Jewelry are precious and they deserve the utmost care. Problem is, we do not know to take care of them, and the prices of jewelry cleaners in the market are not that reasonable. But what if we tell you that you can clean your jewelry with items you can find at home? It’s true. So open up the cabinets for these easy jewelry cleanup tips.

Diamonds

Clean diamond jewelry by immersing them in rubbing alcohol or a mixture of equal parts ammonia and cold water for about three minutes. Gently scrub the rocks using a soft-bristled used toothbrush. Rinse, then lay on a tissue to dry. 

Pearls

Right after wearing your pearl jewelry, wipe it with a soft, water-dampened cloth to remove residue. Rub each pearl separately, then wipe off with a clean damp cloth and buff dry. Let it air dry overnight. 

If you’ve worn the pearls several times a week, moisten them at least once a year with a soft, clean cloth in a solution of one part mild dishwashing liquid and 20 parts lukewarm water.

Opals

Wipe opals with a soft, clean cloth dipped in a solution of tap water and a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid. 

Remember that opals are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so avoid very hot or very cold weather, which can shrink the stone, causing it to fall out of its setting; as well as direct sunlight and dishwashing.

Emeralds, rubies, and sapphires

Clean in a mild dishwashing liquid and warm water, immersing it for no more than three minutes. After soaking, scrub them with a soft-bristled used toothbrush.

Gold

Soak gold jewelry in isopropyl rubbing alcohol for at least an hour. This is to remove the grease that has accumulated in it. 

After soaking, rinse it thoroughly and scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush using a solution of ½ cup ammonia and 2 cups water, making sure to cover all hidden corners and grooves of the jewelry. 

After which, rinse it again thoroughly with lukewarm water and allow it to air dry. Once dry, polish it for a shinier finish.

Silver

Cleaning silver can be a bit tricky. If using the usual soaking and brushing, you are actually removing the silver along with the tarnish. 

One way of removing the sulfur in the tarnish is to place the silver on a baking pan lined with aluminum foil then cover the jewelry with a solution of hot water boiled with two cups baking soda and some table salt.  

Another easy way is to soak the silver into a pot of water in which you have just boiled potatoes.