Jewelry is meant to shine, not sit in a drawer looking sad and tarnished. The good news? Cleaning it is easier than you think, and you don’t need a chemistry degree to do it.
My Go-To Cleaning Method
I’ve been making and handling jewelry for a long time, and I’ll let you in on a little secret: you don’t need fancy cleaners. Here’s what I use:
- Sunshine Polishing Cloths – These are little miracle workers. They remove tarnish, brighten up metal, and won’t scratch your precious pieces.
- Dawn Dish Soap + a Soft Toothbrush – If your jewelry is looking a little grimy (think lotions, perfumes, and daily wear buildup), mix a tiny bit of Dawn dish soap with warm water. Grab a soft toothbrush (not the one you’re using, please), gently scrub, and rinse. This works wonders on silver, gold, and even gemstone settings.
What Not to Do
- Avoid those chemical-heavy jewelry dips. They work fast but can damage delicate metals over time.
- No ultrasonic cleaners for filigree! They can shake delicate settings loose—trust me, I’ve seen the disasters.
- Don’t use toothpaste or baking soda—both are too abrasive. We’re cleaning jewelry, not refinishing countertops.
A little care goes a long way. Treat your jewelry right, and it’ll stay beautiful for years to come!