How to Clean Gold-Plated Jewelry Using Baking Soda

One of the best ways to clean gold-plated jewelry at home is with a baking soda and aluminum foil bath.

This gentle process lifts away tarnish and dirt, but it’s important to follow each step carefully to protect the plating.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to clean your gold-plated jewelry (also known as fashion jewelry, imitation jewelry or fake jewelry) using this method, complete with tips and precautions to keep it looking beautiful.

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What You’ll Need

1. Baking soda – A gentle cleaning agent that can lift tarnish.
2. Aluminum foil – Creates a reaction with baking soda that helps remove tarnish.
3. Lukewarm water – Necessary to dissolve baking soda.
4. Soft microfiber or cotton cloth – For drying and polishing.
5. Cotton swab for cleaning small crevices in jewelry with an intricate design
6. Bowl or dish – Large enough to submerge the jewelry in the cleaning solution.
7. Tongs – Optional but useful for handling jewelry in and out of the solution.

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Precautions to Take Before Cleaning Gold-Plated Jewelry

• Use this method sparingly: Although it’s effective, the baking soda and aluminum foil method is better suited for occasional deep cleaning rather than frequent use, as the abrasiveness of baking soda can wear down the plating over time.
• Avoid hot water: High temperatures can loosen the gold plating, so always use lukewarm or cool water.
• Be cautious with friction: Avoid scrubbing or using any abrasive materials, as this can scratch or dull the plating.
• Test with a small area: If you’re cleaning a piece for the first time, test this method on a less visible part of the jewelry to ensure it doesn’t affect the plating.

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Use Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil to clean fashion jewelry

Step 1: Prepare the Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda Solution

• Line the bottom of your bowl or dish with a piece of aluminum foil, shiny side up.
• Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda over the foil. The baking soda and foil combination creates a mild chemical reaction that helps lift tarnish and dirt.

Step 2: Add Lukewarm Water

• Pour enough lukewarm water into the dish to fully submerge your jewelry. Swirl the mixture gently to dissolve the baking soda.

Step 3: Place the Jewelry in the Solution

• Carefully place your gold-plated jewelry on the aluminum foil in the baking soda solution. Make sure each piece is touching the foil to allow the chemical reaction to work effectively.
• Let the jewelry sit for 1–2 minutes. Avoid leaving it in for too long, as extended exposure to baking soda can be too abrasive for the delicate plating.
• Use a cotton swab to clean small crevices, if any

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Jewelry

• Remove the jewelry from the solution using tongs or your fingers and rinse it under lukewarm water to remove any remaining baking soda.
• Pat the jewelry dry with a soft microfiber or cotton cloth. Avoid rubbing, as friction can wear down the gold plating.

Step 5: Allow the Jewelry to Air Dry

• To ensure there’s no moisture left on the jewelry (which could lead to tarnishing), let it air dry completely before wearing or storing it.

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Storing and Using Gold-Plated Jewelry the right way

1. Store jewelry separately: Keep gold-plated pieces in individual pouches or soft cloths to prevent scratches.
2. Limit exposure to perfumes and lotions: Chemicals in perfumes, lotions, and even sweat can tarnish gold-plated jewelry. Apply these products before putting on your jewelry.
3. Clean sparingly: Only clean gold-plated jewelry when absolutely necessary to preserve the thin layer of gold.
4. Polish with a soft cloth: After cleaning, gently polish the jewelry with a microfiber cloth to restore its shine.

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Conclusion

Using baking soda and aluminum foil to clean gold-plated jewelry is a simple and effective way to clean tarnished gold-plated jewelry.