Do you have any idea how disgusting your jewelry is at this exact moment? We wear it on our bodies just like clothes, but rarely wash them in the same way. In fact, I don’t remember the last time I washed one of my rings that I wear every single day. I disgust myself.
If you want to stop being such a gross pile of filth, you can follow any one of these easy options for cleaning your jewelry with stuff you probably have under your sink or in your medicine cabinet.
General cleaning tips for most jewelry types
- A soft-bristled toothbrush is your best friend.
- Soak jewelry in warm water with two antacid tablets. Rinse and go!
- Soft gemstones can be cleaned with soap and water. Drop jewelry into warm water rinsed with a few drops of mild soap for two minutes, and wipe dry with a cotton cloth. Let them air dry for a while before storing, especially if the gemstones are super porous.
- You can make your own cleaning solution containing baking soda, salt, and dish detergent.
Diamonds
- Soak your diamonds in 1 part ammonia with 4 parts warm water for 15 minutes. Use a toothbrush to get to any gunk buried in the settings. Rinse.
- If you have more time, soak diamonds in club soda overnight.
Gold
- Soak your jewelry in white vinegar for 10-15 minutes, giving it a stir or shake every so often. Take a toothbrush to it afterwards. Rinse.
- Pour beer onto a soft cloth and rub your jewelry gently. Dry it off thoroughly, and don’t use dark ale.
- If you’re looking for a quick fix, scrub your rings with toothpaste. Rinse, dry, and go!
Silver
- If your silver jewelry is tarnished, lay it on a tray lined with aluminum foil. Throw some baking soda (not baking powder!) over it, and then pour boiling water on top. Flip the jewelry and move it around so that it touches the foil (it’s contact with the foil that takes away the tarnish). Rinse with water.
- Put your silver jewelry in a bowl of ketchup for 3-4 minutes. Scrub it with a toothbrush if it has any crevices. Give it a rinse.
Costume Jewelry
- The best way to go with costume jewelry is to use a dry toothbrush to scrub out any grime hidden in crevices. Then hit the jewelry with compressed air (the stuff you use to clean keyboards).
- If your jewelry is really filthy, soak it in some warm water with a bit of mild soap. Rinse and gently dry with a cotton cloth.
