How to Clean Jewelry at Home (Expert Guide for Every Metal & Gemstone)

To clean jewelry at home safely and effectively, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water, soak your jewelry for 10–15 minutes, gently brush with a soft toothbrush, rinse with lukewarm water, and pat dry with a microfiber cloth. This method is safe for gold, diamonds, platinum, and many gemstones according to guidance from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

Why Jewelry Cleaning Matters

Even the most brilliant jewelry loses its luster over time. Exposure to oils, dirt, moisture, and cosmetic residues can dull the shine of even the highest-quality diamonds, gold, and gemstones.

Regular jewelry cleaning:

• Maintains sparkle and brilliance
  

• Prevents damage from buildup
  

• Extends the life of prongs and settings
  

• Protects heirloom or investment value
  

Whether it’s a delicate diamond engagement ring or vibrant emerald earrings, every piece benefits from regular, gentle cleaning.

What Is the Best Way to Clean Jewelry at Home?

The best way to clean jewelry at home is with mild dish soap and warm water. This method is effective and safe for:

• Gold and platinum
  

• Diamonds (natural or lab-grown)
  

• Sapphires, rubies, moissanites, spinel
  

• Most durable gemstones
  

Steps:

1. Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water
   

2. Soak jewelry for 10–15 minutes
   

3. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush
   

4. Rinse with lukewarm water
   

5. Pat dry with a microfiber or lint-free cloth
   

Related Read: Do Lab Grown Diamonds Hold Their Value?

What Can You Use to Clean Jewelry?

Here are the most trusted, non-damaging cleaning methods used by professionals:

1. Dish Soap + Warm Water

• Safe for most materials
  

• Gentle enough for daily use
  

• Best universal method for cleaning rings, necklaces, earrings, and more
  

2. Baking Soda & Aluminum Foil (For Silver)

• Ideal for sterling silver pieces
  

• Line a bowl with foil, add hot water + 1 tbsp baking soda + 1 tbsp salt
  

• Place jewelry on foil for 5–10 minutes
  

• Rinse and dry completely
  

3. White Vinegar (For Silver, Copper, Brass only)

• Soak for 10–15 minutes, then rinse
  

• Avoid on gold, pearls, opals, or plated items
  

4. Avoid These Ingredients:

• Bleach, acetone, ammonia
  

• Toothpaste, lemon juice, or baking soda on gold
  

• Paper towels (scratch risk)
  

How to Clean Different Types of Jewelry

Diamond Jewelry (Natural or Lab-Grown)

Diamonds may be hard, but buildup under prongs reduces sparkle.

• Soak in dish soap and warm water
  

• Use a soft brush under the setting
  

• Rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth
  

Related Blog: Lab Grown vs Natural Diamond
Shop: White Diamond Rings

Gold Jewelry (Yellow, White & Rose)

Gold is soft. Use only soap and water.

• Avoid vinegar, baking soda, or lemon
  

• Be gentle to prevent scratching
  

Related Blog: Lab Created vs Simulated Diamonds

Sterling Silver Jewelry

Prone to tarnish. Use foil + baking soda method for deep clean.

• Avoid soaking for too long
  

• Buff with a silver cloth after cleaning
  

Gemstone Jewelry (Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubies)

Soft or porous stones (emeralds, opals, turquoise, pearls) need extra care.

Safe method:

• Use damp cloth only (no soaking)
  

• Avoid ultrasonic machines
  

Shop Gemstone Jewelry:

• Emerald Necklaces
  

• Sapphire Bracelets

• Ruby Rings

Rings & Engagement Rings

These collect dirt fastest.

• Clean weekly with soap and brush
  

• Dry thoroughly before storage
  

Related Blog: How to Resize a Ring

Necklaces & Chains

• Gently clean with soft brush around links
  

• Avoid tangling during drying
  

Shop: Necklaces Collection

 

❌ What Should You Not Use to Clean Jewelry?

Avoid these substances to prevent damage, discoloration, or erosion:

• Toothpaste (abrasive)
  

• Alcohol or ammonia
  

• Boiling water (can crack gemstones)
  

• Lemon juice or acids
  

• Paper towels or rough cloths
  

Pro Tip: Use only soft brushes or microfiber cloths. If unsure, test on a small area or consult a professional.

How Often Should You Clean Jewelry?

For delicate or vintage pieces, consider professional cleaning every 6–12 months.

Jewelry Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

• Soaking pearls, opals, or turquoise
  

• Using ultrasonic machines on delicate or vintage jewelry
  

• Scrubbing aggressively
  

• Storing jewelry before it's fully dry
  

• Not checking for loose stones before cleaning
  

How to Clean Thrifted or Pre-Owned Jewelry

Used or vintage jewelry may require both cleaning and disinfection.

Steps:

1. Use soap + warm water soak
   

2. Optional: Use a hydrogen peroxide dip (only for hard stones/metals)
   

3. Avoid ultrasonic or harsh chemicals
   

Explore: Pre-Owned Jewelry

Jewelry Care Instructions for Longevity

• Store in a dry, cool place (ideally in soft cloth or anti-tarnish bags)
  

• Remove before applying lotion, swimming, or using cleaning products
  

• Avoid contact with perfume or hairspray
  

• Inspect settings periodically to avoid stone loss
  

Explore Wedding Jewelry: Bridal Jewelry Collection

Final Thoughts: Clean Jewelry, Lasting Brilliance

Jewelry isn't just a fashion piece — it's a memory, an investment, and a reflection of your story. Keeping it clean is the simplest way to protect its beauty and extend its life.

Whether it's your first diamond ring, your grandmother’s emerald bracelet, or a lab-grown statement necklace, regular cleaning is an act of care.