Cleaning Your Jewelry

Liquid Cleaners & Dips: Pros and Cons

A quick dip into a liquid cleaner can remove tarnish from gold or silver, but be cautious-some silver cleaners are strong enough to strip applied patina and can damage jewelry if left in too long.

Potential Risks of Liquid Cleaners:

• Overexposure can cause damage: Leaving jewelry in the cleaner for too long can pit the surface or weaken delicate chains.
• Can remove patina: Some cleaners are too strong and may strip intentional oxidation.
• Follow instructions carefully: Always adhere to the cleaner's guidelines to avoid permanent damage.

A Cautionary Tale

One day, my young daughter tried to surprise me by cleaning my jewelry-without paying attention to my warnings. She dipped my favorite malachite necklace into silver cleaner for just 30 seconds. That was all it took to ruin the stone's polish!

Do I still use liquid cleaners?

Yes, but never on gemstones-except for the Diamond Dazzle Stik. Since I rarely remove my wedding rings, they accumulate lotion, soap scum, and debris. This cleaning stick reaches into tiny crevices behind diamonds and gets them sparkling fast-better than any other method I've tried!

How to Use Bar Keepers Friend to Clean Tarnished Jewelry

Why Use Bar Keepers Friend?

Bar Keepers Friend is a powerful yet gentle cleaner that quickly removes tarnish from metal surfaces. It contains oxalic acid, which dissolves tarnish almost instantly without scratching the metal. However, it's important to use this cleaner carefully to avoid damaging gemstones or delicate finishes.

How to Clean Metal Jewelry with Bar Keepers Friend

1. Make a Paste - Mix Bar Keepers Friend with a small amount of water to create a thick, sloppy paste.
2. Apply Gently - Pat the paste onto the metal surface. Avoid rubbing aggressively to prevent unnecessary abrasion.
3. Let It Sit Briefly - Allow the paste to work on the tarnish for a few seconds.
4. Rinse Thoroughly - Wash off the cleaner with water to reveal a bright, polished finish.
5. Protect Your Hands - Since Bar Keepers Friend contains mild acid, wear rubber gloves to avoid skin irritation.

When to Use (and Avoid) This Method

✅ Best for:

• Heavily textured metal jewelry - Minor scratches from the cleaner won't be noticeable.
• Copper, brass, and sterling silver - Quickly restores shine without excessive scrubbing.

❌ Avoid using on:

• Soft gemstones - Even mild acid can start etching softer stones.
• Delicate or high-polish pieces - The abrasive nature may cause micro-scratches.

A Real-Life Example: Restoring a Copper Cuff

I have a Northwoods Tri-Metal Cuff that I leave out often, and over time, the copper darkens-especially when I don't wear it daily. When I finally decided to put it on, the metal had turned almost the same brown as the stone in the design.

Since I rarely take time to polish my jewelry, I needed a quick and effortless way to restore its shine.

Using Bar Keepers Friend, I cleaned the cuff in just 15 seconds, and it looked as bright as the day it was finished!

By following these steps, you can easily restore the beauty of your metal jewelry with minimal effort. Just be sure to use Bar Keepers Friend carefully to protect both your pieces and your skin!

Can You Clean Jewelry with Ketchup?

You might have heard that ketchup can clean jewelry-and it's true! Thanks to its acidic properties, ketchup can help remove tarnish from certain metals. However, there are important precautions to keep in mind.

How to Clean Jewelry with Ketchup

1. Submerge the piece in ketchup for 15 minutes to an hour.
2. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove any residue.
3. Dry completely with a soft cloth to prevent moisture damage.

Important Warnings

• Avoid using ketchup on gemstone or organic jewelry (such as pearls, opals, and turquoise). The acidity can damage these delicate materials.
• Check for crevices where ketchup could get stuck and cause buildup over time.

While ketchup can be a quick fix for tarnish, it's best suited for solid metal pieces like silver or copper. If in doubt, use a jewelry-specific cleaner for safer results!

Jewelry Cleaning Methods: What Works and What to Avoid

Not all household cleaners are safe for jewelry! Some common DIY methods can actually damage metals and gemstones instead of making them shine. Below, we break down popular cleaning techniques-what works, what doesn't, and why you should be cautious.

❌ Methods to Avoid

Baking Soda, Salt & Aluminum Foil with Boiling Water

This technique is often used to clean sterling silver, including Grandma's antique flatware. However, it's not safe for most gemstones. While it may work in some cases, there are much better and safer options.

❌ Toothpaste: A Scratching Disaster

Many people think toothpaste is a gentle cleaner, but it's actually abrasive. Here's why you should avoid it for jewelry:

• Scratches metals like silver and gold
• Damages soft gemstones such as opals and turquoise
• Harsh chemicals in toothpaste can corrode delicate surfaces

❌ Vinegar: Too Harsh for Jewelry

Vinegar is a strong acid that can damage soft and organic stones, including pearls and amber. It can also strip plated metals, leaving them dull or discolored.

❌ Lemon Juice: Not Worth the Risk

Lemon juice is another highly acidic cleaner that can:

• Erode metal surfaces, especially silver and brass
• Harm delicate gemstones
• Require extra effort compared to safer alternatives

❌ Windex: Safe for Glass, Harmful for Jewelry

While Windex may leave your mirrors streak-free, its ammonia content makes it a terrible choice for jewelry. Ammonia can:

• Weaken gold and silver over time
• Permanently damage porous gemstones like emeralds and opals

✅ The Best Way to Clean Jewelry

Looking for a safe way to keep your jewelry sparkling? Use a gentle jewelry cleaning solution designed for your specific metals and gemstones. Warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush are often the best (and safest) choice!