Clean your jewelry at home with these hacks

 

Whether you’re a fan of trendy jewelry or prefer the finer things in life, all accessory lovers can agree on one thing: Keeping jewelry clean can feel like an uphill battle.

Between air pollution, tarnish and daily wear, jewelry is subjected to plenty of harsh elements, and figuring out the proper way to clean it can be baffling.

Lucky for you, these jewelry experts have seen it all! And they’ve got a few tips for making sure your jewelry looks as good as new for years to come.

We consulted these pros to determine once and for all when you can clean your jewelry at home — with some DIY cleaning tips — and when you should trust the professionals.

How to clean jewelry at home

Think of your jewelry like clothing: No two pieces are alike, and they all come with a unique set of cleaning guidelines. That means some of your jewelry can be cleaned at home, while others might require the attention of a professional. Here's what the experts say about how to clean cheap jewelry as well as expensive jewelry.

Gold and sterling silver can be cleaned at home, but more delicate metals, like platinum, can sustain small scratches more easily than its other metal counterparts. While many enjoy the unique matte look, if you prefer to maintain your piece’s lustrous appearance, a professional re-polish is best.