Baking soda is a natural and environmentally friendly element that you can use to clean your gold jewelry. You can combine it with vinegar or dish soap to create a proven cleaning solution. If you prefer, you can also use it pure dissolved in boiling water. The only contraindication is the presence of pearls in the jewels as the baking soda could ruin them.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Mix three parts of baking soda and one part of water
Mix the ingredients to form a thick, pasty cream similar to that of toothpaste.
Step 2. Take a small dose of cream with a cotton pad
You can use a sponge if you prefer. In any case, spread the baking soda mixture over the entire gold surface, then place the jewelry in a small plastic container.
Step 3. Pour the vinegar over the jewelry
Use the distilled white one, the gold will have to be completely submerged. Leave the jewelry to soak for 5 minutes.
Step 4. Rinse and dry the jewelry
Clean them of vinegar and baking soda by gently rubbing them with your fingers under hot water, then dry them with a soft, clean cloth.
- If the gold is still dirty, repeat steps 1-4 or try one of the other methods. You should avoid scrubbing the jewelry with your toothbrush to try to clean it better because the baking soda is abrasive so it could scratch them.
- Do not use this method with jewelry that includes pearls or gemstones. The combination of baking soda and vinegar could damage them.
Method 2 of 3: Baking Soda and Dishwashing Liquid
Step 1. Mix hot water, dish soap and baking soda in a bowl
Use 250ml of water, one teaspoon of detergent and one teaspoon of baking soda. Stir the ingredients until they are well blended and the baking soda has dissolved completely.
If there are many jewels to clean, all you have to do is double or triple the indicated doses
Step 2. Soak the gold jewelry in the cleaning solution
Make sure they are completely submerged, then let them soak for 20-30 minutes.
Step 3. Gently scrub the gold parts
Use a new toothbrush to gently scrub the gold parts of the jewelry; it is important that the toothbrush has soft bristles. Continue until you are sure that you have completely removed all grime and residue from cosmetics and soap.
- Only use your toothbrush if your jewelry is still dirty after soaking.
- Don't rub the gold too hard or it may get scratched.
Step 4. Rinse and dry the jewelry
Clean them by gently rubbing them with your fingers under hot water until you are sure you have removed any residue of detergent and baking soda. Use a soft cloth to dry them perfectly.
- This method does not harm the diamonds.
- It may damage the pearls instead, so don't use it.
Method 3 of 3: Baking Soda and Boiling Water
Step 1. Line a glass bowl with aluminum foil
Remember that the matte side should be facing down, while the shiny side should be facing up. If you want to clean more than two jewels at the same time, it is best to use a flat-bottomed glass dish. In this way you will be sure that every single jewel is in contact with the foil.
Step 2. Sprinkle the jewelry with baking soda
Put them in the boule (or in the baking dish) and make sure that every single piece is in contact with the foil. Spread a generous amount of baking soda over the gold parts until they are completely covered. When you're done, you won't be able to see the gold beneath the baking soda powder.
Step 3. Pour the boiling water over the jewelry
Heat one or two cups of water (250-500ml) in the microwave for a couple of minutes or until it boils. At that point pour it on the jewels submerging them completely. Let them soak for 3-5 minutes.
You can also heat the water on the stove, but it will take a little longer (about 5-10 minutes on high heat)
Step 4. Rinse and dry the jewelry
After allowing them to soak for the indicated time, remove them from the boiling water using a pair of kitchen tongs. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water, then dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth.
- Do not use this method to clean jewelry that contains pearls or to which stones have been glued. The heat could melt the glue and irreparably damage the pearls.
- This method does not damage gemstones unless they have been glued.