Jewelry is not just an accessory; it's a statement, a piece of art, and often, a cherished heirloom. Keeping it sparkling is part of the joy of owning it. But with the rise of social media, we've seen an influx of DIY jewelry cleaning hacks that have gone viral, promising to make our precious pieces shine like new with just a few simple household items. But do they really work, or could they be causing more harm than good to our beloved baubles?

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we know the value of tried and true methods, but we're also open to new ideas – provided they're safe and effective. That's why we've turned to a diamond expert to weigh in on the viral jewelry cleaning hacks that have been making waves online. With years of experience in the industry, our expert has tested and rated these hacks, so you can know which ones to embrace and which to avoid.

Let's dive into the world of jewelry cleaning hacks, rated by a diamond expert, to ensure your treasures remain timeless.

Are these jewellery-cleaning tricks effective? Credit: Shutterstock

9) Soda — Debunked
The fizz of soda water might be refreshing for a summer drink, but when it comes to cleaning your jewelry, it's a no-go. Despite its popularity on platforms like TikTok, where it's been touted as a miracle cleaner, the reality is that the acids and sugars in soda can cause damage and leave a sticky residue on your jewelry. This residue can attract more dirt and grime, leading to the opposite of the desired effect. While it may have some effect on metals like copper, for most jewelry metals and gemstones, it's best to steer clear of this bubbly substance.

8) Tomato Sauce — Debunked
Yes, you read that right – tomato sauce as a jewelry cleaner has been making the rounds on social media, with one TikTok video garnering over 179,880 views. But before you reach for that bottle of ketchup, our diamond expert warns that this hack is more likely to leave you with a mess than a sparkling gem. Tomato sauce is acidic and can be abrasive, which means it could damage softer stones and metals. It's a hack that's better left for your fries than your fine jewelry.

So, what should you do to keep your jewelry in top condition? Here are some expert-approved tips:

- For a simple and safe clean, mix a solution of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Soak your jewelry for a few minutes, then gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse under running water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- If you're dealing with tarnished silver, a paste made from baking soda and water can be gently applied with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- For a deeper clean, consider purchasing a professional jewelry cleaning solution from a reputable jeweler. These solutions are specifically formulated to be gentle on your precious pieces while effectively removing dirt and grime.

Remember, when in doubt, it's always best to consult with a professional jeweler before trying any new cleaning method. They can provide personalized advice based on the specific materials and gemstones in your jewelry.

Key Takeaways

• TikTok and Instagram feature numerous popular jewellery cleaning hacks using common household products.
• As a diamond expert for Shiels, the author tested various viral cleaning hacks to assess their effectiveness and potential harm to jewellery.
• Cleaning jewellery with soda water is debunked due to its acidic and sugary nature, which can damage and leave a residue on jewellery.
• Using tomato sauce as a jewellery cleaner also received significant attention online but is not recommended for cleaning jewellery.

We'd love to hear from you, our savvy seniors! Have you tried any viral jewelry cleaning hacks? What has been your experience? Share your stories in the comments below, and let's help each other keep our jewelry shining bright for years to come.

 

[MariaG]

Since in my teens, I have used a mixture of water, dish washing liquid and a dash of ammonia. No ratios, just common sense. I soak them for 10 minutes, give the liquid a stir, rinse the crown jewellery, and it's sparkle arkle every time.

 

[Gsr]

Never heard of tomato sauce being used to clean jewellery. Common sense would surely suggest this is not a good idea.

 

[Veggiepatch]

The only piece of "jewellery" I own is a 20 day old Citizen watch I received for my 65th birthday which serves a function. It tells the time AND the date! Geez I love it!

 

[Veggiepatch]

So what happened "Cleaning Hacks" 1 to 7?

 

[lala63]

The best way to clean your jewellery is to place alfoil in a heatproof bowl. Place your jewellery on the alfoil. Sprinkle baking soda over your jewellery. Boil your jug. Pour boiling water over your jewellery covering them. The gunk on them will fizz away. After a few minutes take your jewellery out with a fork and rinse with cool water then buff buff buff with a soft cloth. Voila!!! PS please don't use this method for watches, or amber.