How to clean and polish jewelry at home

Jewelry is a valuable addition to our daily wear which makes it more elegant and beautiful. Whether made of gold, silver, diamonds, or other gemstones jewelry requires attention to maintain its beauty and luster. Instead of going the expensive route with professional cleaning, this guide will show you just how easy it is to clean and polish your jewelry at home.

In this article, we'll show you how to clean and polish silver, moissanite, and cubic zirconia jewelry using easy-to-find items you already have at home.

1. Cleaning Silver Jewelry

Silver is a precious metal, but over time, it oxidizes and acquires a black coating. This oxidation is caused by silver reacting with sulfur in the air. However, you can restore its luster with a few simple methods.

• Required ingredients: Hot water, aluminum foil, and a tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate.
• Method:
• Put the aluminum foil at the bottom of a deep bowl, and then put the silver jewelry on top of it.
• Put a tablespoon of baking soda in and pour hot water until the jewelry is fully covered.
• Leave the jewelry for 5-10 minutes, as the dirt will begin to dissolve, and you'll notice the aluminum foil turning black.
• Rinse with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

This is an effective and easy way to remove corrosion and restore the luster of silver.

2. Moissanite cleaning

Moissanite is a gemstone that resembles a diamond in appearance but has a special luster and color uniqueness. Due to its sensitivity, moissanite requires gentle cleaning to maintain its luster without affecting its structure.

• Required ingredients: Warm water, mild unscented soap, a soft toothbrush, and a soft cotton cloth.
• Method:
• Place a small amount of mild soap in a bowl of warm water.
• Place the moissanite jewelry in the solution and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
• Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the moissanite and remove any accumulated dirt or grease.
• Rinse the jewelry with clean water and dry it with a soft cotton cloth to avoid scratches.

Avoid using any harsh chemicals on moissanite as they may affect the stone and cause it to lose its luster over time.

3. Cleaning Cubic Zirconia

Cubic zirconia is a gemstone that is a popular alternative to diamonds due to its high brilliance and low price. However, due to its nature, it can lose its luster if not cleaned regularly. Here's how to clean cubic zirconia at home:

• Ingredients required: Warm water, mild soap, a soft brush, and a cotton cloth.
• Method:
• Mix a few drops of mild soap in a bowl of warm water.
• Place jewelry containing cubic zirconia in the solution for a few minutes.
• Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft brush to remove dirt and dust.
• Rinse the jewelry with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Cubic zirconia is scratch-resistant, but excessive use of chemicals may affect its shine. It is always best to use gentle detergents to maintain its luster.

Read more about the difference between moissanite and cubic zirconia.

4. Tips to keep your jewelry shiny

In addition to regular cleaning, you can follow some tips to keep your jewelry shiny and clean for as long as possible:

• Avoid exposing your jewelry to chemicals: Avoid wearing jewelry while using household cleaning products, perfumes, or lotions that contain strong chemicals.
• Correct storage: Store your jewelry in a dry, dark place, preferably in a separate cloth bag to avoid friction and scratches.
• Regular cleaning: Clean your jewelry periodically to keep it shiny and prevent dirt from accumulating on it.
• Avoid wearing jewelry during strenuous activities: Such as playing sports or swimming, as it can be scratched or damaged.

5. Alternative Safe Cleaning Methods

When searching for materials that work to clean jewelry, you may find some unexpected substances that may surprise you.

• Toothpaste: Gel-free toothpaste is an effective tool for cleaning gold and silver. Apply a little toothpaste to a soft brush and gently scrub your jewelry, then rinse and dry.
• White vinegar: For silver, you can place your jewelry in a bowl of white vinegar and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse and dry.
• Medical alcohol: Alcohol helps remove dirt and bacteria. Place your jewelry in a bowl of medical alcohol for a few minutes, then rinse and dry.

Conclusion

All the materials needed to clean jewelry at home are easily available in everyone's home. You can keep your silver and sparkling jewelry for a long time without having to look for expensive cleaning services by following these steps. Remember, keep your jewelry well stored and free of chemicals so it always looks like new.