This is an easy mixture of home cleaning products and water that can be made inexpensively and works well in between professional cleanings.

You will need a glass jar with a lid, preferably screw on, that your hand can reach into. In the jar, mix the following in proportions of 1/3 each:

Plain household ammonia

Mr. Clean (the yellow color)

Water

Place your jewelry in the jar with the solution for a few minutes, or even overnight. Don’t forget to screw on the lid if you’re going to leave the items in the jar unattended.

Reach into the jar and remove your jewelry. You can use a soft toothbrush to loosen stubborn dirt and oil. Now rinse with warm water and pat dry.

This solution is safe for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. It is also safe for diamonds and most transparent gems.

*Do not clean emeralds, pearls, or opals with this solution.