Learn how to clean jewelry at home using household items. Restore sparkle to your pieces easily and affordably with these jewelry cleaning tips.
Okay, so let me confess something…I’m the worst at cleaning my jewelry. I totally forget about it until one day I look down and d realize my sparkling ring is more of a dull memory.
I feel like it is one of those things I used to do more and now never seem to have time to do.
Jewelry can lose its sparkle over time due to dirt, oils, and just wearing it every day.
Luckily, you don’t need to shell out a bunch of money for fancy cleaners. I have a super simple trick that will have your jewelry sparkling in no time and you probably already have everything at home.
Plus, it’s easy, affordable, and effective!
With this simple DIY method, you’ll restore the sparkle to your favorite pieces that you wear every day and the ones you have hidden away for special occasions too!
Why Jewelry Cleaning is a Big Deal
Here’s the thing, jewelry is like your favorite pair of shoes, if you wear it all the time, it’s going to get dirty and look worse for wear.
Between the lotions, natural skin oils, gardening, cooking, and everything else it comes into contact with, with all you do, your jewelry can start to look dull. A little cleaning goes a long way in keeping it shiny and making sure it doesn’t look like it just came out of a dusty attic.
What You’ll Need for Your DIY Jewelry Cleaner
When it comes to how to clean jewelry, don’t worry, you don’t need anything fancy! Here is the list:
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- Baking soda
- Hot water
- Dish soap
- Soft toothbrush
- Soft cloth
- Small bowl
That’s it! You probably have all this sitting in your kitchen already!
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Jewelry
Alright, here’s how it goes down:
Step 1: Prep Your Solution
Fill a small bowl with hot water. Add a few drops of dish soap and a pinch of baking soda. Pour in some warm to hot water (not boiling) and mix it up. Make sure the baking soda has dissolved.
Step 2: Soak Your Jewelry
Drop your jewelry into the bowl. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Give the dish soap and the baking soda time to soften all the dirt and grime.
Step 3: Give It a Gentle Scrub
Pull out a piece of jewelry and grab your soft toothbrush. It must be soft.
Gently scrub around the details…you know, those little nooks and crannies where the gunk loves to hide. Then, give it a rinse and dry it with a soft cloth.
Tip: I always keep the toothbrushes from the dentist as spares for guests, in case they forget theirs. But I also keep a couple set aside for cleaning around the house or for cleaning my jewelry.
BOOM! Sparkling like new!
IMPORTANT TIP: ALWAYS put the plug in your sink, so it doesn’t accidentally fall down the drain!
How To Clean Jewelry: Quick Tips for Different Types
- Gold and Silver: This works great for both, but skip doing it on anything that is plated.
- Delicate Stones: Be extra careful with delicate stones, like pearls and opals. They’re sensitive, so stick with mild soap and water for any delicate stone. How to clean jewelry with delicate stones is a topic for another day.
- Costume Jewelry: This can be fickle, so test a small spot first before jumping right in.
How Often Should You Clean Jewelry?
Honestly, it depends. If you’re wearing it daily, like your wedding ring, or go-to earrings, aim for once a month, unless you get yourself into a messy situation.
Special occasion stuff? Just clean it after you wear it and it’ll be ready to go for your next special outing.
Trust me, once you see how easy it is and how shiny it looks, you’ll want to make this a regular thing.
How to Store Jewelry
Now you know how to clean jewelry but how should you store your shiny treasures?
After cleaning them, stash your pieces in a soft pouch or a lined box to keep them safe and shiny.
If you want some fun ways to store your jewelry, check out these:
Wrapping It Up
See? Jewelry cleaning doesn’t have to be a big chore. It’s quick, easy, and honestly kind of satisfying. Next time you notice your jewelry looking a little dull, try this DIY hack and thank me later. Now, go shine bright like the diamond you are!
Fun Jewelry Projects
Speaking of jewelry, if you want to make some fun jewelry, here are some fun projects to try:
- How to Make Nail Polish Jewelry
- Cracked Stones Jewelry DIY w/ Video Tutorial & 10 Great Uses
- DIY Nail Polish Washer Necklaces – Hardware Store Jewelry
Remember: Life’s too short not to shimmer, so grab your glue gun and your glitter!™
Mona