How To Clean Jewelry At Home

Jewelry is considered one of the most precious possessions. It is not only an accessory but also a symbol of love, wealth, status, and identity. However, jewelry wears out and ages with time and becomes dirty from cosmetics, skin oil, and oxidation.

Fortunately, Martin Busch Jewelers is here to help you clean and maintain your favorite jewelry pieces at home. Depending on the type of jewelry, check out the following cleaning tips:

How To Clean Your Silver Jewelry

Silver is a soft metal that can be easily scratched, so it's essential to be gentle when cleaning your silver jewelry. The following methods work best for cleaning silver jewelry:

Dishwashing Liquid + Warm Water

Use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab with dishwashing liquid and warm water to gently scrub any dirt or grime from the piece of jewelry. Rinse off all soap residue and dry your piece of jewelry using a soft dry cloth so that no moisture remains as moisture can cause discoloration.

Aluminum Foil + Laundry Detergent

Fill a bowl halfway with warm water and line it with aluminum foil. Add a few drops of laundry detergent and allow it to mix. Place your jewelry inside and let it soak for a few minutes. Rinse it with lukewarm water and allow it to dry on a paper towel.

Baking Soda + Water

Dip your silver jewelry into a mixture of baking soda and water. You can also use lemon juice instead of baking soda if you prefer it over the smell and color of baking soda. Use a soft toothbrush and gently scrub dirt and grime from your silver jewelry. Rinse off all traces of baking soda with warm water and dry the pieces using an old cloth or paper towel.

Cornflower + Water

Apply a thick paste of corn flour and water to your silver jewelry. Allow it to dry before buffing it off with a wet towel to regain your jewelry's luster.

How To Clean Your Gold Jewelry

Gold loses its luster over time as it comes into contact with makeup, body oils, and lotions. You can clean your gold jewelry once a month if you tend to wear it more often. But avoid chemical cleaners as they can damage the metal or change its color.

Here are some tips on how to clean your gold jewelry at home:

You can use mild dishwashing liquid diluted in water to wash your gold jewelry pieces. Apply a small amount of soap on a soft cloth and rub gently across the surface of your piece until you see all the dirt disappear. Rinse with clean water afterward and dry with a soft cloth.
Use baking soda to remove stains from your gold jewelry piece. Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda in half a cup of warm water and soak your Jewelry in it for 15 minutes before rinsing it off gently with warm water and drying with a soft cloth.

How To Clean Gemstone

Restoring the luster of precious stones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires doesn't have to be daunting. The only cleaning supplies you need are warm water, dishwashing liquid, and a soft toothbrush.

Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to a bowl full of warm water and allow it to mix.
Soak the jewelry in the solution for a few minutes.
Use your soft-bristled brush to gently scrub any recessed parts and put them back in the solution.
Rinse the jewelry in warm water and pat it with a lint-free cloth. Using water with a lower temperature than the water used for cleaning can cause cracks.
Buff dry the jewelry and enjoy its sparkle.

Cleaning Your Pearls

Pearls are porous; they absorb dirt and dust and quickly lose luster. You must be careful when cleaning them to avoid damage. Never immerse pearls in water because water can cause them to crack. Instead, wipe them down with a soft cloth that has been dampened with clean water or mild soap and water. Dry them thoroughly after cleaning to prevent them from becoming damaged or discolored by moisture.

Bottom Line

You can clean jewelry in your home with the proper equipment and care. You just need to know what kind of jewelry each cleaning product works best on. You can also have a professional check your jewelry occasionally by acquiring Martin Busch Jeweler's polishing and cleaning services.