topic Re: Cleaning Jewelry in Jewelry

Cleaning Jewelry

ALRATIBA — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 16:12:38 GMT

I have a bunch of silver and gold colored chains - some sort of metal that I picked up at a shop that sells beads and jewelry findings. They sell it by the yard .... I usually buy one yard lengths of the various chain styles ... all "shades" of silver and gold. Makes great necklaces, bracelets, chain belts, etc.

Anyway - I usually just rinse it in the sink in some soapy water. This morning I needed to clean some sterling rings and was out of silver cleaner and remembered something from years ago that we used to clean our candlesticks and silverware.

Line a bowl with some aluminum foil, add warm water and some Arm and Hammer washing soda. So ... I go out in the kitchen take my sterling and my "metals" and plop them all in the solution and go get dressed.

It cleaned the silver just fine but WOW - you should see what it did to the "metal" stuff. It almost glows! Even my Steel by Design bracelet!

Re: Cleaning Jewelry

Mz iMac — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 16:17:26 GMT

@ALRATIBA wrote:

Arm and Hammer washing soda.

Baking soda does the exact same thing. Never heard of "washing" soda.

Old school - white toothpaste

Re: Cleaning Jewelry

ALRATIBA — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 16:37:20 GMT

@Mz iMac

Washing Soda has been around for years.

Re: Cleaning Jewelry

deeva — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 17:31:17 GMT

I use the baking soda method for cleaning some of my intricate bracelets and necklaces.

I also use silver polish for my sterling flatware.

Re: Cleaning Jewelry

NickNack — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 18:09:37 GMT

The washing soda method really does do a great job on sterling silver. You can't use it on oxidized silver, though, or it will take the oxidation out. For oxidized silver I use the Sunshine polishing cloths. They work better than any polishing cloth I've ever used.

Re: Cleaning Jewelry

mom2four0418 — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 18:51:10 GMT

@ALRATIBA wrote:
@Mz iMac

Washing Soda has been around for years.

I clean my jewelry the same way. I have tried regular baking soda but find that the washing soda has better results.

Re: Cleaning Jewelry

Pecky — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 12:54:15 GMT

I have never heard of it either. That is why I like these forums I learn something new all the time. I just read all the different things it is good for. I am going to Walmart to pick one up.

Re: Cleaning Jewelry

SilleeMee — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 16:01:34 GMT

I clean all of my stainless steel jewelry, the pieces without stones, in the dishwasher. Comes out looking brand new.

Re: Cleaning Jewelry

songbird — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 18:47:50 GMT

Never have to clean my 18k gold. I rince it under water or take a show with it on. Silver I have to clean. I just use a polishing cloth. Don't buy stainless steel or fashion jewelry. The less I bother with, the better.

Re: Cleaning Jewelry

patbz — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 19:54:36 GMT

A vendor at a local crafts fair recommended cleaning liquid silver by putting it in a knotted sock and washing in washing machine (gentle cycle). I haven't tried this yet but might try it eventually.

Re: Cleaning Jewelry

chrystaltree — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 19:55:50 GMT

Lots of things work. You can make a baking soda solution or brush with toothpaste or make a solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water. Soak your metal jewelry for 15 minutes and it comes out clean and shiny.