The best way to clean your jewelry depends on the type of metal and gemstones it’s made of. Here’s a general guide:
For everyday cleaning:
- You can use a mild dish soap and warm water solution. Mix a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of warm water. Soak your jewelry for a few minutes, then gently brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
For deeper cleaning:
- Gold jewelry: You can use the same dish soap and water solution, or a jewelry cleaning solution specifically made for gold.
- Silver jewelry: For tarnished silver, a baking soda and aluminum foil method is popular. Line a bowl with aluminum foil, placing your jewelry on top. Pour boiling water over the jewelry to cover it, then add a tablespoon of baking soda. Let it soak for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Important: Don’t use this method for gemstones like pearls or opals.
Here are some additional tips: