PROBLEM: Dull jewelry

SOLUTION: The gentlest way to clean and brighten all kinds of jewelry is to scrub with a soft toothbrush dipped in warm water that's been spiked with a few drops of dishwashing liquid. For plain silver jewelry without gemstones or intricate patterns, a quick-shine strategy is to soak the items in a mixture of 1/2 cup warm water, three to four drops of dishwashing liquid, and one drop of household ammonia.