How to Clean Your Jewellery at Home

Jewelry can collect a lot of grime over time, from lotions and body oils to dust and the grit from everyday wear. A regular cleaning will help your pieces maintain their shine and sparkle. Taking your pieces to a professional jeweler is one option, but it’s also possible to clean your jewellery at home with a few basic supplies. These jewellery cleaners come in liquids, wipes, cloths, and machines, and most formulas are safe for most metal and non-porous gemstones. Just be sure to follow the care instructions that came with your piece and any recommended use lists on the products you’re using.

A soft-bristled toothbrush can work wonders for those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, especially with a little soap or jewellery cleaner mixed in. The tiny bristles will easily remove any goopy buildup and will be gentle enough to scrub away light stains and general grime. Be careful with this hack, though: Toothpaste could scratch or dull certain types of metals and stones.

Vinegar or witch hazel are natural jewellery cleaners that can easily remove mild stains and polish dulled metals. Just dab a bit of either on your finger and gently rub or brush it over your jewellery, then rinse. However, this method isn’t suitable for pearls or other porous gemstones. Baking soda works in much the same way, but it’s not safe for any softer gems or plated jewellery, and it can be slightly abrasive, which could cause damage.