How to Clean Jewelry at Home (Without Damaging It)

contact49603
Apr 16
3 min read

We love our everyday jewelry — the rings that shine through every Zoom call, the necklaces that complete every outfit, and the sweat-proof jewelry that sticks with us through workouts and weekend brunches. But let’s be real: over time, even the best pieces can lose a bit of their sparkle.

Before you reach for any old cleaner under the sink (please don’t!), let’s talk about safe, easy ways to clean your jewelry that doesn’t tarnish — right from home — without risking damage or turning your gold-tone fave into a faded memory.

1. Know Your Materials First

Not all jewelry is created equal. While your tarnish free jewelry can handle more than you think (hello, waterproof jewelry), delicate pieces made with softer metals or porous stones need a gentler touch.

Look for jewelry that’s labeled as:

hypoallergenic
jewelry that is safe for sensitive skin
jewelry that doesn’t make your skin turn green
work friendly jewelry (because who wants to take off their ring every time they type?)

These types are usually built to last — and clean up like a dream.

2. The Basic Cleaning Kit (No Fancy Tools Needed)

Here’s what you’ll need:

A soft toothbrush (your retired travel one works great)
A bowl of warm water
A few drops of gentle dish soap
A microfiber cloth (or a clean, soft t-shirt)

Mix the water and soap in your bowl, dip the toothbrush, and gently scrub your everyday jewelry.

This works beautifully for waterproof jewelry and sweat-proof jewelry, which are designed to handle moisture without breaking a sweat — literally.

3. Skip These Cleaning Mistakes

You love your jewelry — don’t punish it with:

Harsh chemicals (bleach and ammonia are a big no)
Abrasive cleaners (baking soda is too rough for some finishes)
Ultrasonic machines (unless you know your piece can handle it — some stones can crack)

If you’re ever unsure, do a patch test on an area that doesn’t show much. Better safe than tarnished.

4. Special Tip for Sparkle Lovers

If your favorite new jewelry styles include anything with cubic zirconia, crystals, or lab-grown gems, try this trick: after your soap-water scrub, give it a rinse in a second bowl of plain water, then dry with a microfiber cloth. Don’t let them air-dry — water spots are not the kind of new jewelry trends we want to start.

5. How Often Should You Clean It?

If you wear your tarnish free jewelry every day (and we don’t blame you), aim to give it a mini spa day once every 1–2 weeks. If it’s your go-to work friendly jewelry or a stack of jewelry that’s hypoallergenic you never take off, make it a Sunday ritual — right before you meal prep or binge your latest show.

6. Bonus: How to Keep Jewelry Clean Longer

Here’s how to get more days between washes:

Store pieces in a clean, dry place (jewelry boxes, not bathroom counters)
Wipe down after workouts or beach days
Rotate your pieces to give each one a breather
Invest in jewelry that doesn't tarnish — it pays off long-term

Shine On, Sparkle Queen

Cleaning your jewelry at home doesn’t have to feel like a chemistry experiment. With the right materials (and attitude), your everyday jewelry can keep its glow without a pricey polish or spa day.

And if you’re building your collection, go for sweat-proof jewelry, waterproof jewelry, and jewelry that’s safe for sensitive skin. It’s all about smart style and low-maintenance sparkle — exactly what new jewelry trends are all about.