How to Make Your Own Jewelry Cleaner

Last Updated on April 3, 2023 by Ellen Christian

Wondering how to make your own jewelry cleaner? I love wearing jewelry, but I don’t like how it loses its shine after a while. Learn how here.

 

Make Your Own Jewelry Cleaner

Some of the reasons it gets dull include exposure to oils on your skin or simply exposure to the air or water. Perfume, hair spray or exposure to cleaning products can do the same thing.

While costume jewelry is less expensive than the more costly items with real gems and diamonds, I still want it to last as long as possible. There are a few simple steps you can take to make your costume jewelry look better for longer.

Prevention goes a lot way toward making your jewelry last as long as possible. And, when you need to, you can make your own jewelry cleaner.

Protect your jewelry from water

If you’re near water whether that’s at the beach, showering, or washing dishes, remove your jewelry, and set it aside, so it doesn’t get wet. The same holds true for when you’re cleaning with chemicals.

Remove jewelry before applying lotion

Apply lotion, perfume, and hair spray before you put your jewelry on. If you put your jewelry on first, it will attract dirt that will adhere to the surface.

How to store jewelry

Store your jewelry in a plastic baggie out of direct sunlight in a jewelry box when you aren’t wearing it.

Never jumble your jewelry up with other types of jewelry. It can become knotted and tangled this way. I use these bags when I am not wearing my jewelry.

How to clean costume jewelry

Be careful when you clean your costume jewelry. It’s not made to last as long as more expensive pieces so the quality won’t be as good.  

When cleaning costume jewelry, a very small amount of water and a soft microfiber cloth is the best way to clean it. You should never submerge costume jewelry in water or expose it to vinegar or baking soda.

What is the best homemade jewelry cleaner?

If your expensive jewelry is already dull and needs to be clean, you can learn how to make your own jewelry cleaner by following these simple instructions.

What is the main ingredient in jewelry cleaner?

Many store-bought jewelry cleaners contain toxic ingredients. This is a much better option. 

Ingredients

• Bowl
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp dish detergent
• 1 cup hot water
• Foil
• Soft chamois cloth

Directions

• Line the bowl with the foil and then add the salt, baking soda, and dish detergent.
• Carefully add the hot water and wait for the sizzling to die down a bit.
• Place your jewelry in the cleaning solution and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Remove from the cleaner and rinse under cool water.
• Pat dry with a soft cloth.

Cleaning jewelry with vinegar

If you’re wondering how to make your own jewelry cleaner, you can use plain white vinegar. Simply add your gold jewelry to a small bowl of white vinegar and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Remove it and scrub gently with a soft chamois cloth. Rinse and pat dry.

I’ve used this cleaner with my gold and diamonds several times with great results.  Please do NOT use this for costume jewelry as the cleaner may loosen the glue.

Related reading

• How to organize jewelry to prevent tangles
• Tips for caring for white gold
• Caring for new piercings
• Best earrings for short hair and a round face