9 Best Jewelry Cleaners, According to Our Lab Tests
Your favorite gems will soon be sparkling anew.
Tested by Carolyn FortéHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director
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While jewelry cleaning might be at the bottom of your to-do list, polishing your necklaces, rings and earrings can bring brand-new sparkle to your favorite accessories. DIY methods are an option, but jewelry cleaners can simplify the maintenance of your precious metals and jewels. Good Housekeeping editors and product analysts regularly use jewelry cleaners to keep engagement rings, sentimental necklaces and special earrings in tip-top shape.
Experts from the GH Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab regularly test jewelry cleaners, evaluating their performance, ease of use and ingredient labels. When it came time to curate this guide, we made sure to include a variety of options, such as wipes, liquid formulas, cloths and pens convenient for on-the-go cleaning. You'll also find splurge-worthy kits and GH Seal holders.
Pros
- Affordable and versatile
- Includes tray and brush
- Gently removes dirt from jewelry
Cons
- Cannot be used on silver or all stones
Size: 6 oz | Cleaning time: Up to 30 minutes | Best for: Diamonds, gold, platinum, titanium, gemstones
Not only does this jewelry cleaner only cost around $10, but it can also clean a variety of metals and gemstones. It comes with a tray that fits inside the container and a small brush for working the solution into your jewelry. The formula is designed to gently remove dirt and buildup without harming your precious pieces.
Per the instructions, you can soak your jewelry in the solution for up to 30 minutes before rinsing and drying each piece with a soft cloth. While this cleaner is safe to use on gemstones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires and topaz, it cannot be used on silver jewelry, pearls, opals, jade or turquoise.
We found it easy to lift the tray out of the container, but wished the tiny brush was a bit more substantial. It only has a single row of bristles, but its compact size makes it easy to store.
Connoisseurs All-Purpose Jewelry Cleaning Kit
Pros
- Includes liquid cleaner and two cloths
- Cleans gold, silver and gemstones
- Fast-acting
Cons
- Some users were not impressed by the performance on silver jewelry
Size: 8 oz (container); 5" x 6" (polishing cloths) | Cleaning time: 30 seconds | Best for: Gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, precious and semiprecious stones
For the same price as our best overall pick, this kit includes a liquid cleaner, tray, brush and two cloths (one for gold jewelry and one for silver). Our cleaning pros appreciate the kit's versatility and how it can clean both gold and silver jewelry, plus a variety of gemstones.
Unlike Weiman's liquid cleaner, this one works in just 30 seconds, although you will still need to rinse the cleaner off with some water. The brush and cloths are great for touch-ups, or you can use either of the cloths to dry off your jewelry after using the liquid cleaner.
While some Amazon shoppers said the cleaner restored the sparkle to their charm bracelets and engagement rings, other customers were not as impressed with the cleaner's performance and noted their silver jewelry was still tarnished.
Pros
- TSA-approved
- Easy to pack
- Mess-free application
Cons
- Can only clean one jewelry item at a time
Size: 0.63 oz | Cleaning time: Not listed | Best for: Diamonds, engagement rings, wedding bands, turquoise, pearls
If you wear rings daily, having a jewelry cleaner stick in your work bag can be convenient for touch-ups. This stick from Weiman can also be used on your earrings, bracelets and necklaces, and I appreciate its mess-free design that can quickly tackle build-up from hand lotion and soap.
Instead of dipping items into a container with solution, you'll twist the cap off the pen and use the tip to shine your jewelry. Note that you still need to rinse off each piece after using the stick. Weiman says the stick is TSA-approved, and we like that its compact design is easy to pack in your personal item or carry-on.
While the stick design limits you to cleaning one item at a time, it's a mindless task you can do while watching TV. Soon enough, all of your pieces will be sparkling again.
Juli Diamond Cleaning Essentials Kit
Pros
- Versatile brush head
- Safety loop secures jewelry while you clean
- Comes with diamond cleaner and cloth
Cons
- Most expensive jewelry cleaner in our guide
Size: 1 oz (cleanser) | Cleaning time: Not listed | Best for: Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, moissanite, zirconia, lab-grown diamonds
The Juli cleaning kit helps you clean your precious rings without fear of dropping them down the drain. It's expensive, but the kit includes the Juli brush, cap, a clarifying cleanser and a drying cloth. The brush's vibrations automate the cleaning process and we found that you can get multiple cleaning sessions out of one charge because each session doesn't take very long.
The unique brush design has an "ice pick" that helps you clean under settings, a "spade" that cleans in and around larger set stones, a "pavé cradle" composed of densely-packed bristles that can clean baby diamonds, and a "wedge" that can get gunk out of closely set diamonds. In our tests, the brush lasted on a single charge for over two hours.
Our cleaning pro's favorite part about this jewelry cleaner is the included brush cap, which has a rubber loop that secures your ring as you clean it with the brush. I sometimes find it difficult to hold a hoop or ring between my thumb and index finger while navigating a pen, wipe or cloth, so this is a more comfortable cleaning experience.
Pros
- Sleek packaging
- Substantial brush and easy-to-use liquid cleaner
- Great for gifting
Cons
- For the price, we wish it included a cloth
Size: Not listed | Cleaning time: Not listed | Best for: Diamonds, pearls, engagement rings, wedding bands
Whether you're searching for a thoughtful gift for a newly engaged couple or you're part of that couple, this jewelry cleaning set is both sweet and practical. It performed well in our Lab evaluations, particularly the included brush, which felt more durable than flimsier brushes we have tested.
Using the set is easy: lightly wet the brush with water, apply the Radiance wash and work it into a lather. Then, rinse the jewelry piece and dry it. We found the polish easy to dispense and the brush comfortable to hold. You can even keep your jewelry on while cleaning because the mild formula and soft brush are gentle on the skin.
The price tag would be better justified with a drying cloth, but the aesthetic packaging makes up for it — you can leave this out on your bureau and pass it off as perfume and a makeup brush. The duo also comes in a sleek box that you can use for storing the polish and brush when not in use.
RELATED: Best Wedding Gifts for Couples
Weiman Tarnish Remover Wipes (20 count)
Pros
- Easy to use
- Soft wipes remove tarnish from silver jewelry
- One wipe can go a long way
Cons
- Can dry out if not used regularly
Size: 5.5" x 7.9" | Cleaning time: Not listed | Best for: Sterling and antique silver, gold, brass, copper, aluminum
The first time I cleaned my silver jewelry, I used Weiman's Silver Polish and a microfiber cloth to work the cleaner into my rings and earrings. While this process is easy enough, these tarnish remover wipes from Weiman make it even easier. The container comes in a 20- or 40-count, depending on how much silver jewelry you want to clean. During testing, we found that one wipe could clean multiple earrings before being discarded.
We were impressed by how well these wipes removed tarnish from small- and medium-sized silver hoops. The wipes were also soft and didn't scratch our jewelry. Although the wipes may dry out if you do not use them regularly, they are perfect for quick and convenient cleaning. And while a reusable microfiber cloth with the silver polish may last longer, we appreciate the ease-of-use these wipes offer.
RELATED: How to Clean Tarnished Silver, According to Cleaning Experts
Pros
- Easy to use and store
- Made from soft cotton
- Cleans and polishes jewelry
Cons
- Not washable
Size: 14" x 14" | Cleaning time: Not listed | Best for: Silver or gold jewelry
Besides the timeless pieces that fill your jewelry box, there is nothing more classic than a polishing cloth for sprucing up your silver and gold. Connoisseurs offers cloths for both metals in various sizes, making it easy to remove dirt and tarnish and help prevent further buildup.
Each pack comes with an inner and outer cloth, both made from soft cotton. The inner cloth is designed for cleaning, while the outer cloth polishes your jewelry so it can shine again. These cloths are compact enough to store in your jewelry box without taking up too much space or in your bag if you want to polish on the go. However, you cannot wash these cloths so once they become too dirty you will have to buy more.
If you are consistent about polishing your pieces, you may only need a cloth to keep your jewelry clean. I find, however, that an additional cleaner may be needed for dirtier, older pieces.
Diamond Drunk The Ultimate Clean Collection
Pros
- Easy-to-use cleaning brush
- Unique basket organizes different types of jewelry
- Subscription service available for gifting
- Available in five colors
Cons
- Pricey
- Requires refills but the container is refillable
Size: 6.5" x 7.5" x 5.5" | Cleaning time: Not listed | Best for: Fine jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum
While spending over $100 on a jewelry cleaner might seem steep, we love everything about the Ultimate Clean Collection from Diamond Drunk (including the brand name). The set comes with a four-month supply of the brand's Diamond Detox Concentrate, a reusable container, a jewelry-holding basket, a crystalline coaster, a cleaning brush, a polishing cloth and even a drain cover.
Our cleaning pros were most impressed by the patented basket that has space for bracelets, a ring hook, a removable earring holder and a necklace hook. This design helps keep your items more organized during cleaning. I preferred the brush in this set over the one in our best overall pick.
When we cleaned a GH staffer's engagement ring, she noted, "It shined the gold nicely and the diamonds had a nice sparkle to them." However, she added that her "ring has lots of small crevices that require a little extra scrubbing, so it wasn’t the cleanest it’s ever looked."
Available in five elegant bridal hues, this ultimate kit makes a fantastic gift. You can also set up a subscription that will deliver two bottles of the Diamond Detox Concentrate at your chosen frequency.
RELATED: Best Engagement Gifts to Celebrate the Happy Couple
Pros
- Compact
- Affordable
- Can be used to clean other stones besides pearls
Cons
- Not designed to clean gold or silver jewelry
Size: Not listed | Cleaning time: Not listed | Best for: Pearls, emeralds, opals and other stones that shouldn't be immersed in water
If you wear pearl earrings daily or have a special pearl necklace in your jewelry organizer that has seen better days, this kit is perfect for cleaning them safely. It comes with polish, individual care wipes and a cloth designed specifically for pearls. Our pros recommend using wipes, a cloth or a make-up brush dipped in a mild cleaning solution to clean pearls because this gemstone is porous and can become damaged if soaked.
We appreciate this kit's compact packaging that makes it easy to bring the supplies while traveling or stash a few wipes in your purse. At just under $25, it is affordable too, and can be used to clean other gemstones that shouldn't be immersed in water.
However, if your jewelry collection consists primarily of gold and silver, then you may want to forego this option or buy it in tandem with another pick on our list.
How we test jewelry cleaners
Experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab have evaluated almost every kind of cleaner you could consider buying. When testing jewelry cleaners, we begin by gathering jewelry courtesy of GH staffers. If needed, we rub less dirty items along a bar of soap or a candle to create a filmy texture that clogs the settings.
We then use each jewelry cleaner according to its instructions and note how well it cleans, how easy or messy it is to use and if it causes any skin irritation. Our cleaning pros also review the ingredient labels to discern any safety concerns.
What to consider when shopping for jewelry cleaners
✔️ Type: We have included a range of jewelry cleaners because the best type depends on what kind of pieces you have in your collection. We recommend choosing a jewelry cleaner that is designed to be safely used on the particular metals and gems that make up your jewelry. Make sure to read each cleaner's label and ingredient list before using.
✔️ Convenience: Our testing confirmed that cloths and wipes are the easiest type of jewelry to use. They tend to be quicker than liquid or foam formulas that require rinsing and drying after use. Stick jewelry cleaners are great to use on the go or while traveling, but dips and washes (although more convenient for at-home use) can let you tackle more than one piece at a time.
✔️ Value: We are mindful of how much you may want to spend on a new jewelry cleaner, so we included options for every budget. When choosing a jewelry cleaner, think about how long the product will last or how many uses one purchase will get you. Check if it comes with extra items like wipes, brushes, trays, refills, etc. and whether the entire product must be tossed or if you can refill the container.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Elizabeth Berry is the updates editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she reports on a variety of home topics, including cleaning must-haves. As someone who wears rings almost every day, Elizabeth relies on a good jewelry cleaner to keep her silver and gold accessories looking new.
To curate this product guide, Elizabeth collaborated with Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forté, who tested the jewelry cleaners included here. She has more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert and oversees all testing done in the Cleaning Lab.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
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