Top 10 Jewelry Cleaners: Expertly Tested and Reviewed

Top Pick

This affordable and user-friendly option delivers impressive results. The Weiman Fine Jewelry Cleaner includes a dipping tray for easy immersion, allowing your jewelry to soak for up to 30 minutes. Once removed, a small scrubbing brush helps clean hard-to-reach areas if necessary. After rinsing with water and polishing with a soft cloth, your jewelry will gleam with renewed brilliance.

This cleaner performed exceptionally well on all our jewelry, except for items with severe tarnish that were beyond restoration. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable cleaner for everyday jewelry. However, it’s important to note that this product is not suitable for silver, coral, ivory, amber, malachite, pearls, opals, jade, or turquoise.

Type: Liquid | Best For: Gold, platinum, titanium, diamond, sapphire, emerald, ruby, topaz | Size: 6 fluid ounces

Top Affordable Option

This spray is not only affordable but also compact, making it perfect for travel. You can easily pack it in your carry-on and clean your jewelry right in your hotel room. During our tests, we found it incredibly easy to use: simply spray it on your jewelry, wait 15 seconds, rinse with water, and you’re finished. For tougher grime, a toothbrush or jewelry brush can be used for gentle scrubbing.

Although it has a strong scent reminiscent of Windex, it’s a fast and effective option for beginners or those who prefer a low-maintenance cleaning routine. However, it’s not suitable for pearl, coral, or opal jewelry.

Type: Spray | Best For: Silver, gold, steel, platinum, copper, diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire  | Size: 3 fluid ounces

Top Ultrasonic Option

While ultrasonic cleaners might appear gimmicky, our testing (and expert opinions) confirmed they’re a fantastic choice for cleaning jewelry and other small items like eyeglasses, watchbands, coins, electric shaver heads, and kitchen utensils—provided they aren’t heavily tarnished. The Magnasonic model is incredibly simple to operate: just fill it with tap water, place your items in the spacious stainless steel tank, and let it work. It offers five preset cleaning times: 90, 180, 280, 380, and 480 seconds.

While this jewelry cleaner may not thoroughly clean tight spaces, especially on rings and small earrings, its convenience outweighs this minor limitation. It’s also quite large, but if you have room on your bathroom vanity, dresser, or nightstand, it’s easy to overlook. 

Type: Ultrasonic machine | Best For: Most jewelry (excluding loose stones or soft/porous stones like pearl, opal, emerald, and amber), metal, eyeglasses, silver | Size: 8.2 by 5.8 by 5.4 inches | Frequency: 42,000 hertz

Top Choice for Gold

For maintaining the brilliance of your gold jewelry, we suggest the Connoisseurs Premium Edition Jewelry Wipes. During testing, we were impressed by how swiftly these dry wipes tackled tarnished earrings and left a protective layer that enhanced their shine. Groshong also highly recommends them for their portability, making it easy to stash them in your purse or work bag for quick clean-ups on the go.

These wipes come in a handy pack of 30 and are disposable, which may not appeal to those seeking eco-friendly options. However, if you’re new to jewelry cleaners or need a fast, travel-friendly solution for occasional use, they’re a fantastic choice.

Type: Dry wipes | Best For: Gold, silver, gemstones, watches | Size: 2.87 by 3.62 inches

Top Choice for Silver

Silver, being a softer metal than gold, requires a specialized cleaner to clean silver jewelry effectively. The Connoisseurs Premium Edition Silver Jewelry Cleaner includes a small container filled with a liquid designed specifically for silver. During testing, we were impressed by its performance on a tarnished silver ring, which regained its shine. It’s also mess-free and works quickly—just 10 seconds per use. If needed, you can repeat the process after five minutes.

If strong odors bother you, be aware that this liquid cleaner has a potent smell. The label warns it can stain, so handle it carefully to avoid damaging your clothes or surfaces. While it’s excellent for cleaning silver, you might also need a polish to achieve full shine restoration. Avoid using it on stones, painted, or antiqued items.

Type: Liquid | Best For: Sterling silver | Size: 9.6 fluid ounces

Top Choice for Diamonds

Diamonds are celebrated for their hardness, strength, and durability, but cleaning them requires precision and care to restore their sparkle. We were impressed by the Maui Liquid Jewelry Cleaner Solution, which includes a small brush and cloth for thorough polishing. During testing, it effectively removed discoloration from an old Pandora bracelet, bringing back its original shine. 

While the label notes this cleaner may not work on all silver and gold (especially fake or costume jewelry), it’s specifically designed for diamonds and precious stones. If you’re seeking an affordable, efficient solution for diamond jewelry, this all-in-one kit is an excellent choice.

Type: Liquid | Best For: Silver, gold, diamonds | Size: 4.8 fluid ounces

Most Versatile Option

Finding separate cleaners for various metals and stones can be a hassle, but the Simple Shine Complete Jewelry Cleaning Kit simplifies the process. This kit includes a small brush, a double-layered cloth (one side for tarnish removal, the other for polishing), a cleaning solution, and a dipping basket. It’s an all-in-one solution for jewelry care. 

We tested it on several tarnished pieces and observed the tarnish transferring to the cloth, leaving the jewelry clean and shiny. The transparent container is a nice touch, allowing you to monitor the cleaning process. While the brush is flimsy, the solution’s effectiveness makes up for it. You can always replace the brush if needed. The generous amount of liquid ensures long-lasting use, and its versatility makes it suitable for all jewelry types, including delicate stones.

Type: Liquid | Best For: Gold, palladium, platinum, sterling silver, stainless steel, diamonds, pearls, beads, porous stones, soft stones, enamel, treated gemstones | Size: 6 fluid ounces

Top Polishing Cloth

For jewelry that doesn’t require deep cleaning but just a quick shine, the Mayflower Jewelry Polishing Cloth is an excellent choice. The inner white layer polishes and removes dirt, while the outer gray layer buffs. During testing, we appreciated its compact size and effectiveness in polishing various pieces without the need for liquid cleaners. It’s suitable for gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, and more. Made from 100% soft cotton, it’s gentle and won’t scratch your jewelry or surfaces. While it may take a bit longer to achieve a full polish, its convenience and versatility make it a worthwhile addition to your jewelry care routine. 

Type: Cloth | Best For: Gold, silver, platinum, metal, diamonds | Size: 14 by 11 inches

Top Foam Option

For those needing to clean multiple pieces of large costume jewelry or preferring foam cleaners, the Connoisseurs All-Purpose Jewelry Cleansing Foam is a top pick. Simply let your jewelry soak for up to a minute, then rinse with water. We tested it on various pieces, including a tarnished necklace, and were impressed by the results, especially since no scrubbing was required. 

While not heavy-duty, this cleaner is perfect for maintaining everyday jewelry or cleaning large costume pieces that don’t fit in standard liquid cleaner containers. The foam can be a bit messy, and it’s less effective on silver. However, it’s a reliable choice for routine maintenance or cleaning large jewelry surfaces. 

Type: Foam | Best For: All jewelry except silver | Size: 2.35 fluid ounces

Top Portable Option

Cleaning pens, whether for laundry or non-porous surfaces, are incredibly useful for quick fixes or travel. We tested the Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik on an engagement ring and were impressed by its ease of use and effectiveness in restoring shine and removing dirt. Simply twist the base to release the gel onto the brush, which features fine bristles that reach into the smallest crevices of your ring’s setting. While the gel may deplete quickly with frequent use, it’s an excellent choice for on-the-go cleaning.

Type: Gel pen | Best For: Diamond, lab-made diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces

Final Verdict

Our top choice for the best overall jewelry cleaner is Weiman Fine Jewelry Cleaner. We were impressed by its ease of use during testing, along with its versatility and affordability. For a budget-friendly, travel-sized option, we recommend Grandma's Secret Jewelry Cleaner. 

Our Testing Process

For our testing, we collected a variety of jewelry pieces, ensuring diversity in size, condition, metal, and type. We also selected cleaners in different forms (liquid, wipes, gel, etc.) to identify the most effective options. Following each product’s instructions meticulously, we evaluated the results after cleaning each piece. 

How to Shop for Jewelry Cleaners Like a Pro

Manual vs. Ultrasonic

Jewelry cleaners fall into two categories: manual and ultrasonic. Manual options include liquids, creams, foams, gels, wipes, and brushes, while ultrasonic cleaners are electronic devices that use water or a solution and high-frequency sound waves to clean items. Groshong notes that both have pros and cons, and the best choice depends on the type of jewelry and your preference for hands-on cleaning.

“Manual cleaners are ideal for travel and occasional wear, offering a quick and light cleaning solution,” Groshong explains. “With proper brushing and soaking, they effectively get the job done.”

“Ultrasonic cleaners work exceptionally well on diamonds and durable gemstones but can damage stones with inclusions, such as emeralds, or softer materials like opal, coral, turquoise, doublets, resin inlay, and moonstone,” she adds.

Formula

Most jewelry needs a specialized formula to remove dirt and oils while restoring shine. Groshong emphasizes the importance of reading labels to ensure the cleaner is suitable for your jewelry type, as harsh solvents can damage delicate gemstones. Alternatively, you can create your own jewelry cleaner using household ingredients.

Jewelry Type

While all jewelry requires cleaning, not every cleaner is suitable for every type. Groshong notes that metals like silver need specific formulations, while costume jewelry is best cleaned with a soft cloth and warm soapy water.

“Fine jewelry, such as gold, diamonds, and platinum, can be cleaned with manual cleaners, ultrasonics, or specialized formulas,” she explains. “For costume jewelry and soft stones, handle gently to avoid damaging the plating or scratching the materials.”

Questions You Might Ask

Do Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners Really Work?

Ultrasonic cleaners might appear gimmicky, but Groshong highly recommends them for cleaning heavily tarnished metals and diamonds. 

“Always inspect your jewelry before using an ultrasonic cleaner to ensure prongs are secure and stones are firmly set,” she advises. “Think of them as a micro dishwasher—they use powerful sound waves to dissolve dirt, but the force can also dislodge loose stones or damage delicate ones.”

How Do Professionals Clean Jewelry?

Properly cleaning your jewelry requires time, care, patience, and caution, which professionals also prioritize. 

“In our jewelry studio, depending on the gemstones, we use professional-grade ultrasonic cleaners, cleaning solutions, steam cleaners, cleaning foam, polishing cloths, or even simple toothbrushes and warm soapy water,” Groshong explains.

Is There Any Jewelry That Can’t Be Cleaned with Store-Bought Cleaners?

Not all jewelry is the same, so understanding its materials and stones is crucial. Groshong emphasizes the importance of following the instructions on any jewelry cleaner’s label.

“Pearls, opals, and turquoise are highly sensitive to solvents and require gentle, specialized formulas,” she explains. “Diamonds, garnets, and sapphires are more durable and can withstand stronger cleaners. Plated jewelry and vermeil should avoid harsh cleaners or methods, as they can strip away the gold plating.”

Take Our Word for It

This article was authored by L. Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer for Mytour with three years of experience in lifestyle and product review content. To create this list, we tested 12 jewelry cleaners at home, assessing their formulas, compatibility with jewelry types, and whether they were manual or ultrasonic. Daniela also consulted Brittany Groshong, founder, CEO, and creative director of Valley Rose.