8 Jewelry Cleaning Hacks with Household Items

From your everyday jewelry to unique pieces you only where on special occasions, chances are, all of your jewelry could use a good polish. Lotion, soaps, and everyday dust and dirt are just a few things that can clog jewelry settings and make stones, chains and pearls appear dull and lifeless. And it’s usually not until you're getting ready for a night out on the town that you notice your rings, necklaces and bracelets need some attention. Dirt and grime can get anywhere, and unless it is dealt with it could temporarily ruin the appearance or functionality of whatever the piece is. In extreme situations, the object can suffer irreversible damage. The good news is you can clean your jewelry at home — and it's easier than you might think. Take a look at some easy, fast, and most inexpensive hacks that will help you keep your jewelry clean and shiny.

1. Use dish soap, water, and a toothbrush.

The best and easiest way to clean all types of metal is actually with substances and items that you already have at home. To keep your jewelry extra squeaky clean, all you have to do is prepare a solution of very warm water and a few drops of dish washing liquid. You need to soak your jewelry for 20 to 40 minutes depending on how much dirt there is. Use a clean toothbrush to loosen any stubborn dirt that is still clinging onto your jewels. Finally, rinse and dry before enjoying your gleaming jewelry. If needed, you can repeat the process once more.

2. Use ketchup to clean and polish tarnished silver.

This condiment can completely transform your tarnished silver ring within 15 minutes thanks to the acid from the tomatoes and vinegar. Submerge your ring in a shallow bowl of ketchup and let sit for 5-10 minutes (don’t forget about your ring and leave it in too long, or the acid could cause damage). Then, remove the ring and scrub it with a super soft (and clean) toothbrush. Rise with warm water, dry, and you’re good to go!

3. Use beer to make your gold shine.

Pour a bit of lager on a soft, clean cloth and gently rub your ring — but not your diamond. Then dry the band. Hops used in beer brewing contain alpha acids that help to polish dirt and grime off gold. Lighter beers contain less hops, so the acidity is just right to polish the metal while protecting your ring. A couple of things to note: Don’t use a dark ale, and make sure your jewelry is solid gold or gold-plated without gemstones.

4. Use vodka to make your diamond dazzle.

Simply pour vodka on a clean cloth and wipe your jewelry with it — or set your ring in a shot glass of vodka, take out, and dry.

5. Use vinegar and tea tree oil for any type of metal.

Place your ring in a jar, and pour half a cup of vinegar and a few drops of tea tree oil to the mix — the tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant and anti-fungal. Leave the ring soaking overnight, and in the morning, take the ring out and clean it with a toothbrush that has a little baking soda on it. Wash and rinse with water.

6. Use SimpleGreen to clean all metal types.

The greatest advice I’ve been given regarding my engagement ring came from the jeweler who made it and told me to skip all the expensive store-bought jewelry cleaners and invest in… Simple Green. Simple Green is safe to use on your ring and will gently remove any built-up grit and grime. Simply spray Simple Green on your diamond ring, gently scrub with a toothbrush, rinse with warm water, and dry. I do this every couple of days to keep my ring sparkling bright!

7. Use sodium-free seltzer water or club soda to clean gold.

Put the jewelry into a small strainer and place it in the bowl to soak for about five minutes. Swish it around, fishing out each piece to go over settings and crevices with a soft toothbrush. Return items to the strainer, and rinse under running water. Dry with a soft cloth.

8. Use a denture tablet to clean gold or platinum.

This works well on gold and platinum bands with diamonds or other hard stones. Drop a denture tablet into a glass containing a cup of water, and set your ring into the glass. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then remove your ring and rinse.