Exposure to dust, dirt, lotions, soaps, even air and moisture can dull jewellery over time. Here’s how to make an all-natural DIY jewellery cleaner at home.
A natural homemade jewellery cleaner for all types of jewellery; gold, silver, diamonds, etc. that you can whip up in no time to clean tarnished, dirty, or dull jewellery.
However, many do-it-yourself natural jewellery cleaners recommend the following:
- Baking soda
- Witch hazel
- Vinegar
- Old toothbrush (to clean with)
However, these ingredients can be more damaging to jewellery than helpful. Witch hazel and vinegar are both slightly acidic, and may interfere with soft/porous stones or plated jewellery. Baking soda is slightly abrasive, and has the potential to scratch softer stones and metals. Using an old toothbrush is not ideal either, as it will often have toothpaste residue left on it, which may scratch jewellery.
Furthermore, the temperature of the water in the cleaning solution should always be warm, not hot, as some gemstones don’t do well under drastic temperature changes; so avoid having the water too hot or too cold.
The following cleaning solution is much gentler – while still effective – in removing dirt and cleaning tarnished jewellery.
Semi-precious stone jewellery can become damaged if exposed to harsh chemicals, such as those present in commercial jewellery cleaners.
When choosing a liquid dish soap, select one that has grease-cutting properties, but avoid those with harsh antibacterial chemical agents, as they can strip jewellery of its finish on the surface.
Before we get started in learning how to make this DIY all-natural jewellery cleaner – if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!!
Homemade Jewellery Cleaner
I tend to take my precious gems to my local jeweller for a professional cleaning. While dish detergent and warm water are the best homemade jewellery cleaners, there’s just no comparison to a professional cleaning.
If your gems aren’t red, white or blue – a.k.a they’re not rubies, diamonds or sapphires – it’s best to skip the DIY cleaning completely, and take your jewellery to a local jeweller for a professional clean. Other gemstones require specific care, and your jeweller will know the proper cleaning required for each item of jewellery.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups warm water (not hot)
- A few drops mild liquid dish soap (non-antibacterial)
To make:
- Fill a small bowl with 1 cup warm water. Avoid using boiling hot water as it can damage the surface of the jewellery and some stones.
- Add liquid dish soap and swish around to mix with your hand.
- Fill a second bowl with the remaining cup of water; this will be used for rinsing the jewellery.
- Place jewellery in the first bowl with the dish soap, and let it soak for 5-10 minutes – longer if it’s very dirty – then gently scrub with a new, baby-size, soft toothbrush. Be very careful not to disturb the settings or scratch the stones.
- Remove jewellery and place in the second bowl with the warm water. Once rinsed, pat the jewellery pieces dry using a microfibre cloth or soft towel, gently polish with a soft lint-free cloth or old t-shirt until sparkling, then they’re ready to wear!
Hydrogen peroxide is generally safe to use on metal jewellery; stainless steel or gold, however, avoid using it to clean precious stones or jewels, and instead use this soapy water cleaning solution.
Cleaning Pearls
Pearls can be extremely fragile and must be cleaned very carefully. Fill a spray bottle with a small amount of mild soap and water, and spray a soft, lint-free cloth with the soapy water. Gently rub the damp cloth over the pearl(s) to remove any dirt and oils. Once finished, immediately pat dry with a clean, dry towel or microfibre cloth. Never submerge your pearls in liquid and avoid using abrasive cleaners that contain ammonia or other harsh ingredients.
Cleaning Costume Jewellery
Avoid cleaners that contain acids and alcohols; vinegar, ammonia, etc. They can damage the materials in the jewellery.
As with the pearls, spot clean the jewellery, gently buffing away any dirty spots. Never soak the jewellery in a liquid as the moisture will break down the glue, welding and other adhesives on the jewellery. You can use a baby toothbrush to dust the metal parts of the jewellery without leaving scratches. If you find residue in the encrusted areas, you can use a wooden toothpick to pick the residue out. Dab the jewellery until it’s dry using a clean, dry towel or microfibre cloth.
For more natural alternatives to chemical-filled cleaners used around the home, see my Natural Home page.
As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.
Have you made a natural jewellery cleaner before? How did you find it? Share in the comments below.
Lots of love,
🖤 Vanessa
Sources:
Clark, Joan. Homemade Jewelry Cleaner. Tips Bulletin. Retrieved from https://www.tipsbulletin.com/homemade-jewelry-cleaner/
Dragani, Rachelle and Vila, Bob. 10 Smart Ways to Use Ammonia. Bob Vila. Retrieved from https://www.bobvila.com/articles/ammonia-uses/#:~:text=Pure%20chemical%20ammonia%20can%20cause,ammonia%20can%20still%20be%20harmful.&text=The%20most%20important%20safety%20rule,mix%20ammonia%20with%20chlorine%20bleach
Ammonia. ChemicalSafetyFacts.org. Retrieved from https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/ammonia/#:~:text=Ammonia%20occurs%20naturally%20and%20is,soil%2C%20air%2C%20and%20water.&text=As%20a%20result%20of%20this,it%20also%20does%20not%20bioaccumulate
Ammonia CAS #7664-41-7. (September 2004). ATSDR. Retrieved from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts126.pdf
Fogle, Katelyn. (September 8, 2021). Using a Homemade Jewelry Cleaner? Avoid These 3 [VIDEO]. Jewelers Mutual. Retrieved from https://www.jewelersmutual.com/the-jewelry-box/using-homemade-jewelry-cleaner-avoid-these-3-video
Burger, Gaby. (September 22, 2020). How to Make Your Own Jewellery Cleaner. Hello Nest. Retrieved from https://hellonest.co/make-your-own-jewelry-cleaner/