Over time, jewelry can lose its luster by becoming soiled with skin oils, dirt and soap residue. An effective method of keeping your rings, bracelets and necklaces clean and shiny is to use an ultrasonic cleaner. Ultrasonic cleaners send sound waves through the cleaning solution bath, causing microscopic bubbles to gently clean your jewelry. The cleaning solution is little more than a mixture of common household chemicals. In minutes you can easily make your own.
Assemble supplies. You must exercise caution in handling ammonia. Even at concentrations used for household cleaners, ammonia fumes can damage respiratory membranes and burn the skin and eyes.
Combine hot water, ammonia and dish washing detergent in bowl. Mix thoroughly with a nonmetallic spoon.
Pour the cleaning solution into the ultrasonic bath tank. Place jewelry into tank and turn the unit on, per manufacturer's directions. After cleaning cycle is complete, remove jewelry, rinse with warm water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Warning
Do not use this cleaning solution to clean costume jewelry or soft stones. Very soft stones include opal, pearls, fluorite, amber, sphene, apatite, lapis lazuli, and turquoise.
Mild abrasives like baking soda or toothpaste may be used to clean silver, but never gold.
Never use an oxidizing compound like bleach on your jewelry.
References
Writer Bio
Denise Nyland "Denisen" is a long term resident of Panama City, Fla. She studied radiologic sciences and education and has published articles in multiple professional journals and contributed to various educational texts.