Best Way to Clean Jewelry: How to Properly Clean Gold, Silver, and Pearls

Cleaning jewelry can be quite a tricky task because the best way to clean jewelry depends on its material. If you mix up the cleaning methods, you may damage your precious items. To help you avoid this, we’ve gathered the best ways to clean jewelry at home, tailored for different types of jewelry. Follow this guide to keep your pieces safe and sparkling!

What’s the Best Way to Clean Jewelry at Home?

The best way to clean jewelry at home varies by material:

• Gold: Soak in soapy water and gently wipe with a soft cloth.
• Silver: Use a silver polishing cloth or a specialized cleaner.
• Pearls: Wipe with a cashmere cloth—avoid water exposure.
• Jade: Soak in water, clean with a soft cloth, and polish with silk.

Always avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or toothpaste, which can be abrasive and cause scratches.

Next, I will introduce you to the cleaning methods of different types of jewelry in detail and provide you with some tips.

1. Best Way to Clean Gold Jewelry

Regular Cleaning: The best way to clean gold jewelry at home is to soak it in diluted soapy water. After soaking, gently wipe it with a soft cloth and let it air dry. You can also buy specialized jewelry cleaners for this.

Cleaning Tarnished Gold: If your gold jewelry has dark spots or tarnish, try this home solution: mix 2-3 grams of salt, 7-8 grams of baking soda, 7-8 grams of bleach, and about 60 milliliters of water. Soak the jewelry for two hours, then rinse it with clean water and wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Alternatively, you can take your gold jewelry to a professional cleaner.

Tip: To keep your gold jewelry shiny, apply a thin layer of clear nail polish. This protective coating will help maintain its luster.

Does toothpaste clean jewelry? Some believe toothpaste is a good cleaner for gold, but it's abrasive and can scratch your gold jewelry, so avoid using it. Stick to gentle solutions instead.

2. Best Way to Clean Silver Jewelry

Regular Cleaning: For silver, avoid using water unless absolutely necessary. The best way to clean silver jewelry is by using a silver polishing cloth or silver powder to wipe it down.

Oxidation Cleaning: Silver tends to oxidize and turn black. In this case, use a silver polishing cloth to vigorously scrub the piece. If the oxidation is stubborn, add some dishwashing liquid to help remove the black layer, then dry it with the silver polishing cloth.

Tip: Silver tarnishes easily, so avoid wearing it while swimming, and keep it away from hot springs and seawater. Store it in a sealed bag when not in use.

Does vinegar clean jewelry? Yes, vinegar can clean silver jewelry, but be cautious as its acidity may damage some materials. It’s safer to use a silver polishing cloth or a gentle cleaner.

3. Best Way to Clean Pearl Jewelry

Regular Cleaning: Pearls are delicate and shouldn't be exposed to water for long periods. The best way to clean pearl jewelry is by wiping them with a cashmere cloth. Avoid paper towels, as they can scratch the surface.

Cleaning Yellowed Pearls: If your pearls have yellowed, you can use 1% to 5% hydrogen peroxide to bleach them. However, don't overdo it, as excessive bleaching can strip their natural shine.

Tip: Pearls are made of calcium carbonate and have low chemical stability. Avoid applying makeup when wearing pearls, as chemicals can dull their luster. Pearls also contain about 4% water, so avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent them from drying out.

4. Best Way to Clean Jade Jewelry

Regular Cleaning: For jade jewelry, the best way to clean it is to soak it in clean water for 30 minutes, then wipe it dry and polish it with a silk cloth. For extra shine, add a mild detergent and clean with a soft cloth. Avoid paper towels, as they can leave scratches.

Cleaning Oily Stains: If your jade has greasy stains, soak it in a solution of mild detergent and water. Clean with a soft cloth, then dry it thoroughly before polishing with a silk cloth.

5. Best Way to Clean Custom Pet Jewelry

Regular Cleaning: To clean pet jewelry, simply wipe the surface with a soft cloth dipped in water. Allow it to air dry or use a clean, dry cloth to absorb any remaining moisture.

For a deeper clean, use a mild detergent, but be gentle—don’t scrub too hard or use a brush, as this could scratch the surface.

Cleaning Oily Stains: If your custom pet jewelry gets greasy, soak it in mild detergent, clean the surface with a soft cloth, and let it air dry naturally.

What is the Best Jewelry Cleaner?

If you're looking for a jewelry cleaner that delivers professional results at home, I recommend using the Brilliant Jewelry Cleaner. It's gentle yet effective, safe for most types of jewelry, and specifically designed to remove tarnish and restore shine. For delicate items like pearls or jade, you can also try Weiman Jewelry Cleaner—a trusted option for cleaning softer materials.

With these tips and product recommendations, you can easily maintain your jewelry’s beauty and longevity!