When it comes to cleaning jewelry, there are many different ways that you can do it without using harsh chemicals and expensive jewelry cleaners.
However, not all methods are created equal. In fact, some methods can actually damage your jewelry.
But you can’t wear dirty rings and bracelets out to town because it looks tacky.
That’s why it’s important to know the best way to clean your jewelry, and that’s why we’ve created this guide on natural ways to clean jewelry using ingredients that won’t harm you or your jewelry.
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What types of jewelry and metals can you clean?
You can clean any jewelry and silverware using the methods listed below.
Here’s what you can clean naturally:
- gold
- silver
- platinum
- costume jewelry
- gemstones
- pearls
- fashion jewelry
Rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and even silverware can be cleaned without using harsh chemicals.
The 8 most popular natural jewelry cleaners
There are a few different types of natural jewelry cleaners that you can use. Some of the most popular ones include:
Lemon juice
Lemon juice is a great natural jewelry cleaner because it’s acidic and can help to break down dirt and grime.
To clean your jewelry with lemon juice, simply add a few drops of lemon juice to a bowl of water and let your jewelry soak for a few minutes.
After a few minutes, use a soft cloth to gently scrub your jewelry clean.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another popular natural jewelry cleaner because it’s also acidic and can help to break down dirt and grime.
To clean your jewelry with vinegar, simply add a few drops of vinegar to a bowl of water and let your jewelry soak for a few minutes.
After a few minutes, use a soft cloth to gently scrub your jewelry clean.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a great natural jewelry cleaner because it’s abrasive and can help to scrub away dirt and grime.
To clean your jewelry with baking soda, simply add a few tablespoons of baking soda to a bowl of water and let your jewelry soak for about 30 minutes.
Then use a cloth to scrub and then rinse.
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Dish soap
Dish soap is another great natural jewelry cleaner because it’s designed to break down grease and dirt.
To clean your jewelry with dish soap, simply add a drop of dish soap to a bowl of water and let your jewelry soak for about 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, use a toothbrush to gently scrub your jewelry clean before rinsing it off.
Aluminum foil method
Another great way to clean your jewelry is to use aluminum foil combined with baking soda, salt, and dishwashing soap.
Here’s how to do it:
- Grab a small bowl and place a generous layer of aluminum foil on the bottom. I like to crinkle about 2 pieces or more so I have a thick base.
- Add about a cup of warm water but make sure it’s not hot or you’ll burn yourself.
- Mix in one tablespoon of coarse salt and one tablespoon of baking soda.
- Next add one tablespoon of dishwashing soap (like Dawn) and mix everything together well.
- Add your jewelry pieces into the water and let them soak between 10 to 15 minutes depending on how dirty or stained they are.
- Scrub each piece with a toothbrush or other small brush. I like to use Megacast Fiberglass Scratch Brush Pens because these have a very thin brush and you can get into the tightest places. This is great for finer jewelry.
- After scrubbing, rinse each piece with cold water and dry each piece with a towel or paper towl. I like to place my jewelry on a clean paper towel for about an hour afterward so everything is properly dried.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another great natural jewelry cleaner because it’s a strong oxidizer and can help to break down dirt and grime.
To clean your jewelry with hydrogen peroxide, simply add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to a bowl of water and let your jewelry soak for about 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, use a soft cloth to gently scrub your jewelry clean.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is another great natural jewelry cleaner because it’s a natural grease cutter and can help to break down dirt and grime.
To clean your jewelry with coconut oil, simply add a few drops of coconut oil to a clean cloth and rub it into your jewelry.
Let the coconut oil sit on your jewelry for a few minutes before using a clean cloth to buff it clean.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel is another great natural jewelry cleaner because it’s an astringent and can help to remove dirt and grime.
To clean your jewelry with witch hazel, simply add a few drops of witch hazel to a clean cloth and rub it into your jewelry.
Let the witch hazel sit on your jewelry for a few minutes before using a clean cloth to buff it clean.
How to polish jewelry
Silver jewelry requires regular polishing to keep it looking its best. The best way to clean silver jewelry is with a polishing cloth.
These cloths are affordable and you can re-use them over and over again.
Here are 2 of the best polishing cloths:
To clean your silver jewelry with a polishing cloth, simply rub the jewelry with the cloth in a circular motion.
You’ll notice the tarnish start to come off on the cloth.
Once the tarnish is gone, use a clean section of the cloth to buff your jewelry clean.
Gold jewelry doesn’t require as much polishing as silver jewelry but it’s still a good idea to clean it with a polishing cloth every now and then.
Conclusion
As you can see, the natural cleaning solutions I’ve listed are inexpensive, safe to use, and don’t require heavy scrubbing work.
Cleaning your favorite jewelry pieces doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these natural solutions, you can clean your jewelry quickly and easily.
It’s a simple weekend task you can do and that way your pieces always look like new.