apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I've never tried vodka, but and old lady I worked with once gave me a trick I use on my own diamond ring. Put just a little dab (half a pea) of toothpaste on a tooth brush and clean it with that. It's just abrasive enough to clean off soap and lotion residue and I figure that if it's safe enough to put in my mouth it's not going to hurt a diamond. I'm still amazed at how shiny it makes the white gold band and diamond!

My sister gave me a $10 Salton sonic jewelry cleaner and you only need tap water and a drop of dish liquid to clean a small handful of jewelry. My one and only diamond ring comes out dazzling. The sonic action shakes all the dirt out of the crevices and is great for intricate pieces and tiny gemstones. I've also used it to clean my husband's metal watch band (I propped the watch part up with skewers while dipping the band into the tub). Works great with Dawn, Mrs. Meyer, and Method dish soaps.

My jeweler recommends cleaning jewelry with glass cleaner (Windex, for example) and a soft cloth.

I clean my rings with a baking soda and water paste and a toothbrush - works everytime.

I use toothpaste or baking soda also, with great success. I have better uses for my vodka.

How funny! That's my same engagement ring in the picture! Guess it's not so unique after all. ;) But yes, vodka will clean jewelry but in my opinion, toothpaste works just as well. You can also use vodka to clean windows and mirrors. It cuts through soap scum and fights mildew so I use it to clean my shower. It's also one of the best natural disinfectants available so instead of spraying things with Lysol, whose active ingredient is a pesticide, you can use it to wipe down door knobs, faucet handles, toilets, etc. If you want to use it for cleaning, buy the cheapest bottle you can find. Germs can't tell the difference between Belvedere and Popov!

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll certainly try the baking soda, as we keep a box around the house for general cleaning anyway.

mrs. jones: I tend to use vinegar as a disinfectant also.

If you have access to a milk steamer, those work under the same principle as some professional machines. Just find something like tongs so you don't get burned by the steam!