Instead of buying more jewelry, use baking soda to make the ones you have shine again. Its mild cleaning power is suitable for cleaning all types of jewelry, including gold, silver and plated ones. Prepare a paste-like mixture to rub over oxidized jewelry and a cleaning solution to soak dirty jewelry. For nickel silver (or "argentone"), silver or plated jewelry it is better to add salt and dish soap as well if you want to get a deeper cleaning. In all cases, baking soda will make your jewelry look as good as new.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Standard Cleaning
Step 1. Pour 250ml of hot water into a bowl
Consider which jewelry you want to clean, then choose an appropriate size container. In any case, 250ml of hot water should be enough. Use hot tap water or heat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
If you need to clean a large piece of jewelry, such as a necklace, use more water
Step 2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda
Pour it into the hot water and then stir it to help it dissolve.
If the baking soda doesn't dissolve easily, heat the water in the microwave for about thirty seconds
Step 3. Soak the jewelry in the cleaning solution for 5-10 minutes
Dip them in the water and baking soda making sure they are completely submerged. Set the timer and soak them for 5-10 minutes to give the baking soda time to work its magic. You can clean several jewels at the same time.
The baking soda solution will remove any dirt that has accumulated on the jewelry. This method is suitable for general cleaning of all types of jewelry
Step 4. Rinse the jewelry with cold water to remove baking soda and residual dirt
After soaking for a few minutes, they should be clean. Take them out of the bowl, rinse them with cold water and pour the cleaning solution down the sink drain.
If there are any small rings or earrings, fill the bowl with cold water and soak them to rinse them off. This way you won't risk them accidentally slipping out of your hands and ending up in the sink drain. To be safe, you can rinse all the precious jewels in this way
Step 5. Dry the jewelry by gently blotting it with a clean cloth
Immediately after rinsing them, dry them with a clean rag or paper towel. This way you won't risk them getting damaged.
At this point you can put on the jewelry again or put it back in the jewelry box
Method 2 of 3: Remove Stubborn Dirt
Step 1. Make a cleansing mixture of 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water
Pour three parts of baking soda into a bowl and add one part of water to make a paste-like cleansing mixture. Adjust the quantities according to the number of jewels to be cleaned.
- To clean a pair of jewelry, 3 tablespoons (45 g) of baking soda and one tablespoon (15 ml) of water should be enough.
- This method allows you to effectively clean even very dirty or oxidized jewelry.
Step 2. Combine the water and baking soda to make a thick, pasty mixture
Mix using the handle of a toothbrush. You need to get a consistent blend. If the two ingredients struggle to blend, add an extra drop of water.
You can also mix with a spoon
Step 3. Dip the clean bristles of the toothbrush into the cleaning mixture
Take a generous dose to be able to cover the entire surface of the jewelry. Try to distribute it evenly over all the bristles.
- If necessary, add a little more cleaning paste.
- You can use a cotton swab if you don't have a new toothbrush available. Do not use a used toothbrush as it may ruin the jewelry and spread germs.
Step 4. Gently scrub the jewelry with the toothbrush
You can hold them in your hand or place them on a piece of absorbent paper. Clean one piece of jewelry at a time, repeatedly moving the toothbrush back and forth.
It is best to use a toothbrush with soft bristles because they reach the small crevices of pendants, bracelets and rings better
Step 5. Continue scrubbing for a couple of minutes
For a thorough cleaning it is best not to rush. The time required to clean the jewelry depends on the amount of oxide and dirt accumulated. Keep scrubbing until you've managed to get rid of even the most stubborn stains.
From time to time, pass a piece of paper towels over the jewelry to remove the baking soda and check if it is clean
Step 6. Remove the cleaning mixture and residual dirt with water
When you are satisfied with the result, rinse the jewelry under running water or soak it in a bowl. Rinse them for about thirty seconds to make sure you get rid of all dirt and baking soda.
Step 7. Lay the jewelry on a cloth and let it dry
Place a clean cloth next to the sink to place the jewelry on after rinsing it thoroughly. Let them dry in the fresh air for at least 5-10 minutes.
Method 3 of 3: Clean Gold or Silver Plated Jewelry
Step 1. Heat 250ml of water in the microwave for 1-2 minutes
Measure it with a measuring cup and pour it into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for a couple of minutes.
Step 2. Line the inside of the bowl with aluminum foil to keep small jewelry in check
Shape a piece of paper and line the sides and bottom of the bowl.
Tinfoil is only needed if there are rings, earrings, pendants or other small jewelry
Step 3. Pour a tablespoon (15g) of salt, baking soda, and detergent into the bowl
Create a cleaning solution by dissolving 1 tablespoon (15 g) of table salt, 1 tablespoon (15 g) of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of detergent in hot water.
This mixture is suitable for removing even the most stubborn dirt
Step 4. Leave the jewelry to soak for 5-10 minutes
If you want to clean many small pieces of jewelry at the same time, make sure they are all completely submerged. Place them on tinfoil to avoid losing them.
Set the timer and let the jewelry soak for 5-10 minutes
Step 5. Discard the cleaning solution and rinse the jewelry
Rinse them with clean water to get rid of the salt, baking soda, soap, and residual dirt.
Fill the bowl with clean water and rinse the jewelry thoroughly. Make sure there are no residues of dirt, baking soda, or soap left
Step 6. Dry the clean jewelry with a cloth or paper
Before putting them on or putting them back in the jewelry box, gently blot them with paper towels or a clean rag until they are completely dry.
