At-Home Jewelry Cleaning

As I lean into my new normal, I find myself researching do-it-yourself (diy) solutions and looking for ways to extend the length of time between service appointments.
A google search for at-home jewelry cleaning solutions yields pages and pages of options; and, not all recipes are offered by jewelers nor do they cover the caveats introduced by the plethora of gemstones and metals and their combinations.
So, in this post, I share the three key ingredients of my recommended at-home cleaning solution, and my three key at-home cleaning tools, including my secret weapon.

In a small bowl, mix:
  • warm water
  • 2-3 drops mild dishwashing soap (my favorite is Dawn® Pure Essentials)
  • optional*: diluted ammonia (1 tablespoon ammonia for every 5 parts water)
There should be enough solution to fully submerge your jewelry UNLESS your jewelry contains soft gemstones**.   Soak submerged jewelry for 10-15 minutes.

*DO NOT add diluted ammonia unless you are 110% CERTAIN that your jewelry contains ONLY gold and diamonds.

**Jewelry containing soft gemstones such as: pearls, opals, and turquoise should be quickly dipped as opposed to submerged.  This is not an exhaustive list of soft gemstones.  If you are uncertain about the type of gemstone in the jewelry you want to clean, feel free to start a chat with us or call us (919.390.2820).

The cleaning tools:
  • Baby toothbrush or adult extra soft toothbrush*** to gently scrub stubborn dirt deposits
  • lint-free cloth**** to dry jewelry after cleaning
***. Toothbrush scrubbing introduces the risk of  dislodging already loosened stones; so, be sure to do this in a semi-enclosed container (such as a large resealable bag) and if you're near a sink, be sure the drain is closed or blocked.

****Some paper towels can scratch soft metals, such as sterling silver, so they are not recommended for drying cleaned jewelry.

The secret weapon:
  • compressed air can*****
If you have soaked your jewelry for 3-4, 15 minute intervals and still have some residual dirt, compressed air is a way to reach tiny pockets that cannot be reached or sufficiently scrubbed clean.

*****Compressed air cans have sufficient pressure to dislodge already loosened stones; so, be sure to do this in a semi-enclosed container (such as a large resealable bag) and if you're near a sink, be sure the drain is closed or blocked.


Like you and your dentist, your jewelry still needs to be serviced by a jewelry professional twice a year, at minimum.

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