How to clean jewelry to make it sparkle and shine

Experts share how to clean jewelry with ingredients you most likely already have

Gold jewelry on sage green background
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Learning how to clean jewelry will really make your collection shine bright. There's no need to buy special products either, you probably already have these essentials in your kitchen cupboard. 

We asked the experts how to clean all kinds of jewelry, from gold to silver and platinum. After all, you’ve made a pricey investment and don't want grimy-looking accessories. 

See how to use some of the best cleaning supplies to clean your jewelry collection. Your bracelets, necklaces, and rings will be looking as good as new in no time.

How to clean jewelry

Once you've organized your jewelry, it's time to give it a good clean. Jewelry can accumulate oils from skin with everyday wear as well as trapped dirt and debris. Over time, this may cause the jewelry to tarnish and the gemstones to look dull. 

"If you wear a certain piece every day, you should be cleaning it about every two weeks. For other types of jewelry, clean about once a month," says Angela Rubin, a cleaning expert from Hellamaid.

Angela Rubin, cleaning expert at HellaMaid
Angela Rubin

Angela Rubin works at Hellamaid, a top-rated cleaning company in Canada. Hellamaid are industry experts specializing in residential and commercial cleaning services. 

Soaking jewelry in glass bowls of soapy water

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Cleaning everyday jewelry

To give everyday jewelry a gentle clean, all you'll need is some mild dish soap (Dawn dish soap is available on Amazon) and a soft toothbrush. 

"Drop a couple drops of dish soap in a bowl, then fill with warm water. Soak your jewelry in the solution for a few minutes," says cleaning expert, Karina Toner

Once you've soaked your jewelry, scrub it with a soft toothbrush, like these extra-soft toothbrushes available on Amazon. Then polish with a microfiber cloth to dry.

Karina Toner, Operations Manager, Spekless Cleaning
Karina Toner

Karina Toner is a cleaning expert and the Operations Manager at Washington D.C.-based Spekless Cleaning. 

Cleaning tarnished jewelry

If you've noticed your jewelry looks tarnished, it may need some extra care. The good news? It's pretty budget friendly and you'l likely have all the supplies. 

"Line a bowl with aluminum foil and add a couple tablespoons of baking soda and a couple drops of dish soap. Add your jewelry, then add at least a cup of boiling water. Leave the solution to soak for a few minutes," says Angela. 

There are plenty of ways to clean with baking soda, so it's always useful to have some on hand. If you've run out, you can order Arm & Hammer baking soda on Amazon in bulk.


All you need to clean your jewelry are some cleaning hacks and a little elbow grease. A little soap and water always go a long way to restore sparkle and shine. 

Making use of household ingredients, like cleaning with apple cider vinegar, is a crafty alternative to buying loads of supplies.

Emily Lambe
Deputy Editor

Hey! I’m Emily and I’m the deputy digital editor at Real Homes. I’m here to bring you the latest decor trends, inspirational ideas, informative how tos, the latest celeb homes style and the best budget-friendly buys. I live in a rented apartment, making the most of small spaces and using accent pieces to make things pop. When I’m not writing, I’m usually doing yoga, eating chocolate or working on my skincare routine.