Cleaning your jewelry at home using natural ingredients is easy to do with a few things you probably already have in your pantry. This tutorial will show you How to Clean Jewelry Naturally in minutes! You won't believe how well it works!
A while back, I showed you How to Clean Silverware and Remove Tarnish with ease. My method for cleaning jewelry is almost exactly the same, but I take a little more care when cleaning my small delicate pieces. This method works great for all of my jewelry, both silver and gold, and I use it to clean my wedding rings at least once a month.
What do you use to clean jewelry at home?
- Aluminum foil
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of dish liquid
- 1 cup of warm water
- Bowl
- Toothbrush
How to Clean Jewelry Video
I put together a quick video showing just how easy it is to clean your jewelry at home with natural ingredients if you'd like to check it out!
How do you clean jewelry at home?
Step 1 - Place a piece of foil in the bottom of your bowl.
Step 2 - Add one cup of warm water.
Step 3 - Add 1 tablespoon each of baking soda and salt.
Step 4 - Add 1 tablespoon of dish liquid and mix well.
Step 5 - Add pieces of jewelry and let them soak for about 10 minutes.
Step 6 - Give each piece a gentle scrub using a clean toothbrush.
Step 7 - Rinse each piece in cold water.
Step 8 - Air dry on a towel, then wipe each piece down to make sure it's completely dry.
I love that I can get all of my jewelry clean without the use of harsh, store bought chemical-filled jewelry cleaners that can possibly even tarnish your jewelry!
See how I used a really similar method to Clean Silverware and Remove Tarnish HERE!
You have to see what this copper kettle looked like when my Grandmommy gave it to me in my article How to Clean Copper Naturally!
Looking for even more cleaning tips and tricks? Check out hundreds of easy DIY Cleaning Solutions and Tips I've shared over the past 5 years on my Home Tips Page!
Happy cleaning my friend! If you ever have any cleaning questions or tips that you'd like to share, just email me at [email protected] or share them HERE on my Mom 4 Real Facebook Page!
Richella Parham says
Hi Jessica--
Is this method safe for cleaning gemstones (e.g. diamonds, sapphires), or is it just for the metals?
Thanks so much!
Jessica says
Hi, Richella! I use it on my wedding rings monthly, but haven't used it on my jade. I would think it would be safe, but don't want to make any promises. Hope you are doing well! xoxo Jess
carol jean says
Hello gem stone lovers, Jade, turquoise and real pearls should be cleaned in warm soapy water only, no chemicals. Even Emeralds need to be treated with care because they are so soft.
Barbara says
I have sterling silver necklace with a topaz stone. Would it be safe in this formula? Topaz has the same hardness as a ruby.
Joanne says
This method took the finish off my silver jewelry and now yhey must be cleaned MUCH more frequently. DON’t use it.
Sheila says
Do not use on pearls or opals.
Kathy Owen says
Thanks Jess! I've been trying to clean my jewelry at home with no luck. Giving this a try today. I checked out the article on ehow too.
Jessica says
Let me know what you think, Kathy! xoxo Jess
Oren Loni says
I got so much value from this post. I've been wanting to clean my necklace and now I know how to clean it in a affordable and friendly manner. Thank you so much!
Best,
Oren Loni
https://twitter.com/oren_loni
Cherie Thamm says
Do you think this would be ok for pandora bracelets/bangles? Maybe take the murano beads off first?
Eia idrees says
What is the reason of using foil before dipping the jewellery?
Nora Dolan says
Hi! I have loads of sterling silver-and-semi-precious-stones jewelry- tiger's eye, smoky quarts, lapis lazuli, etc. is this method safe for these items? thanks! Nora
Jessica says
Hi, Nora! I'm not sure how safe it is for stones. I would probably use caution.
Tina says
What is the purpose for the aluminum foil?
Susan Mork says
the chemical reaction
LadyJ1225 says
Wow what a difference! When I noticed the fake 'diamond' rings at Walmart were shinier than my own diamond ring I knew I needed to clean it. This is so simple and easy and really makes my diamonds sparkle! Thank you for all you do. You're the best = )
Ruth says
Pearls can be stored in a bag of white rice. It cleans the body oils, makeup, & perfume from them while polishing them. Learned this from a customer I had from China.
Stones such as Opals, Turquoise, & Jade should be polished with Olive Oil periodically to not only bring out their luster, but put moisture back into them to help prevent cracking.
Farida says
Wow...thank you for sharing here!
Lolbeh Jewelry says
OMG! This method works! I have tried it exactly as you described and my Jewelry are as good as new. Thank you so much.
Shawnalynn says
So what exactly is the purpose of the aluminum foil? The chemicals in it?
Jessica says
I'm not really sure, I'm guessing the aluminum and baking soda with the hot water create just the right chemical reaction.
Cathy Buskirk says
Does this work on costume jewelry too?
Resa says
You would probably have issues with this method for costume jewelry. The chemical reaction actually removes the oxidized layer (of silver, gold does not oxidize) so your base metal will eventually be exposed, depending upon how thick it is. Also, stones are usually set with glue which will melt away with the water involved, as will the outer painted layer of faux pearls.
Margaret says
What about cleaning & polishing copper bracelets?
Shirley Eason says
What do I do with the remaining liquid. Throw it away or use it cold the next time?
Doreen says
So how would one clean a silver ring, but with a turquoise stone, or other gem, set in?
Gayle says
I need to know how to keep laminate wood floors shiny...
Ivory says
Omg, this is exactly what I need to know. I always found hard to clean my necklace, bracelet, and earrings. I will be giving this a try. Thanks for sharing
Margie says
Someone please tell me what is "natural" about dish soap???
Margie says
What is natural about dish soap??
Cheryl Price says
How do you clean a pearl ring set in gold?
P.C. says
Pearls can be stored in a bag of white rice. It cleans the body oils, makeup, & perfume from them while polishing them. Learned this from a customer I had from China.
Stones such as Opals, Turquoise, & Jade should be polished with Olive Oil periodically to not only bring out their luster, but put moisture back into them to help prevent cracking.
Jess says
It brought a bracelet I had for 20 years back to life.
Thank you
Linda says
This really works! I cleaned my 2 silver necklaces that were badly tarnished and they look brand new.