If you’re cleaning a lot of jewelry at once or have larger pieces that don’t fit well in a bowl, use a large baking dish instead. Baking soda and dish soap work well for cleaning any type of jewelry, whether they’re necklaces, bracelets, or rings. If you’re cleaning gemstones, then avoid using baking soda so you don’t scratch them.
If you are having trouble mixing the baking soda into the water, heat the solution in the microwave for about 30 seconds or so to make it dissolve easier. If you’re cleaning gold or cleaning gold-plated jewelry, just use dish soap without any baking soda. Baking soda could be too abrasive and scratch the softer metal. [3] X Research source
The baking soda solution helps strip off surface dirt and debris to restore the metal’s shine.
When you dissolve baking soda, it still acts as a fine abrasive to break apart surface stains without leaving noticeable marks. Avoid using any abrasive sponges or stiff-bristled brushes since they could leave small scratches on the surface.
Plug your drain so your jewelry doesn’t fall into your pipes if it slips out of your hand.
Store your jewelry in a jewelry box to keep it protected from tarnish when you’re not wearing it.
Baking soda paste acts as an abrasive, and works best for sterling silver and silver. Try using the paste on necklaces or bracelets since the cleaner can work into tight areas, like clasps. You can try cleaning gold with baking soda, but you could risk scratching the soft metal. Test the baking soda on an inconspicuous spot of your jewelry to make sure the cleaner doesn’t damage it. Avoid using baking soda paste on any gold-plated pieces, since a deep scratch could expose the metal underneath. Baking soda paste may also damage soft gemstones, so don’t use it to clean pearls or scrub opals. If you’re cleaning brass jewelry, use 3–4 teaspoons (14. 4–19 g) of baking soda with the juice from half a lemon instead. The lemon juice will help make the brass patina shine, but the acid could be too strong on other metals[9] X Research source
Alternatively, use a soft sponge or microfiber towel to apply the paste to your jewelry. Avoid aggressively scrubbing the paste against your jewelry to prevent it from getting damaged.
Put a plug in the drain if you’re rinsing jewelry in your sink so it doesn’t slip down your pipes if you drop it.
If you’re cleaning a lot of jewelry at the same time, use a disposable aluminum dish instead. Baking soda, salt, and aluminum foil work best for removing tarnish from sterling silver and silver rings, bracelets, and necklaces without gemstones. The foil method is too intense for gold and gemstones since vinegar could damage them.
Baking soda and salt are both slightly abrasive, so they help remove stains and tarnish on the surface of your jewelry.
The baking soda and foil create a chemical reaction that removes sulfur dioxide from the surface and gets rid of the tarnished appearance. [18] X Research source
Put the plug in your sink so you don’t accidentally lose any jewelry down the drain.
