It is much easier than one thought to get jewelry looking as shiny as the day you purchased or received it. Listed below are a some ways to use common household products to clean your jewelry at home. You can do it your self to avoid having to get your jewelry professionally cleaned, and it will sparkle like it did the first time you put it on. A person’s busy schedule makes it so that they rarely have time to stop in at the jeweler’s for a cleaning. Now you can clean your jewelry at home with basic household items like antacid, aluminum foil and vinegar. You’ll never need to make a special trip to the jeweler again by using these home jewelry cleaning methods.
Ammonia Method for diamond jewelry:
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but not when they’re dirty! Soak diamond jewelry in a solution of 1 cup warm water and 1/4 cup ammonia for about 15 minutes, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub away any remaining grime, especially in the crevices of the setting and underneath the diamond.
Vinegar Method for most gold and non porous gemstones:
Cleaning your gold and gemstone jewelry couldn’t be easier with white vinegar. Simply drop the jewelry into a jar of vinegar and let sit for 10 to15 minutes, agitating occasionally. Remove and scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, if necessary.
Antacid Method for a wide variety of jewelry:
The fizzing power that works to soothe your stomach can also clean your jewelry. Drop two antacid tablets into a glass of warm water, followed by your baubles. Let sit for about two minutes in the effervescent solution, then remove and rinse.
Aluminum foil Method for tarnished silver:
Use aluminum foil to clean your tarnished silver jewelry much like you would your silverware. Line a tray with a piece of crumpled aluminum foil and place your jewelry on the foil. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the jewelry, then pour boiling water over it. The tarnish will transfer from the jewelry to the foil. You may need to flip or move the jewelry around so all sides come in contact with the foil. Remove and rinse with water.
Soap and water Method for pearls and turquoise:
For soft and porous materials like pearls and turquoise, you need nothing more than soap and water to get them looking their best. Clean your string of pearls by dipping them quickly in a solution of 2 cups warm water and a few drops of mild detergent (like Woolite). Wipe each pearl with a soft, dry cotton cloth and lay flat to dry. (Pearls actually stay polished from frequent wear, so don’t be afraid to accessorize!) Turquoise doesn’t even need soap to come clean. Simply dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into warm water and scrub the stone clean. Dry with a clean cloth, then let air-dry for several hours before storing.
