Jewelry is always an ideal addition to any outfit. But what happens when the diamonds lose their shine and the silver starts looking a little tarnished? Buying a new ring or necklace is always an option, but constantly replacing old jewelry quickly becomes expensive. It's time to discover easy ways to quickly clean up any jewelry that no longer looks brand-new.
No matter what kind of rings, necklaces, bracelets or pendants need a little extra shine, there is a cleaning hack for it. Take your tarnished jewelry and make it shine like the day you bought it. All you need are a few easy-to-find materials and about 15 minutes.
1. How to clean diamondsWhen your diamond wedding ring begins showing just how long you've been married, it's probably time to shine it up a little. Start with 1/3 cup of water, then add 3-4 drops of lemon essential oil. Swirl a toothbrush around in the bowl to mix everything up, then scrub the diamond with the toothbrush. Place the diamond in the bowl for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it in clean water. If dirt and grime remain, scrub with the toothbrush again. If it's clean, let it air dry for a few minutes.
2. How to clean goldGold rings and bracelets make bold statements when they're clean and polished. But if they've started to look a little grungy, it's time for a good, thorough clean. Fill a bowl with Windex, add in a tablespoon of dish soap, and mix the two together with a toothbrush. Use the toothbrush to scrub the gold jewelry, then place the gold in the mixture to soak for a few minutes. If it's clean after this, let it set to air dry.
3. How to clean silverAs pretty as silver jewelry looks, it can easily develop a tarnished look if not properly cared for. Cleaning silver takes a few extra steps, but the end result is definitely worth the time. Start with a large square of aluminum foil and fold it until it fits in the bowl. Put 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of baking soda onto the foil, then pour boiling water over all of that. Place the silver jewelry into the bowl, then let it soak for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it in clean water. If the silver looks as good as new, allow it to air dry. If there are still spots that don't look clean, let it soak in the bowl for a few more minutes.
4. How to clean pearlsPearls always look classy -- that is, unless they've started to take on a grimy look. Cleaning pearls is also a bit of a delicate process to avoid damage. Start by cutting off the foot of an old pair of pantyhose and placing the pearls inside. Then add 1 tablespoon of mild shampoo to a bowl of warm water. Dip the pantyhose-protected pearls into the water and use the fabric of the hose to scrub the pearls. Rinse in warm water, then remove the pearls from the pantyhose. If they look clean, pat them dry with a soft, clean towel.
5. How to clean tarnished jewelryNo matter what your jewelry is made out of, it can tarnish. If the more specific cleaning hacks above don't work, use this method of scrubbing away tarnish. Squirt a large dollop of toothpaste into a bowl of warm water and swirl a toothbrush around in the water. Dip the jewelry into the mixture, then scrub it with the toothbrush until the tarnish is gone. Rinse the jewelry in clean water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
