When I was growing up, my mom always told me to clean my jewelry regularly. But like most children, it took me until after I moved out of the house to realize that moms actually know what they're talking about. It might be too late for most of my bling, but from now on, I'm taking a page out of my mother's book and keeping my jewelry bright and shiny.
But instead of forking over some serious dough and getting your jewelry professionally cleaned, you can take the DIY route and clean your jewelry with common household items such as shampoo and dish soap.
To watch how it's done, check out this handy jewelry cleaning tutorial.
Do you have any go-to tricks for cleaning your jewelry?
Image via CafeMom Solutions
How to Clean Your Jewelry
Cleaning Silver: Step One
The first step to making your silver sparkle is to mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. For heavier tarnish, make a paste using 3 parts baking soda to one part water.
Cleaning Silver: Step Two
Rub the cleaning mixture into the jewelry using a soft, lint-free cloth.
Cleaning Silver: Step Three
Rinse the jewelry in cool water. Make sure to never let silver soak.
Cleaning Silver: Step Four
Finally, buff dry the jewelry with a clean cloth.
Cleaning Gold or Gems: Step One
To brighten your gold and gems, first create a mixture of sodium-free seltzer water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
Cleaning Gold or Gems: Step Two
Place the jewelry in a metal strainer and let soak for five minutes.
Cleaning Gold or Gems: Step Three
Next, go over the settings and crevices of the jewelry with a soft toothbrush.
Cleaning Gold or Gems: Step Four
Rinse the jewelry in cool, running water, and then buff dry with a clean, soft cloth. Make sure not to use paper towels as they can scratch the jewelry.
Cleaning Pearls: Step One
To shine your pearls, first mix a little bit of shampoo with warm water.
Cleaning Pearls: Step Two
Next, lightly dip the tip of a clean makeup brush into the water/shampoo mixture and go over each pearl with the brush.
Cleaning Pearls: Step Three
For the final step, dip a soft cloth in clean water and "rinse" the necklace. Let string dry flat to prevent stretching.
