How to Clean Jewelry: 7 Tips to Bring Old Jewelry Back to Life



Do you want to learn how to clean jewelry?

Wearing jewelry is an easy way for you to make any of your outfits luxurious. They focus and stress on certain features that you may want attention on, and they’re also a cost-effective investment. Some pieces of old jewelry may find some use depending on the jewelry trends today.

As with other pieces of clothing, though, time also wears them down. Maintaining your jewelry is essential if you want them to keep their shine throughout the years. The only problem is that maintenance kits are expensive.

You also can’t use them to restore old jewelry if the dirt has been on the piece for too long. The good news is that you can clean it off of yourself. Read on to learn how you can clean your jewelry with items you can find in your home.

1. Let it Soak in a Soap and Water Mixture

Learning how to clean jewelry can be as simple as using soap and water. This classic mixture will remove hardened stains and grime without damaging the jewelry. All you need to do is mix a few drops of liquid soap into some warm water.

Soaking the jewelry in the mixture for a few seconds will be enough to remove these light stains. All you need now is a dry rag to remove the impurities in your jewelry.

It’s also great in removing any dirt caked unto the piece. This will need a long soak to get the soapy mixture into the dirt. It will then be soft enough to remove with your fingers.

The mixture is also a great and cheap way to maintain your jewelry. This will remove any signs of wear on your accessories.

2. Use a Spare Toothbrush

A toothbrush is a perfect tool to scrape away the dirt hiding in those tight spaces. The soft bristles of most toothbrushes also ensure that the jewelry won’t sustain any damage. They’re the best way to ensure the quality of your jewelry remains the same.

Use this with some water to remove any light stains and spots. Even the harder stains will disappear if you scrub them with a toothbrush.

You can also use this with some toothpaste to remove tougher stains. You can smear the toothpaste before scrubbing it or you can dilute it in the water. The first method is better for spots, while the second one is better for softening large clumps of dirt.

3. Bring Your Jewelry to a Boil

The cheapest way to get rid of dirt on your jewelry is to boil them. This is a good method for cleaning large batches of jewelry at once. All you need to have is a heatproof container to hold your jewelry.

Pouring hot water on them until they’re covered loosens the debris clinging onto them. Let it cool and drain the water from the container. It should appear dirtier because of the large dirt particles detaching from the jewelry.

Only use this method for metal jewelry. They can withstand any damage from the heat of the boiling water. Gemstones may fade in color or detach from the piece if you boil them.

4. Let Them Bubble with Baking Soda

If you’re too busy to have the time to scrub your jewelry yourself, then let them soak in baking soda instead. Baking soda has a certain chemical reaction that makes it bubble when you mix it with water. It’s the same reaction that happens in effervescent tablets.

These bubbles will build up around your jewelry when you soak them in the mixture. It will loosen and remove any dirt on your jewelry. This will produce clean jewelry once you wipe them with a dry cloth.

This is a great method to use for hard gemstones and metal jewelry. Soft gemstones may breakdown when you use this method on them.

Never use ammonia to clean your jewelry. Most people use this because it bubbles, too, like baking soda. A guide on explains how using ammonia and other substances is bad for your jewelry.

5. Give Your Gold a Beer Bath

Gold and beer have a special interaction with each other. Soaking your gold in beer for a while and wiping it down with a dry cloth can make it appear shinier than it was before. This will only work if you don’t have any gemstones on your gold jewelry, and this can also damage silver jewelry.

If it does, then the best way to make them shine is to use ketchup instead. The classic condiment reaches around the hard-to-reach areas, too. Smother the jewelry in ketchup and let it sit.

Wipe it off before the ketchup hardens. You will see shinier jewelry once you wipe off the excess ketchup and water.

6. Use Seltzer Water

Since certain gemstones like pearls are too soft for the baking soda mixture, seltzer water is a better fit for them. This has a milder effect on softer gemstones while making it shinier.

The carbonizing effect loosens the dirt and debris around the piece. It can also get into the smaller nooks to remove any dirt hiding there. This will make it easier to brush and wipe them away as they dry.

You can also use this method if you want to polish your stones. The carbonization removes any microscopic dirt particles on their surface.

7. Wipe Over With a Rag Soaked in Vinegar

Vinegar is a great way to keep your silver shiny. You need half a cup of vinegar and some baking powder to produce the desired effect. The carbonization will remove the dirt clumps on your jewelry while the vinegar renews its shine.

Taking them out and rinsing them cold will ensure that the effects will last. This produces jewelry that looks like you bought it yesterday.

Learn How to Clean Jewelry Today

These are 7 ways you could clean your jewelry using household objects. Dry them well before you store them away to avoid rust and other damages. Learn how to clean jewelry now and breathe life into your pieces now!

Do you want to learn more about jewelry maintenance? We’ve got you covered. Feel free to read more of our articles here to get all the tips and tricks you need!


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