If your jewellery is looking about worse for wear or is in need of a good cleaning, then the obvious choice is to go to a jeweller. But this can be expensive and time-consuming, especially if you have a busy schedule. Luckily there are some quick and easy at home cleaning methods that will not break the bank or damage your jewellery. Just bear in mind that not all of the techniques listed below will be suitable for every type of jewellery.
Ammonia
Ammonia is commonly used to clean floors but many people don’t know that it can also be great for cleaning diamond. Take 4 parts water and one-part ammonia and mix them in a bowl or a jar. Put your jewellery and let it soak for about 15 minutes. After it’s soaked, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and scrub your jewellery gently. This will help remove all the dirt and grime from the crevasses and hard to reach areas. After that, rinse off with clean water and dry with a soft clean towel.
Vinegar and Diatomaceous Earth
Put your jewellery in enough white vinegar so that the item is fully submerged. Vinegar can be quite harsh on jewellery so dusting about of diatomaceous earth on your jewellery will help prevent it from getting damaged. Allow it to soak for 15 minutes, moving it around every couple of minutes to agitate it. After you’ve done this, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any residue and grime. Again, rinse with plain water and try.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste can be a great jewellery cleaner, especially if you’re travelling or away from home. Simply add a tablespoon of water and mix it with an inch of toothpaste and apply it to the jewellery. If you want to give it a deeper clean, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub it. Toothpaste is a mild abrasive but will not scratch your jewellery, just ensure you rinse it thoroughly and dry properly.
Boil It
Not all jewellery can be boiled in order to clean it, things that are more delicate such as gemstones we get damaged – whereas solid gold should be absolutely fine.
Put your jewellery in a bowl and very slowly pour boiling water over the over it until it is fully covered. Let it sit and soak until the water cools down, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush and dry thoroughly afterwards.
