How to Clean Jewelry at Home
Keep your jewelry shining with our comprehensive guide to cleaning and care
In This Guide
Best Ways to Clean Jewelry
Everyday exposure to dirt, dust, oils, and cosmetics can tarnish metals and make gemstones appear less brilliant. In this guide, you’ll find detailed care instructions for the following jewelry types:
- Silver jewelry
- Yellow gold jewelry
- White gold jewelry
- Rose gold jewelry
- Diamond jewelry
- Gemstone jewelry
- Platinum jewelry
- Titanium jewelry
- Alternative metal jewelry
- Hardwood jewelry
Consider professional cleaning for valuable or heavily tarnished pieces, or if the jewelry has intricate settings that are difficult to clean at home. An annual professional cleaning is sufficient for most pieces, though twice a year is recommended for heavily worn jewelry such as engagement rings.
If you own a Purple Carats, stop on our showrooms and we’ll deep clean it for free. We also offer cleaner pens to help you maintain your jewelry between professional cleanings. These pens are provided with select purchases and are gentle enough to use on any of your jewelry pieces. The pens are filled with a mild solution and have a brush tip for reaching hard-to-clean places.
Silver Jewelry Care & Maintenance
Silver jewelry can tarnish over time, but regular cleaning can keep it looking shiny and new. Create a cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Soak the silver jewelry for about 5-10 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, especially in crevices where tarnish may build up. Rinse under warm water and dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth. For heavily tarnished pieces, a silver cleaning solution or professional cleaning may be necessary.
To prevent tarnishing, store silver jewelry in anti-tarnish or cloth bags, and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Remove silver jewelry before swimming or bathing to avoid exposure to chlorine and sulfur compounds that accelerate tarnishing. Regular wear actually helps prevent tarnish, as the natural oils from your skin help maintain silver's luster.
Yellow Gold Jewelry Care & Maintenance
Yellow gold jewelry can be easily cleaned at home using a simple mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. Soak the pieces for about 5-10 minutes to loosen dirt and grime. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach intricate details and settings. Rinse the jewelry under warm running water to remove any soap residue and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Regular cleaning will keep your gold jewelry looking its best.
Pure gold doesn't tarnish, but gold alloys (14K, 18K) may show signs of dulling over time. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on gold jewelry, as they can damage the finish. For enhanced cleaning, consider using specialized gold jewelry cleaners following the manufacturer's instructions.
White Gold Jewelry Care & Maintenance
White gold requires special attention because its bright appearance comes from rhodium plating. Clean white gold with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, then rinse and dry thoroughly. White gold jewelry may need to be re-plated with rhodium every few years to maintain its bright white appearance, as the rhodium layer can wear off with regular use.
Avoid exposing white gold to chlorine, which can damage both the rhodium plating and the gold alloy beneath. When cleaning white gold with diamonds or gemstones, pay particular attention to the settings where dirt and oil tend to accumulate.
Rose Gold Jewelry Care & Maintenance
Rose gold jewelry offers a distinctive warm, pinkish hue due to its copper content. Clean rose gold using warm water and mild soap, following the same method as yellow gold. Rose gold is actually more durable than yellow or white gold because of its copper content, making it resistant to scratches and damage.
The unique patina that develops on rose gold over time is considered part of its charm. Avoid harsh cleaners that might strip away this natural character. After cleaning, dry thoroughly to prevent water spots and maintain the rosy glow.
Diamond Jewelry Care & Maintenance
Diamonds are remarkably durable but still require proper cleaning to maintain their brilliance. To clean diamond jewelry at home, mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap and soak the jewelry for 5-10 minutes. Gently scrub the gems and the setting with a soft toothbrush, paying special attention to the prongs and underside of the stone. Rinse the jewelry under warm running water and dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the setting or the stone itself.
For routine maintenance, consider using a specialized diamond cleaning solution. Even though diamonds are the hardest natural substance, they can still chip or crack if struck forcefully, so handle with care. Have diamond jewelry professionally inspected annually to check for loose stones or damaged settings.
Gemstone Jewelry Care & Maintenance
Different gemstones require different care approaches. Most colored gemstones (such as sapphires, rubies, and moissanites) can be cleaned using warm water and mild dish soap. However, some stones are more porous or delicate:
- Emeralds: Clean gently with a mild soap solution. Avoid soaking, as emeralds often have natural inclusions.
- Opals: These stones contain water and can crack if exposed to heat or dry conditions. Clean with a damp cloth only.
- Pearls: Extremely delicate and porous. Wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth after wearing. Never submerge in water or use ultrasonic cleaners.
Always research your specific gemstone's properties before cleaning, as some may be sensitive to common cleaning methods.
Platinum Jewelry Care & Maintenance
Platinum jewelry is known for its durability and resistance to tarnish. Clean platinum with warm, soapy water using a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Unlike other metals, platinum develops a natural patina over time that many owners appreciate for its vintage appeal.
Titanium Jewelry Care & Maintenance
Titanium jewelry is valued for its strength, lightweight feel, and hypoallergenic properties. Clean titanium with mild soap and warm water, using a soft cloth or brush. Titanium is highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, making it relatively low maintenance compared to other metals.
For stubborn stains, a solution of mild dish soap and warm water works well. Titanium can be cleaned with a mixture of baking soda and water for more difficult cleaning situations. Avoid abrasive cleaners that might scratch the surface.
Jewelry Cleaning Essentials for Safe & Effective Cleaning
For effective and safe jewelry cleaning at home, these essential tools and supplies will help maintain your precious pieces:
- Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Perfect for gentle scrubbing in hard-to-reach areas and intricate settings.
- Microfiber Cloths: Lint-free for drying and polishing without scratching delicate surfaces.
- Mild Dish Soap: Gentle enough for most jewelry cleaning needs.
- Small Bowls: For soaking solutions and preventing jewelry from going down drains.
- Anti-Tarnish or Cloth Bags: For storing silver and other tarnish-prone metals.
- Jewelry Cleaning Solution: Consider specialized formulas for specific metals or stones.
Regular Jewelry Maintenance Care Tips
Maintaining your jewelry through regular care practices will extend its life and preserve its beauty:
- Store Properly: Keep jewelry in a cool, dry place, preferably in a jewelry box with separate compartments to avoid scratches.
- Insure Valuables: Consider insuring valuable jewelry to protect against loss, theft, or damage. Keep an inventory with photos and appraisals. We recommend fine jewelry be covered by a comprehensive insurance policy to provide protection in the event of loss, theft, or damage. Jewelry can be insured through a standalone policy from companies like Lavalier or added to existing homeowner's or renter's insurance.
- Remove During Activities: Take off jewelry during activities that could expose it to chemicals, abrasives, or impact, such as swimming, cleaning, or exercising.
- Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaning at Home: Ultrasonic cleaners can damage delicate jewelry and loosen stones. It’s best to leave ultrasonic cleaning to professionals.
- Check Settings Regularly: Inspect your jewelry regularly for loose stones or damaged settings and get them repaired promptly.
- Keep Away from Chemicals: Avoid exposing jewelry to household chemicals, perfumes, and lotions, as they can cause damage and discoloration.
- Polish Softly: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to polish jewelry and maintain its shine.
- Clean Regularly: Make a habit of cleaning your jewelry regularly to prevent dirt buildup and tarnish.
- Handle with Care: Always handle jewelry gently, especially pieces with delicate gemstones or intricate designs.
Jewelry Cleaning FAQ
How do you clean jewelry without a jewelry cleaner?
Several household items make effective jewelry cleaners:
- Dish soap and warm water: Safe for most jewelry types
- Baking soda paste: Effective for removing tarnish
- White vinegar solution: Good for dissolving residues
- Aluminum foil with baking soda and salt: Creates a chemical reaction that removes tarnish from silver
The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you wear
How often should you clean your jewelry?
The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you wear the piece and your activities while wearing it. For frequently worn items like wedding and engagement rings, weekly cleaning is recommended. Other pieces may need cleaning monthly or before each wear if worn occasionally. Professional cleaning is recommended once or twice yearly for valuable pieces or those with intricate settings.
What do jewelers use to clean jewelry?
Professional jewelers typically use ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, and specialized polishing compounds. Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to create bubbles in a cleaning solution, effectively removing dirt from crevices. Steam cleaners produce high-pressure, high-temperature steam that dissolves oils and blasts away debris. These professional methods are more thorough than home cleaning but aren't suitable for all gemstones and jewelry types.
Can you use vinegar to clean jewelry? asked question
White vinegar is effective for cleaning gold, silver, and some gemstones. Create a solution with equal parts white vinegar and water. Soak the jewelry for 15-30 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft toothbrush if needed. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Vinegar is particularly effective for removing tarnish from silver. However, never use vinegar on pearls, opals, corals, or other porous gemstones as the acid can cause damage.
Can you clean jewelry with toothpaste?
While toothpaste is sometimes suggested as a jewelry cleaner, it's not recommended. Most modern toothpastes contain abrasives that can scratch soft metals and damage gemstone surfaces. Better alternatives include specialized jewelry cleaners or mild soap solutions.
How do you clean jewelry with household products?
Several common household products can effectively clean jewelry:
- Dish soap and warm water: Safe for most jewelry types
- Baking soda paste: Effective for removing tarnish
- White vinegar solution: Good for dissolving residues
- Aluminum foil with baking soda and salt: Creates a chemical reaction that removes tarnish from silver
Can you clean jewelry with dish soap?
Mild dish soap is one of the safest and most effective jewelry cleaners for most types. Create a solution with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Soak the jewelry for 5-15 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, paying attention to crevices and settings. Rinse thoroughly under warm running water, ensuring all soap residue is removed. Dry completely with a lint-free cloth. This method is safe for gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, and most gemstones, though pearls and other porous stones should not be soaked.
How do you deep clean jewelry?
For a thorough deep cleaning:
- Prepare a solution of warm water and mild dish soap.
- Soak the jewelry for 20-30 minutes to loosen built-up grime.
- Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying special attention to crevices, settings, and the underside of gemstones.
- For silver, consider using a baking soda paste or the aluminum foil method for tarnish removal.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water.
Consider professional cleaning for valuable or heavily tarnished pieces, or if the jewelry has intricate settings that are difficult to clean at home. An annual professional cleaning is sufficient for most pieces, though twice a year is recommended for heavily worn jewelry such as engagement rings.
How do you clean mixed metal jewelry?
For jewelry combining different metals:
- Identify the most delicate metal in the piece and use cleaning methods safe for that metal.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and opt for mild soap solutions.
- Clean with a soft cloth dampened with the solution rather than soaking.
- Pay attention to joints where different metals meet, as these areas can trap dirt.
- Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots or tarnish.
- For pieces combining silver and gold, use products specifically designed for mixed metals.
Remember that each type of jewelry requires specific care. When in doubt about how to clean a particular piece, consult with a professional jeweler to avoid potential damage.