Gold jewellery deserves to shine like it did the day you got it. But over time, even real gold can lose its sparkle due to everyday wear, hand cream, perfume and natural oils from your skin. Luckily, with just a little baking soda, warm water and a few household bits, your gold jewellery will be gleaming again in no time.
Here’s exactly how to clean gold jewellery with baking soda using simple, natural ingredients.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather a few basics:
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Baking soda
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A soft cloth
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A soft toothbrush
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Warm water
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A small bowl
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Optional: Mild eco-friendly washing-up liquid
How To Clean Gold Jewellery With Baking Soda
Step 1: Make a Simple Cleaning Paste
In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with just enough warm water to make a thick paste. You’re aiming for the consistency of toothpaste. If your jewellery is particularly grimy, you can add a tiny drop of washing-up liquid for extra grease-cutting power.
This gentle mixture is safe to use on solid gold, but avoid it on gold-plated pieces as it can wear away the thin outer layer.
Step 2: Gently Clean the Jewellery
Dip a soft toothbrush into the paste and gently scrub your gold jewellery. Focus on any areas with built-up dirt, especially where the metal meets stones or around engraved details.
Be gentle. Gold is a soft metal and can scratch easily if you use anything too rough or press too hard.
If you’re cleaning a ring or chain, make sure you get into all the little crevices. A gentle circular motion works best.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
Once you’ve scrubbed everything, rinse the jewellery under warm running water to wash away the paste. Make sure the sink plug is in just in case something slips.
Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth, then give it a gentle buff to bring back the shine.
If you’re cleaning several pieces at once, rinse and dry them individually to avoid tangling or scratching.
When Not To Use Baking Soda
While baking soda is safe for most solid gold jewellery, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind:
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Gold-plated jewellery: The paste can wear away the thin layer of gold, revealing the base metal underneath
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Soft or porous gemstones: Avoid cleaning gold with pearls, opals or turquoise using this method. Stick to water and a soft cloth only
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Very delicate or antique pieces: If it’s fragile or valuable, it’s best to have it cleaned professionally
When in doubt, test a small hidden area first or simply use warm water and a soft cloth.
Keep Your Jewellery Sparkling
Once your gold is looking lovely again, here are a few easy ways to keep it that way:
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Remove rings before applying lotion, perfume or hand sanitiser
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Store pieces separately to prevent scratching
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Give them a quick wipe after wearing to remove any oils or residue
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Clean them regularly with warm water and a soft cloth to stop buildup before it starts
With just a bit of baking soda and a soft brush, you can bring your jewellery back to its best without using anything harsh. Whether it’s a daily favourite or a special occasion piece, a little care goes a long way.
