We asked Laura Elizabeth, owner and designer of Laura Elizabeth Jewelry, for her expert tips on jewelry cleaning. She recommends periodic cleaning and maintenance for all pieces, especially those with sentimental value. “I recommend getting the prongs on your wedding band checked often. The last thing you want to do is look down and see you’re missing it!” she says. “Also, I would check cleaning instructions before cleaning any semi-precious or precious metals. Pearls, too!” With Elizabeth’s advice in mind, our top pick, Weiman Liquid Jewelry Cleaner, cleans most types of jewelry in just 30 minutes with minimal scrubbing. Ahead, here are the best jewelry cleaners for all of your precious pieces. Take note, these cleaners are so good, this might just be the perfect excuse to buy more jewelry! When you’re done soaking your jewelry, which can take up to 30 minutes depending on how much dirt is embedded, all you have to do is rinse. Rinsing the jewelry before wearing it is a good idea. Not only does this wash away the dirt, but it also safely keeps any potentially irritating cleaner off your skin. It should not be used to clean pearls, however. Other surfaces that can be damaged include amber, malachite, opals, jade, or turquoise. This is because it’s an ammonia-based cleaner. Ammonia can damage the finish of some surfaces, so be careful if you aren’t sure what your jewelry is made of. It can be used to clean silver, but isn’t as effective at removing tarnish as it is on other metals. Still, we give Weiman’s cleaner gold stars because it gives a professional-level clean in mere minutes! By the end of it all, with all of your newly cleaned jewelry, you might just feel like a million bucks. Price at time of publish: $9 That means it may take more scrubbing to eliminate built-up grime and older dirt. For less than $10, the kit includes a tray for jewelry to sit in the solution for up to three minutes and a small brush to get into all the nooks and crannies. The brush even fits into a slot in the tray for easy storage when you’re done cleaning. For the best sparkle, Brilliant recommends using a soft polishing cloth after rinsing, which you’ll need to purchase separately. Price at time of publish: $7 Bonus: You can also set the cleaner on a timer based on the type of jewelry and soil level. Choose between 90, 180, 280, 380, and 480 seconds. It automatically shuts off when it’s done and cleans without you having to stand by and monitor. You can even place your jewelry in a basket so tiny pieces, like an earring stud or a small necklace charm, can be cleaned without worry. One note: this machine does take up more space than most liquid cleaning solutions, so be prepared to make room for jewelry cleaning storage. Price at time of publish: $40 If you’re bursting in bling, know that the machine holds up to 12 ounces of water and can provide 15 minutes of continuous steam. You can also opt for burst mode. The steam only takes four minutes to heat up, which is indicated by a ready light on the top of the unit. We also really love the added LED light near the basket so that you can do a thorough inspection after cleaning. While it’s no doubt a pricey machine, you better bet it’s well worth it. You’ll actually be able to see the sparkling results! Price at time of publish: $80 Still, it isn’t the most effective on non-porous stones or silver. If you want something that’ll work on these harder surfaces, look for the brand’s Fine Jewelry Cleaner and Silver Jewelry Cleaner. While that does mean you’ll have to purchase multiple products, it helps to have something formulated for your specific jewelry needs. Price at time of publish: $8 Each wipe can only be used once so these do get expensive for routine cleaning. They’re a better option for spot cleaning rather than regular maintenance cleaning. They’re also the perfect portable size for sticking one in your purse. You know, when you need to clean your sparkles on the go if, say, you’re jet-setting off for a weekend in Paris or Tokyo. But if you find that your jewelry works well with these wipes, liquid Connoisseurs is probably a better bet for less-expensive cleaning needs at home. Price at time of publish: $9 Each cloth is 4 inches by 6 inches and comes sealed in its own package. That helps preserve their use and effectiveness. Just keep in mind that you won’t be able to wash the polishing cloths, so if they do get dirty, you’ll need to replace the cloth entirely. Fortunately, this set comes with three cloths so you’ll have a couple to spare. Price at time of publish: $20 You’ll need to rinse your jewelry after cleaning and before wearing it. The gel isn’t liquid enough to be used as a soak, but luckily it comes with a small brush to get into tiny areas. You might feel totally satisfied scrubbing, and find that a gel-based cleaner is less messy overall. Price at time of publish: $10 Just know that these wipes are easy to use but expensive. They come in a resealable container, and each wipe is only for single use. They also don’t cover large areas, so we recommend a different cleaning method for larger silver items, such as Grandma’s serving trays and silver decor, but for tiny jewelry, they’re ideal and easy to use. Price at time of publish: $9 Wipes are great for on-the-go cleaning, but they are pricey per use and contain the same chemical cleaning agents as liquid cleaners. Ultrasonic and steam machine cleaners are chemical-free but also cost a pretty penny. They can be used with a wider range of jewelry, yet have limits when it comes to sparkly gemstones.
Ingredients
Ammonia is a common cleaning agent in jewelry cleaning solutions. It is good for lifting dirt and grime but will not always remove tarnish from silver jewelry. It can also be too harsh for some stones. Pearls, amber, opals, and other porous stones should get special care when cleaning, because harsh chemicals can damage them. Steam and ultrasonic sound waves are two chemical-free ways to clean your jewelry. “Keep your jewelry away from harsh chemicals like bleach!” explains Laura Elizabeth, a jewelry designer. The best jewelry cleaners use mild ingredients that are safe for your pieces. That’s why we love Brilliant Jewelry Cleaner, which is ammonia-free. It’s safe for all kinds of jewelry, and it won’t irritate your skin.
Jewelry Compatibility
Every jewelry cleaner includes a recommended use list that details which materials are compatible and safe to treat with it. You should also consider the size of your pieces, especially if your jewelry cleaner solution uses a tray to keep the pieces in place. Delicate chains and small earrings may slip through larger slots. Storing fine jewelry correctly can keep it from getting dirty in the first place. It’s especially important to store silver pieces with care, because they can get tarnished easily. Pearls and other porous stones are also fragile and require special care.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer who specializes in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. While nothing beats using a jewelry cleaner, Elizabeth also recommends a three-step DIY process to clean your silver jewelry and remove tarnish. “Add a few drops of liquid dish soap like Dawn to warm water. Mix until bubbles form. Soak jewelry in the solution for anywhere from five to ten minutes,” she says. Depending on your cleaner, you may need to shorten the soaking time. “Use a soft bristle brush, such as a toothbrush, to clean any crevices,” she suggests. “Rinse jewelry in warm water. Dry by gently patting with a microfiber towel. Do not use paper towels; they are too rough.” When making this list, Katie considered the best cleaners for each type of jewelry, precious metal, and stone. She also talked to Laura Elizabeth, owner and designer of the luxury jewelry line Laura Elizabeth Jewelry, which focuses on sustainable materials, ethical production, and elegant style.
