How to clean gold at home using ketchup

You might be surprised to know that ketchup can be used to clean gold jewelry.

It is not quite surprising though, once you understand the science behind it.

The acidity in tomatoes combined with mild abrasives in ketchup can help you to safely clean heavily-tarnished gold.

And the best part? This method is budget-friendly and can be done with items you likely already have at home.

While it might be good to clean solid gold pieces with ketchup, it’s best suited for gold items without gemstones or delicate embellishments, because ketchup can be difficult to remove from small crevices.

What You’ll Need

A small bowl or dish
Ketchup (standard, non-flavored ketchup works best)
Soft toothbrush or cotton swab
Soft, clean cloth
Bowl of warm water for rinsing
Soft towel for drying

Precautions to Take

Avoid Using Ketchup on Delicate or Gem-Embedded Pieces: Ketchup can be acidic and may harm certain stones or delicate settings. This method is best for plain gold pieces.
Check the Ingredients: Make sure the ketchup doesn’t contain extra spices, as some added ingredients might cause minor abrasion or damage.
Perform a Patch Test First: Before applying ketchup to the entire piece, try it on a small, less visible area to ensure it won’t damage or discolor your jewelry.
Don’t Leave Ketchup on for Too Long: Ketchup’s acidity can potentially wear down gold if left on for an extended time. It’s best to check your piece periodically while cleaning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ketchup

Squeeze a small amount of ketchup into a bowl or dish, enough to coat the piece of jewelry you plan to clean. You don’t need a large quantity; just enough to cover the gold item.

Step 2: Apply Ketchup to the Gold Piece

Use a cotton swab or soft toothbrush to apply the ketchup evenly across the surface of the gold. Ensure all tarnished areas are covered with a thin layer. If the item is simple and without intricate detailing, you can dip it directly into the ketchup for easier application.

Step 3: Let the Ketchup Sit

Allow the ketchup to sit on the gold piece for 5–10 minutes. This gives the acid in the ketchup enough time to loosen any tarnish or buildup without risking damage to the gold.

Step 4: Gently Scrub (If Needed)

After the ketchup has had time to sit, use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to gently scrub any tarnished areas. Work in small, circular motions, focusing on spots with more visible discoloration. Avoid applying too much pressure, as excessive scrubbing can scratch or wear down the gold.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

wash off the ketchup-covered gold jewelry

Rinse the gold item in a bowl with lukewarm water to remove all ketchup residue. Be thorough, especially with any crevices or hard-to-reach areas where ketchup might get trapped. Leaving ketchup behind could result in stickiness or even tarnish over time.

Step 6: Dry and Polish

After rinsing, pat the gold item dry with a soft towel. To add extra shine, gently buff the piece with a clean, dry cloth, which can help restore its original luster.

Tips and Tricks

Use Toothpaste for an Extra Shine: After cleaning with ketchup, you can use a tiny amount of white toothpaste and a soft cloth to polish the piece further. Rinse thoroughly afterward to remove any toothpaste residue.
Avoid Long Soaks: Never leave the gold item soaking in ketchup for too long, as prolonged exposure to acid could wear down the metal.
Use This Method Sparingly: While this method is effective, regular cleaning with ketchup isn’t ideal due to the acid content. Use this technique occasionally, perhaps when your gold jewelry has visible tarnish, and rely on gentler cleaning methods for routine upkeep.
Check for Other Tarnish Removers if Ketchup Isn’t Effective: If your gold item doesn’t show significant results with ketchup, it may have stubborn tarnish that requires a different method, like baking soda or a professional cleaner.

Conclusion

It can become embarrassing to wear tarnished gold jewelry over a period of time. So if you want to clean your gold ring, without spending too much, simply use ketchup and have it sparkling and shining in no time.

But do use this method only for plain, solid gold items without delicate stones or intricate details, as ketchup’s acidity can sometimes affect non-gold elements.