How to Make Your Own Jewelry Cleaner

Last Updated on October 10, 2026 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.

What I Use to Clean and Protect My Jewelry

You don’t need a lot of special supplies to keep jewelry looking its best. I like to keep a few inexpensive basics on hand for cleaning and storing my jewelry.

• Microfiber jewelry cleaning cloth – useful for gently wiping costume jewelry without soaking it.
• Soft chamois cloth – handy for polishing and drying jewelry after cleaning.
• Small jewelry storage bags – help keep pieces separated so they don’t become tangled or scratched.

Shop my favorite jewelry cleaning and storage supplies on Amazon.

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.

What is the best homemade jewelry cleaner?

Important: Not every type of jewelry can safely be cleaned with a homemade solution. Avoid soaking costume jewelry, gold-plated pieces, pearls, opals, turquoise, antique jewelry, or pieces with glued or delicate settings. Baking soda, salt, vinegar, and hot water can damage certain metals, finishes, and gemstones. For many types of jewelry, gentle cleaning with a soft cloth or mild soapy water is a safer choice. Always check the recommended cleaning method for your specific jewelry before using a homemade 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?

Before trying a homemade jewelry cleaner, it’s important to know what your jewelry is made from. The baking soda and aluminum foil method below is sometimes used to remove tarnish from plain sterling silver, but it is not appropriate for all jewelry and may affect decorative finishes. Do not use it on plated, antique, gemstone, pearl, or costume jewelry. For valuable or delicate pieces, ask a professional jeweler about the safest cleaning method.

How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry With Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda

The aluminum foil and baking soda method can help remove tarnish from certain plain sterling silver jewelry pieces. However, it is not suitable for all jewelry. 

Only consider this method for plain, solid sterling silver jewelry without gemstones, plating, decorative oxidation, glued settings, or antique finishes. When in doubt, consult a professional jeweler.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 cup hot water
• Aluminum foil
• A small heat-safe bowl
• A soft, lint-free cloth

Directions

1. Line a small heat-safe bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up.
2. Place a suitable plain sterling silver item directly on the foil.
3. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt into the bowl.
4. Carefully pour in enough hot water to cover the silver. Avoid boiling water.
5. Allow the silver to sit briefly, checking its appearance frequently rather than leaving it soaking unattended.
6. Carefully remove the jewelry and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
7. Dry completely using a soft, lint-free cloth.

Important Jewelry Cleaning Precautions

This method uses a chemical reaction to help remove silver tarnish. It may also remove intentional darkened details or affect delicate finishes.

Do not use this method on:

• Pearls, opals, turquoise, or other delicate gemstones
• Gold-plated or silver-plated jewelry
• Costume jewelry
• Antique or collectible jewelry
• Jewelry with glued stones or decorative finishes

For valuable, sentimental, or delicate jewelry, professional cleaning is the safest choice.

How to Clean Gold Jewelry Safely

For plain, solid gold jewelry without delicate gemstones or special finishes, a little mild dish soap mixed with lukewarm water is generally a safer cleaning option than vinegar. Gently clean with a soft cloth or very soft brush, rinse carefully, and dry completely with a lint-free cloth.

Avoid vinegar, abrasive cleaners, and harsh chemicals. If your jewelry contains gemstones, pearls, glued settings, or plating, check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations before using any liquid cleaner.

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