All you need is a little aluminum foil, hot water and baking soda. (Photo: Anna De Souza)
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As you are spring cleaning, you may be finding that your jewelry has seen better days. While you can go the traditional route to clean these pieces— with the Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner machine, jewelry cloths, or Gem Pens — you can also polish up your baubles with items you already have around the house. We always recommend checking with a jeweler for recommendations on cleaning your most delicate pieces, but if you want to give it a whirl yourself, these are our two favorite tricks.
All you need for this chemical reaction is aluminum foil, baking soda and hot water. Keep in mind this works best for silver jewelry.
Line a small bowl with aluminum foil. Next, add 3-5 tablespoons of baking soda to boiling water in a heat-proof cup. Once you see the mixture become effervescent, mix thoroughly with a spoon and pour it into the bowl.
Next, add your jewelry to the bowl, on top of the foil. The trick is that the silver must touch the foil—the chemical reaction moves the silver sulfide molecules to the foil and cleans the ring without scrubbing. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a cloth or paper towel to buff off the baking soda.
This polishing method is satisfying and addicting— try it on silver cutlery, too.
Another super-easy hack for cleaning silver and gold jewelry — cola. While the jury is out as to why soda works, we’ve been able to sparkle up pieces many times over. Here’s how:
Pour one cup of cola into a small saucepan (stick with the full sugar variety).
Allow the soda to boil, then place jewelry into the saucepan. Wait 15 seconds, and voila—your piece is as good as new! Rinse under clean cool water and pat dry.
Video by Kat Vasquez
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