Most of us are pretty vigilant when it comes to making sure our clothing and bedsheets are regularly washed and are clean for use, but our jewellery somehow gets left out of the equation. If you really think about it, your jewellery is something you wear almost every day – so why don’t we put the same effort into making sure our accessories are well-kept? Perhaps it is because we feel that if we want to clean our jewellery we will need to go out and pick up hard-to-find, expensive cleaning materials. That couldn’t be further from the truth!
There are plenty of surprisingly easy ways to clean your well-loved jewellery that only require items you likely already have (and are easy to find if you don’t!)
Don’t let your bling turn blah – keep reading to find out our expert tips for cleaning your jewellery at home using common household items.
- Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda
Line a small bowl with aluminum foil and fill the bowl with hot water. Add in one tablespoon of baking soda and mix. Place your jewellery into the bowl and ensure that it is making contact with the aluminum foil. Soak jewellery for 1-5 minutes (depending on the level of tarnish), flipping the piece halfway to ensure both sides come into contact with the foil. After the jewellery is finished soaking, rinse well in cool water and place onto a soft cloth. Allow your jewellery to air dry. A chemical process known as ion exchange is at work during this process and will leave your jewellery clean hassle-free.
Note: This DIY is intended for use on sterling silver jewellery only. We do not recommend using this method for any pieces that have stones, enamel, or any kind of plating.
- Dish Soap and a Toothbrush
Yes, dish soap! This household cleaner is no longer just for your dishes – your lacklustre jewellery could make use of dish soap, too. If your jewellery has a smooth surface, simply submerge the piece directly into a bowl of liquid dish soap. If the piece has a textured or detailed finish, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to work soap into the small crevasses where dirt is most likely to collect, and then set into the bowl. Let the jewellery sit completely covered for 5-10 minutes, depending on the level of tarnish. Rinse the jewellery well with warm water and dry with a soft, clean cloth. Your piece is now sparkling and ready to wear!
- Warm Water and Window Cleaner
Do you have any gold or gemstone jewellery pieces that seem to have lost their sparkle? Window cleaner is the unlikely hero in this DIY. Spray a small amount of window cleaner into a bowl containing one cup of warm water. Place your gold, diamond, sapphire, or other hard stone jewellery into the bowl and let them soak for as long as they need (up to 30 minutes). Rinse your jewellery with fresh water and dry with a clean cloth. The sparkle and shine should be instant!
Note: This method of cleaning is unsafe for use on silver or pearls.
Not Having Luck with Your DIY?
While these methods are quick and easy to try out for yourself, sometimes your jewellery can become plagued by seemingly unfixable tarnish and wear. There is no substitute for a trip to your jeweller to have your jewellery cleaned by a professional. Bring your pieces into Edwards & Davies and we will be happy to professionally clean your jewellery while you look around, or opt to leave your pieces with us for a full in-house refinishing.
Visit our showroom today or visit our website to get a quote!