If you’ve owned a piece of jewelry for a while, you know that they tend to get tarnished, and cleaning the tarnish can be a real hassle, as well as really expensive. Did you know, however, that there's a quick, free way to clean your jewels at home, with very little effort, if any? By combining a few common household items and very little elbow grease, your jewelry collection will sparkle like new.
What you’ll need:
• Aluminum Foil
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of dish detergent
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• A bowl
• An old toothbrush
Instructions:
1. Line a bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up. The aluminum foil serves to create a mild electrochemical reaction, which helps to clean the tarnish off of silver.
2. In the aluminum foil-lined bowl, add salt and baking soda. These ingredients work together as gentle yet effective abrasives to help scrub off the tarnish.
3. Add the dish detergent to the mixture. Dish detergent is excellent for removing oils and dirt that have built up on your jewelry over time.
4. Pour in hot water, but not boiling. The hot water will help dissolve the salt and baking soda, but be careful not to use boiling water, especially with jewelry containing gemstones, as it could damage them.
5. Once the mixture starts to fizz, carefully place your jewelry into the bowl. Make sure each piece is touching the aluminum foil and is covered by water. Let the jewelry sit in this mixture for about 10–15 minutes.
6. After soaking, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub each piece of jewelry. This will help remove any remaining tarnish or dirt. For delicate or intricate pieces, you can also use a soft cloth or a cotton swab to reach tiny crevices.
7. Rinse each piece under warm water. Make sure to remove all the cleaning mixture to avoid leaving any residue, which can cause more tarnish.
8. Pat dry using a microfiber cloth or paper towel. For best results, let the jewelry air dry completely before storing or wearing.
7. Admire your rejuvenated, sparkling jewelry!
A few bonus tips:
• Always check whether your jewelry has specific cleaning instructions. Some materials may not react well to this cleaning method. • Avoid using this method with pearls, opals, or other soft or porous stones as it could damage them.
• If your jewelry contains glued-in gemstones, be aware that soaking could potentially loosen the glue.
• To prevent future tarnishing, store your jewelry in a cool, dry place and avoid exposure to humidity as much as possible.
• Regularly clean your jewelry to avoid heavy buildup of tarnish. The frequency will depend on how often you wear the pieces.
H/T: popsugar.com
How to Remember Everything the Doctor Says
The doctor gives you prescription pills and an entire lecture on how to use them. How can you remember all that valuable info?
How to Tell Your Children You Have Cancer
What's the right way to tell your children you have cancer, and are there situations where you shouldn't?
4 Common Gas Stove Top Issues and How to FIX Them
The stovetop can often cause a variety of problems. But here’s the good news – you can fix it at home!
Guide: How You Can Clean Your Jewels at Home for Free
Enjoying clean jewels used to be a tedious chore, or an expensive visit to the jeweler's, but this way you can do it at home, for free!
Sanitize and Diminish Odors in Any Space in 1 Minute
This tip will deodorize and sanitize the air in any fridge, cabinet, or any other small space.
The Best Way to Clean Your Oven Racks
Let's dive into this clever solution that is set to make your kitchen life a lot easier!
If You’re Taking Apple Cider Vinegar, You Must Know This
There is a right and wrong way to take apple cider vinegar, and doing so incorrectly may not just be ineffective, it could be harmful to your health.
Guide: 11 Ways to Defend Yourself in an Emergency
The basic self defence tips all women should know.
9 Ingenious Q-Tip Hacks for Surprising Daily Uses
We bet you never thought cotton swabs could be so handy around the house!
Follow These 3 Easy Steps to Ripen an Avocado in Minutes
This foolproof trick will make your rock hard avocado soft and creamy in mere minutes. Just follow these simple instructions...
How to Clean Your Dishwasher's Filter so It's Like New
Learn not only hot to check your dishwasher's filter, but also how to clean it like new!
A Simple, Easy Guide for Writing Your Living Will
It's not something you want to think about, but writing your will is sure to lift a huge burden from your shoulders. Here's a simple guide.
How to Steer Clear of Germs While Grocery Shopping
Who knew grocery stores would become high-risk environments one day? This article explains how to shop safely during the COVID-19 epidemic
This DIY Shampoo Bar is Easy to Make and Great for Hair
Why harm your hair with toxic chemicals when you can make a natural shampoo bar at home?
24 Fascinating Food Facts Everyone Should Know
These 24 food facts will boggle your mind and may even change your perspective on what you eat.
These 40 Incredible Kitchen Hacks Are Too Good to Be True
If you love cooking, but hate all of the stress and hassle that it can entail, then this video is perfect for you!
15 Golden Tips to Start Living a Better, Happier Life...
These 15 little tips sound like small things, but they can make your life that much better.
10 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mice In Your House!
There are ways to deal with a mice infestation in your home in an efficient and humane way.
Shoe Discomfort? 10 Ways to Tie Your Shoes that Offer Relief
By lacing your shoes correctly, you can reduce pressure on certain areas of your feet and enjoy a more comfortable run in any pair of shoes
These Pots and Pans Storage Solutions Are an Absolute Must
If you have a small kitchen or if your cabinet space is limited, then you need to read this.
11 Mistakes Any DIY-er Should Avoid
Before you begin your long awaited project, take a look at these common DIY mistakes and make sure you’re not making any of them along the way.
NEVER Put These 5 Things in the Microwave!
Some things should never go in the microwave, because of the health dangers. Here are 5 things you should keep out of the microwave.
Our Complete Guide to Peeling Fruits and Vegetables!
Each fruit and vegetable has a different way of being effectively peeled. Our guide will teach you the very best methods!
Most Plant Owners Ignore This Crucial Plant Care Detail
Successful houseplant owners always pay close attention to their plants’ light needs. Let us teach you to do just that in this brief but informative guide.
What to Do if Someone is Drowning: The Complete Guide
Whether someone is a strong swimmer or not, drowning's always a potential risk. So you need to know how to deal with the situation. Here'a complete guide.
8 Things You Need to Do With Your A/C to Save on Money
Not looking after your AC properly will decreases the efficiency of your system, meaning you’re losing a lot of money.
Is Your Dryer Getting Slow? These Tips May Help!
There are a number of common reasons why a dryer might stop working efficiently. Here are 5 of them!
The Ownership Effect: Have YOU Fallen Prey to It?
An article about the ownership effect, a psychological effect that causes us to overvalue the things we've owned.
6 Harmful Types of Mold That Could Be Growing in Your Home
It’s important to identify and prevent these dangerous types of mold in the house.
Imitation Foods Aren’t All Bad – Here Are 6 Safe Options
Imitation foods aren’t always bad. Some of them are actually good, while some are avoidable.
10 Essential Tips to Revamp Your Home on a Budget
Looking to renovate your home? Here's how to do so on a budget.
8 Terrific Additional Uses For Rubbing Alcohol!
Unsure about what you're meant to use rubbing alcohol for? Wonder no longer, as we've listed 8 brilliant uses of rubbing alcohol in this article.
DIY Corner: A Cool Technique for Christmas Decorations!
This is how you can use packing tape to make a sticker out of anything. Sounds too easy? It truly is!
Read This to Deal With That Terrible Smell In Your Fridge!
If there's a bad odor in your refrigerator, then this guide will show you exactly how to get rid of it quickly and easily.
People Really Have No Idea What These English Words Mean!
A lot of people think they know how to use English words correctly, but they really don't! Here are 21 most misused words in the English language
Remove Blackheads From Your Skin Using These Sure Methods
Blackheads make our skin look terrible when it can easily look nice. Here are 6 efficient ways to rid yourself of those black dots right at home!
Pears Aren't Just Yummy, They're Incredibly Healthy Too
No wonder the ancient Greeks believed pears were a gift from the Gods! There are loads of health benefits contained in these juicy wonders...
What Is Your Learning Style? This Chart Explains
What is your learning style? Identify your learning style with this chart.
This Special Kind of Bread is Both Beautiful and Delicious
Tired of regular bread? How about surprising everyone with this beautiful and delicious "Watermelon Bread"? It's so easy to make!
Here Is the Secret For Making the Perfect Hamburger
This video is for those of you who are hamburger enthusiasts and want to learn everything there is to know about making a savory burger.
11 Superb Solutions to Turn an Old Looking Item into New
With these secrets, your old-looking items will look brand new once again!
The 6 Most Common Mattress Shopping Mistakes You’re Making
Planning on buying a new mattress? Do keep these tips in mind.
5 Life-Changing Tips for Investing In Your 50+ Years
Looking to secure your cash as retirement approaches? Check out these top five investment accounts for individuals over 50.
Scent Your Home with this Simple 3-Ingredient DIY Diffuser!
I never knew making your own home diffuser can be this easy!
What is Your MBTI Personality? Discover Now!
A great way to find out what kind of personality you have, using a scientific personality test.
12 Things Car Thieves Don't Want You to Know...
Every 43 seconds, a car is being stolen in the United States, which is close to one million vehicles a year. These tips could prevent you becoming a victim.
29 Psychological Tricks that Make You Spend More Money!
What are the psychological tactics used by salespeople, marketers, and retailers that make us buy more?