My Grandma Taught Me This Trick to Clean Jewelry with Almost Zero Work. Here’s How It Works

1. Prepare the Bowl
   • Line the bottom of a shallow bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up.
   • The aluminum foil is essential as it facilitates a chemical reaction that removes tarnish.
2. Mix the Solution
   • Pour hot water into the bowl.
   • Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of salt per cup of water. Stir until dissolved.
   • Add a drop of dish soap for grease-cutting power.
3. Soak the Jewelry
   • Place your jewelry in the bowl, ensuring each piece touches the aluminum foil.
   • Allow it to soak for 5-10 minutes. The solution works its magic by loosening dirt, oils, and tarnish.
4. Gently Scrub (If Needed)
   • For intricate designs or heavily soiled pieces, use a soft toothbrush to gently clean crevices.
   • Be cautious with soft gemstones like pearls or opals; they require extra care.
5. Rinse and Dry
   • Remove the jewelry from the solution and rinse thoroughly under warm running water.
   • Dry with a soft, lint-free towel, and polish if desired.

Why This Trick Works

• Aluminum and Baking Soda Reaction:
  When baking soda and salt dissolve in water and come into contact with aluminum, they create an electrochemical reaction that removes tarnish from metals like silver.
• Dish Soap:
  Cuts through grease and oils accumulated from skin contact.
• Hot Water:
  Helps dissolve grime and activates the cleaning solution.

When to Use This Method

This trick is best for:

• Sterling silver jewelry
• Gold jewelry (solid or plated)
• Stainless steel
• Hard gemstones (e.g., diamonds, rubies, sapphires)

What to Avoid

Do not use this method for:

• Delicate, porous gemstones like pearls, opals, or turquoise.
• Jewelry with glued-in stones, as hot water can weaken the adhesive.

Grandma’s Pro Tips

1. Separate Jewelry Types
   • Clean silver and gold jewelry separately to avoid discoloration or scratches.
2. Polishing Cloth
   • For extra shine, finish with a jewelry polishing cloth.
3. Storage Matters
   • Store cleaned jewelry in a dry, soft-lined box to prevent tarnish from returning quickly.

The Result

This simple trick leaves your jewelry sparkling like it’s fresh out of a jeweler’s showcase. It’s an easy, cost-effective way to maintain the brilliance of your treasured pieces without resorting to harsh chemicals or professional cleaning services.

Next time your jewelry needs a refresh, skip the pricey cleaners and try this grandma-approved method. You’ll be amazed at the results—minimal effort, maximum sparkle!