The Lowdown on Jewellery Cleaner: How to Clean Jewellery at Home Without the Fuss

Let’s bring back the sparkle with our easy, non-toxic Jewellery Cleaner

Jewellery—it’s the cherry on top of any outfit, and we all love it when our favourite pieces sparkle like new. But let’s face it, from day-to-day wear, those trusty rings, earrings, and go-to necklaces collect everything from oils and lotions to everyday grime. No wonder they start looking a little dull over time!

The good news? Regular cleaning can bring that sparkle back and even help protect your delicate pieces from long-term damage. And guess what—you don’t need any fancy jewellery cleaner or a trip to the jeweller to make it happen. With just a few simple techniques and non-toxic ingredients, your jewellery will be sparkling in no time.

It’s easier than you think. Cleaning your jewellery at home doesn’t have to be complicated, and it definitely doesn’t require chemicals from typical jewellery cleaners. Here are three tried-and-true methods to get your jewellery looking shiny again.

How to Clean Jewellery at Home

1. The Non-Toxic, Fuss-Free Jewellery Cleaner

This method is as simple as it gets, and it works on most types of jewellery. All you need is warm water, some Home Cleaning Castile Soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Mix the soap and water, let your jewellery soak for 10–15 minutes, and then gently scrub away any dirt or grime. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry with a polishing cloth (like the ones you use for your glasses). This DIY jewellery cleaner is gentle, effective, and safe for most metals and gemstones.

2. How to Clean Tarnished Silver

If your silver jewellery is looking a little dull, this DIY jewellery cleaner method is your go-to. Line a bowl with aluminum foil, add a tablespoon of Baking Soda, some Salt, and pour in boiling water. Place your silver pieces in the bowl, and watch the tarnish lift away. Rinse, dry, and your silver will be as good as new.

3. How to Clean Delicate Stones and Pearls

For pearls and other delicate stones, gentle care is essential. Simply wipe them down with a damp cloth and a little bit of Castile Soap. No soaking or scrubbing, as this can damage the surface or weaken the silk thread in pearls. Keep it simple and safe.

Tips for Keeping Your Jewellery Clean and Protected

Now that you know how to clean your jewellery at home, let’s talk about how to keep it looking fabulous between cleans. Taking a few extra steps in your daily routine can go a long way in preventing damage and maintaining that fresh sparkle.

  • Store Your Jewellery Properly: Always store your pieces in a cool, dry place. Use a fabric-lined jewellery box or soft pouches to keep items from scratching each other. For delicate gems like pearls, a separate compartment is best. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can fade or damage certain gemstones over time​.
  • Steer Clear of Harsh Jewellery Cleaners: Perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, cleaning products (containing chemicals) and even some off the shelf jewellery cleaners can do a number on your jewellery, particularly on softer stones and metals. Make sure your jewellery is the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off, especially if you’re applying products like perfume. Also, avoid wearing jewellery while swimming or cleaning—the chemicals in pools and household cleaners (the ones containing chemicals) can tarnish or corrode metals​.
  • Handle with Care: Be gentle when putting on and taking off your jewellery. Rings, necklaces, and delicate earrings can get tangled or even loosen from their settings if handled roughly. If you’re layering necklaces or bracelets, be mindful of potential tangling.
  • Regular Cleaning: A quick clean here and there will keep your jewellery shining longer. Follow our steps above for a non-toxic jewellery cleaner.
  • Check for Damage: Every now and then, inspect your jewellery for loose stones, worn clasps, or other signs of damage. It’s better to catch these issues early before you lose a precious stone or a piece gets damaged further. A jeweller can help with repairs to keep your jewellery in tip-top shape​.
  • Take Photos: Take photos of your precious jewellery so you have records if it ever goes missing or gets damaged—perfect for insurance claims if needed!

With these easy tips, your jewellery will stay in top condition, sparkling away for years to come.

How Often Should You Clean Your Jewellery?

The frequency of cleaning your jewellery depends on how often you wear each piece. Rings and earrings, which get exposed to oils, lotions, and dirt on a daily basis, benefit from more frequent cleaning—once a week is ideal to keep them sparkling and hygienic​. If you wear necklaces and bracelets less often, a monthly clean should be enough to maintain their shine​.

For those delicate or antique pieces, you’ll want to be extra cautious. A gentle clean every few months is usually plenty, but it’s a good idea to get them professionally cleaned once a year to ensure they stay in tip-top condition​.

Keeping up with regular cleaning routines helps preserve the beauty of your favourite pieces and prevents long-term damage, so they can keep on shining, just like the day you got them!

Why We Like to Avoid Off-the-Shelf Jewellery Cleaners

You’ve probably seen those jewellery cleaners at the supermarket or perhaps your local hardware store that claims to restore sparkle in seconds. While they can be effective, many of them contain chemicals like ammonia and tetrachloroethylene. These ingredients can be harsh, not just on your jewellery but on your skin and the environment, too. Some even come with warnings to wear gloves during use—not exactly reassuring!

While they get the job done, these cleaners can sometimes cause more harm than good, especially on softer stones like pearls or opals, which can be sensitive to chemicals. Skip the risks, and opt for a non-toxic DIY jewellery cleaner instead.

The Downsides of Ultrasonic Cleaners

Another popular option is the ultrasonic jewellery cleaner. These machines use high-frequency sound waves to dislodge dirt and grime from your jewellery. Sounds pretty nifty, right? Well, while ultrasonic cleaners are great for hard stones like diamonds, they aren’t suitable for everything. Softer, delicate stones like pearls, opals, and emeralds can be damaged by the vibrations and heat produced by these devices.

So, while they might seem like a quick fix, ultrasonic cleaners are best reserved for certain types of jewellery. If you do choose this as an option, make sure you do your research first to ensure it’s a good fit for your jewellery.

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