose some of their luster and sparkle, and that’s no fun. When it comes to cleaning jewelry, you won’t have to feel intimidated ever again.
We’re here to bust all the myths, give you straightforward tips, and have you on your way to sparkly jewels in no time.
This article will teach you how to clean your jewelry at home using everyday household items. With just a little time and effort, you can keep your jewelry sparkling and looking new.
Related: How to Create a Curated Ear Piercing Look
How to Care for your Jewelry
Before we get into the specifics of how to clean your jewelry, it’s crucial to understand how to care for it on a daily basis. With proper care, your jewelry will last longer and stay looking brighter.
Here are a few tips to care for your jewelry:
- Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place. A jewelry box or drawer is ideal.
- Don’t expose your jewelry to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning products. If you’re doing chores, take your jewelry off to avoid exposure.
- Avoid getting your jewelry wet. Take it off before swimming, showering, or doing the dishes.
- Be careful not to drop your jewelry or knock it against hard surfaces.
- Clean your jewelry regularly—say, once a month—to remove built-up grime.
What do you need to clean your jewelry?
The good news is that you probably have everything you need to clean your jewelry at home. All you need are a few simple household items:
- Warm water
- Mild soap
- A soft toothbrush
- A lint-free cloth
- Soft-bristled brush
- Old toothbrush
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol
- Lemon juice
How to Clean Gold Jewelry
Gold is a soft metal, so it’s essential to be careful when cleaning it. You don’t want to use harsh chemicals, as they can damage the metal.
Warm water + Mild soap
To clean gold jewelry, start by mixing warm water with a mild soap. Then, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the jewelry. If your jewelry is particularly dirty, you can let it soak in soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing.
Rinse the jewelry with clean water, and dry it with a lint-free cloth. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to remove any remaining dirt.
Baking soda + water
If your gold jewelry is still looking dull, try using a mixture of baking soda and water. Make a paste with the two ingredients, and use an old toothbrush to scrub the jewelry. Rinse with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Vinegar + water
Vinegar is also a good way to clean gold jewelry. Mix equal vinegar and water, and soak the jewelry in the solution for 15 minutes. Rinse the jewelry with clean water, and dry it off.
How to Clean Silver Jewelry
Silver jewelry can tarnish over time, but it’s easy to clean at home. Start by mixing equal parts water and vinegar, and soak the jewelry in the solution for 15 minutes.
If your silver jewelry is tarnished, you can let it soak for longer—up to an hour.
After soaking, remove the jewelry from the solution and rinse it with clean water. You can use a soft-bristled brush to remove any remaining tarnish. Dry the jewelry with a lint-free cloth.
If you don’t have vinegar on hand, you can also use lemon juice to do the cleaning. Soak the jewelry in lemon juice for 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
How to Clean Pearls
We all love pearls for their classic beauty, but they require special care.
The best way to clean pearls is to simply wipe them down with a soft, damp cloth. You can also use a mild soap and water solution to remove dirt or grime. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the pearl’s delicate surface.
If your pearls look dull, try using a mixture of alcohol diluted with warm water. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and gently wipe down the pearls.
With proper care, your jewelry will last longer and stay looking brighter. Remember to store your jewelry in a cool, dry place and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals.
Also, clean your jewelry regularly to remove built-up grime. And try not to drop or knock your jewelry against hard surfaces.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your jewelry looking beautiful in years to come.
