How to Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry with Baking Soda: A Step-by-Step Guide

While a simple soap and water wash is perfect for routine maintenance, sometimes your jewelry needs a little extra help to combat stubborn grime or a dull finish. For those moments, you don't need to reach for harsh chemicals. One of the safest and most effective deep cleaners is a simple ingredient you already have in your kitchen: baking soda. A gentle baking soda paste can work wonders on your stainless steel jewelry, lifting away tough residue and restoring its brilliant shine. This guide will walk you through the correct, step-by-step method for using baking soda safely.

Why Baking Soda is a Great Cleaner for Stainless Steel

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a fantastic cleaner for stainless steel because it acts as a very mild abrasive. This means it's just strong enough to scrub away compacted dirt, soap scum, and minor discoloration without being harsh enough to scratch the hard, durable surface of the steel. It's the perfect solution for when a simple soak isn't quite cutting it, especially for pieces that see a lot of daily wear.

The Simple Supplies You'll Need

You only need a few basic items for this deep-cleaning method:

• Baking soda    

• Water    

• A small bowl    

• A soft-bristled toothbrush    

• A soft, lint-free microfiber cloth

The Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning with Baking Soda

Follow these five steps for a safe and effective clean. This method is best for polished stainless steel.

Step 1: Create the Paste In your small bowl, mix about two parts baking soda to one part water. Stir until you have a thick, smooth paste, similar in consistency to toothpaste. It should not be watery or overly gritty.   

Step 2: Apply the Paste Using your fingertip or the soft toothbrush, apply a small amount of the paste directly onto the areas of the jewelry that need cleaning. Focus on any dull spots, stained areas, or detailed crevices.   

Step 3: Gently Scrub Use the soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the paste into the metal. If your piece has a visible grain, always scrub in the direction of the grain, not against it, to avoid creating swirl marks. The soft bristles are perfect for working the paste into chain links and engravings to lift out trapped grime.   

Step 4: Rinse Meticulously This is a critical step. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under clean, warm running water until every trace of the baking soda paste is gone. Any leftover paste can dry into a white, chalky residue, so be sure to rinse carefully.   

Step 5: Dry and Buff Pat the jewelry completely dry with a soft microfiber cloth. Once dry, give it a final buff with a clean section of the cloth to bring out the restored, brilliant shine.

Important Precautions to Remember

• Avoid Gemstones: Baking soda can be too abrasive for soft or porous gemstones like pearls, opals, or turquoise. Be extremely careful to avoid scrubbing any stones set in your jewelry.   

• Be Gentle on Plating: While this method is generally safe for high-quality PVD coating, always use gentle pressure when scrubbing gold stainless steel jewelry to preserve the longevity of the finish.

• Not for All Finishes: This paste method is best for polished finishes. Avoid using it on brushed or matte-finished jewelry, as the mild abrasion could alter the intended texture.

Conclusion

Baking soda is a powerful yet gentle tool in your jewelry care arsenal. It's the perfect DIY solution for giving your stainless steel pieces a deeper clean to tackle stubborn buildup and restore their beautiful shine. This ease of care is just one more reason why this modern, durable material is a superior choice for everyday wear.

Looking for beautiful jewelry that's incredibly easy to care for? Explore our full collection of durable stainless steel jewelry today.