Jewelry is often forgotten in our cleaning routines but is important to scrub down after touching all the oils and dirt on your skin. The problem with jewelry cleaners on the market are their use of abrasive, harsh chemicals that irritate the integrity of the piece and your skin. Try these natural cleaning methods to keep your jewelry sparkling and your skin safe.  

How often should I clean my jewelry?  

Believe it or not, you should be cleaning your jewelry once a week.  This is the recommended timeframe for pieces worn daily, but if you don’t wear it as often, adjust the timeframe accordingly. It might appear to be a hassle, but it only takes a few minutes out of your week for maintenance. 

What should I use to clean?  

You’ll need just a few inexpensive materials. Put aside a bowl to dedicate for your jewelry cleaning. This will be the bowl you use to mix and submerge pieces in solutions. Invest in a cheap toothbrush and soft washcloth for gentle scrubbing. For the solution, have mild dish soap, Alka-Seltzer, tin foil, baking soda, tea tree oil, distilled vinegar, and water in your cleaning stock.  

Pearls 

This is trickiest material to tackle. Pearls are incredibly delicate and require careful attention when cleaning. Do not use anything too harsh, or else you’ll quite literally scrub away the pearl. For the best results, mix warm water and a splash of mild dish soap in your bowl. Dip in the washcloth and gently wipe the pearl two to three times and allow to dry before storing. As an extra precaution, store them in an area with good air flow to prevent yellowing. Wear them often because fresh and moist air keeps them looking new.  

Silver 

Real silver, not the stuff that turns your skin green, requires low maintenance. The issue with silver is the corrosion of the top layers over time called tarnish. This is the black, dull appearance seen on older silver pieces from reacting with sulfur in the air. To keep your silver reflective, grab the bowl, tin foil, baking soda, and water. Line the bowl with tin foil and pour in hot water with a tablespoon of baking soda. Submerge the piece underwater for two to three minutes, and wipe away the tarnish with the washcloth. 

Gold  

Pure 24 karat gold is soft and prone to scratches. Most gold pieces people own are a mixture of gold with other metals to increase the longevity of it. Regardless of what percentage gold it is, place the piece in a bowl, and shake baking soda overtop to cover it. Pour over distilled vinegar until submerged. Let it soak for two to three minutes and remove, rinsing with cold water. Dry with a washcloth and watch it shine like new.  

Diamonds and other stones  

Diamonds and other gemstones are sensitive to the harsh chemicals like chlorine and ammonia found in commercial cleaners. Skip the store cleaner and make a paste from baking soda, a drop of tea tree oil, and distilled vinegar. Mix well, and use a tooth brush to gently wipe over the stone a few times. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry with the washcloth. Tea tree oil does have a strong scent, so don’t be heavy handed with it. One drop is enough.  

By taking these easy steps to properly clean your jewelry with natural materials, you’ll save the piece and your skin from irritation.