Top 8 methods to clean sterling silver and gold jewelry

One question we get all the time is how do I clean my sterling silver and gold jewelry. We have researched the 8 most used and trusted methods that actually work to make it easy for you to find the one that is right for you.  We tried to find a video to include with each method to make it even easier, so we hope this helps and you enjoy it.

 

1. Our research shows that one of the most popular home jewelry cleaning tricks is to use baking soda and aluminum foil. This really seems to do the trick on gold and silver. Simply line a bowl with aluminum foil, add baking soda and warm water. Once you add your silver or gold jewelry to this mix, it will start a process known as ion exchange. This process will gentle move dirt off of your jewelry and into the water. You might notice the water getting murky as this process takes place. Once your jewelry has set for about 30 minutes, simply remove from the mixture and softly dry off with a lint free soft cloth. If you still see any build up, try rubbing lightly with the cloth or soaking for another 30 minutes. Check out this video for 10 cleaning uses for baking soda.

 

 

2. Another great way to clean your jewelry is toothpaste. Be sure to use one of the actual pastes and not gel. Typical fluoride toothpaste is very mildly abrasive. This means it can actually scrub off grime or gunk and not scratch your jewelry. Use a small amount of water and add a small amount of toothpaste and mix. Once your mix makes a soft paste you are ready to go. (You can add water or more toothpaste until the mixture makes a soft paste a little thicker than the white glue used in schools) Use a soft cloth to rub your jewelry with the paste or use a soft bristle toothbrush for a little extra scrubbing power. Rise in water and wipe clean with a lint free soft cloth. We recommend you do not use this method if the jewelry has soft stones or pearls. Check out this video on cleaning jewelry with toothpaste.

 

3. Another great trick is to use ant-acids. You will need the kind like alka-seltzer (the kind that fizzes when added to water.) It seems that the fizzing and bubbles created when these are dropped into water, they are perfect for removing dirt and grime from jewelry. Simply add two tablets to a glass of water and then add you jewelry. One the fizzing action stops, remove the jewelry. The final steps are to rinse the jewelry with warm water and wipe dry with a lint free soft cloth. Easy and quick, we’ve added a link to a video showing this in action here.

 

 

4. Another method that is similar to method 1 is to use vinegar and baking soda. The difference here is you mix the vinegar and baking soda until it makes a soft paste. Then use a soft bristle tooth brush to lightly rub with the vinegar and baking soda paste. This works by combining the lightly abrasive properties of baking soda with the acidic properties of vinegar to eat away at dirt and build up. We do not recommend this method for jewelry containing soft stones or pearls as it will eat away the luster. One you have lightly rubbed down the jewelry rinse under warm water and then dry with a soft cloth. We have included a link to a video on this method here.

 

 

5. A method that works somewhat like the alk-seltzer method is Hydrogen Peroxide. When dirt and grime react with the peroxide it will cause a bubbling action that will loosen and remove grime. Simply add an amount of peroxide that will cover the entire piece of jewelry in a container and the soak that piece for about 5 minutes. Remove and lightly buff with a soft cloth and submerse again for a few minutes. Once you complete this, rinse with warm water and dry but dabbing a cloth lightly. Here’s a link to the video

 

 

 

6. A more traditional method is dish soap. A tried and true method that is soft for most stones. Simply add some dish soap to a cup of water and mix. Once you have some suds action going submerse your jewelry for about 30 minutes to let the soap really work on it. Once it has soaked for a while use a cloth or soft bristle toothbrush and gentle rub until the gunk is gone. Rinse with warm clean water and pat dry. Here’s a video link for this method.

 

7. Yet another traditional method is to use laundry soap and water. We recommend a regular non bleach powder detergent like Tide for this. As with dish soap, fill a small bowl or cup with water and mix in some detergent and mix. Let soak for about 30 minutes and lightly scrub with a cloth or soft brush. Once the piece is clean pat dry with a soft cloth.

 

8. The last method and the one we feel is best is to use actual jewelry cleaner. Jewelry cleaners vary widely but we have found three basic systems. The first is the ultrasonic cleaner. You can find these easily on the internet and they are pretty affordable. We feel these works best if you use a solution made for cleaning jewelry with them. The solution can usually be bought online or from a local jeweler. Another common cleaner comes in a container with a screw on lid. Once the lid is removed it contains a small basket to put small items such as rings or ear rings into. The container will also contain a liquid cleaner that you will the dip the lid/basket into and let soak. The final is wipes that already have jewelry cleaner in them. These are fast and easy but may not be as effective as letting jewelry actually soak. All three of these methods can be easily and affordably found on the internet and in most cases at a local jeweler.

 

Well that’s our top 8 cleaning methods but there are many more on the internet. One of these should be able to get your jewelry clean and sparkling again. We would like to warn the most jewelry that contains

The last method and the one we feel is best is to use actual jewelry cleaner.

We recommend the Homgrace Professional Digital Ultrasonic Cleaner with Digital Timer, Sonic Wave Stainless Steel Ultrasonic Cleaner for Jewelry Glasses Dental Washer Cleaning Machine (0.8L)(Amazon Link)

Jewelry cleaners vary widely but we have found three basic systems. The first is the ultrasonic cleaner. You can find these easily on the internet and they are pretty affordable. We feel these works best if you use a solution made for cleaning jewelry with them. The solution can usually be bought online or from a local jeweler. Another common cleaner comes in a container with a screw on lid. Once the lid is removed it contains a small basket to put small items such as rings or ear rings into. The container will also contain a liquid cleaner that you will the dip the lid/basket into and let soak. The final is wipes that already have jewelry cleaner in them. These are fast and easy but may not be as effective as letting jewelry actually soak. All three of these methods can be easily and affordably found on the internet and in most cases at a local jeweler.

 

Well that’s our top 8 cleaning methods but there are many more on the internet. One of these should be able to get your jewelry clean and sparkling again. We would like to warn the most jewelry that contains