How to Clean Jewelry at Home

Jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed, but over time, exposure to everyday elements—lotions, perfumes, natural oils, and even air—can cause it to lose its shine. While professional cleanings are always recommended for fine jewelry, regular at-home maintenance can help keep your pieces looking radiant between visits.

At J.H. Young & Sons, we understand the importance of proper jewelry care, ensuring that every gemstone and metal maintains its brilliance. In this guide, we’ll cover the best ways to clean jewelry at home, which household products are safe, how often you should clean your pieces, and whether DIY cleaning methods like baking soda, vinegar, and toothpaste are truly effective—or risky.

What Is the Best Way to Clean Jewelry at Home?

The safest and most effective way to clean jewelry at home depends on the type of metal and gemstone. Using the wrong method can scratch, dull, or even damage your jewelry, so it’s important to use the right approach for each piece.

General Safe Cleaning Method (Works for Most Jewelry)

• Mild dish soap + Warm water – The safest and easiest cleaning method for most fine jewelry.

• Soft toothbrush or microfiber cloth – Helps remove buildup without scratching.

• Lukewarm water rinse – Ensures no soap residue remains.

• Air dry on a soft cloth – Prevents lint and scratches.

This gentle cleaning solution works well for gold, platinum, diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. However, pearls, opals, and softer gemstones require extra care, which we’ll cover in more detail.

How to Clean Gold, Silver, and Diamond Jewelry at Home

Each metal and gemstone requires a different approach to avoid scratches, tarnishing, or damage. Here’s how to clean them properly:

How to Clean Gold Jewelry

What You Need: Mild dish soap, warm water, soft cloth.

Method:

• Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water.

• Soak the jewelry for 10-15 minutes to loosen dirt.

• Gently rub with a soft cloth or toothbrush to remove buildup.

• Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Avoid: Abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, and harsh chemicals that can scratch or dull gold.

How to Clean Silver Jewelry

What You Need: Baking soda, water, soft cloth.

Method:

• Make a paste with baking soda and a few drops of water.

• Gently rub the paste onto the silver with a soft cloth.

• Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately to prevent further tarnishing.

Pro Tip: Store silver in anti-tarnish pouches to slow oxidation.

How to Clean Diamond Jewelry

What You Need: Dish soap, warm water, soft toothbrush.

Method:

• Soak in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes.

• Gently scrub the diamond and setting with a soft toothbrush, focusing on crevices.

• Rinse under lukewarm running water and dry with a soft cloth.

Avoid: Harsh chemicals, chlorine, and ultrasonic cleaners (unless recommended by a jeweler).

What Household Products Can I Use to Clean Jewelry?

While mild dish soap and water are the safest universal options, some household items can be effective when used correctly—while others should be avoided.

Best Household Cleaning Solution: Mild dish soap and warm water remain the safest and most effective choice.

How Often Should I Clean My Jewelry?

Regular maintenance prevents dirt buildup, tarnishing, and dullness. Follow this recommended cleaning schedule:

• Everyday jewelry (engagement rings, wedding bands) – Clean every 1-2 weeks to prevent oil buildup.

• Occasionally worn jewelry – Clean every 1-2 months for upkeep.

• Professional cleanings – Visit a jeweler every 6 months for a deep clean and inspection.

Should I Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner at Home?

Ultrasonic cleaners use vibrations to remove debris, but they are not safe for all jewelry.

• Safe for: Solid gold, platinum, and loose diamonds (if securely set).

• Not safe for: Pearls, emeralds, opals, turquoise, or antique jewelry.

If unsure, consult a professional jeweler before using an ultrasonic cleaner.

Jewelry and Everyday Life: Protecting Your Pieces from Damage

Jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed, but daily activities can affect its brilliance and longevity. Here’s how to protect your favorite pieces from common lifestyle factors that can cause dullness, discoloration, or wear over time.

Can I Shower with My Jewelry On?

It’s best to remove jewelry before showering. Soap and shampoo can leave a film on metals and gemstones, causing them to lose their sparkle. Additionally, chlorine and hard water can weaken certain metals over time, particularly gold.

Can I Wear My Diamond Ring While Swimming?

Avoid wearing jewelry in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean. Chlorine and salt water can corrode metals, weaken prongs, and cause gemstones to loosen. Cold water can also make fingers shrink, increasing the risk of losing rings.

How to Keep Jewelry Clean While Traveling?

When traveling, store jewelry in a lined case or individual pouches to prevent scratching. Carry a soft cleaning cloth to remove daily residue, and avoid exposing pieces to excessive humidity or lotions that can cause buildup.

Does Sweat Damage Jewelry?

Yes, sweat can accelerate tarnishing in silver and lower-karat gold due to its natural acidity. If you wear jewelry while exercising, rinse it with lukewarm water and pat dry afterward.

Can Hand Sanitizers and Lotions Damage Jewelry?

Yes, frequent exposure to hand sanitizer can dull the finish of gold and platinum and cloud the surface of softer gemstones like pearls and opals. Lotions can also cause buildup that diminishes shine. It’s best to apply lotions and sanitizers first, then put on jewelry once dry.

For long-term care, schedule regular professional cleanings to restore your jewelry’s brilliance. Visit J.H. Young & Sons for expert cleaning and maintenance services.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Jewelry Sparkling

Cleaning jewelry at home is simple and effective when done correctly. By using the right techniques for each metal and gemstone, you can maintain your jewelry’s brilliance safely.

For delicate, heirloom, or high-value pieces, professional cleaning is always the best option. At J.H. Young & Sons, we offer expert jewelry cleaning, polishing, and inspection services to keep your jewelry looking its finest.

Visit us at: 126 Lynden Rd, Brantford, ON N3R 8A3, Canada

Call us at: +15197522330

Explore our cleaning services online

Preserve the beauty of your jewelry—schedule a professional cleaning today.