There's nothing quite like reaching for your favourite necklace or a pair of go-to hoops, only to find they've gone a bit dull, cloudy, or in silver case, that dreaded yellowish-black tarnish. The good news? You don't need a professional cleaning kit or a trip back to us to bring that shine back. With a few things you probably already have in your kitchen cupboard, you can keep your gold and silver pieces looking as good as the day you got them.
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Here's our full guide to jewellery care at home, including the tried-and-true baking soda and vinegar hacks everyone swears by (and how to use them safely).
Why does gold and silver jewellery lose its shine in the first place?
Before we get into the fixes, it helps to know what's actually happening.
Silver tarnishes because it reacts with sulphur compounds in the air, in your skincare, and even in your own body chemistry. That's the dark, sometimes rainbow-tinged film you see building up over time, it's a natural chemical process, not a sign your jewellery is poor quality.
Gold doesn't tarnish the same way, since pure gold is a fairly non-reactive metal. But most gold jewellery isn't pure gold, it's an alloy mixed with other metals like copper or silver to make it more durable and those alloying metals can react with lotion, sweat, and air over time, leaving gold looking dull or slightly discoloured. Gold-plated and vermeil pieces need a gentler touch again, since there's a thin layer of gold sitting on top of another metal underneath.
Knowing what you're working with is the first step to cleaning it the right way.
Everyday habits that keep jewellery looking newer for longer
A little prevention goes a long way, and most of it costs nothing.
Put your jewellery on last, after your perfume, hairspray, and makeup, and take it off first before you shower, swim, exercise, or sleep. Moisture, chlorine, and salt water are some of the biggest culprits behind tarnish and dullness. It's also worth wiping each piece down with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing it, just to remove any oils or product residue before it's stored away.
Storage matters more than people think, too. Keep pieces separated in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box rather than tossed together in a drawer, since metal-on-metal contact causes scratches and speeds up tarnishing. Anti-tarnish strips or a small silica gel packet tucked into your jewellery box can also help keep humidity, and therefore tarnish, at bay.
The classic DIY hacks: baking soda and vinegar
This is the part everyone wants to know about, so let's get into it. Both of these methods work brilliantly on solid silver and most solid gold pieces, but there are a few important exceptions we'll flag below.
Baking soda and aluminium foil (the tarnish-lifting trick)
This one looks like magic the first time you try it. Line a bowl or dish with aluminium foil, shiny side facing up, and pour in enough hot (not boiling) water to cover your jewellery. Stir in about two tablespoons of baking soda for every cup of water, then drop your tarnished silver pieces in so they're touching the foil where possible. Leave them to soak for a few minutes, up to about half an hour for heavier tarnish, then rinse under warm water and buff dry with a soft cloth.
What's actually happening here is a simple chemical reaction: the baking soda solution allows an electrical exchange between the silver and the aluminium foil, and the tarnish transfers off your jewellery and onto the foil instead. You'll often see the foil itself turn dull or discoloured, that's the tarnish leaving your silver.
White vinegar soak (the quick refresh)
For a faster, lower-effort option, soak silver or solid gold jewellery in plain white vinegar for around 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry. For stubborn tarnish, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the vinegar for extra cleaning power (it will fizz, so do this in a sink or bowl rather than a sealed container). A soft toothbrush can help gently work the mixture into any detailed engraving or filigree afterwards.
A word of caution before you dive in
These hacks are brilliant for solid metal, but they're not for everything in your jewellery box:
Skip both methods on pearls, opals, turquoise, emeralds, and other soft or porous gemstones, the acid and abrasiveness can etch, discolour, or dull them permanently. Steer clear of gold-plated or vermeil pieces too, since soaking can wear away the thin gold layer and expose the metal underneath. And if a piece has glued-in stones or intricate settings, a soak isn't worth the risk of loosening them. When in doubt, stick to gentle spot-cleaning rather than a full soak.
Gentle everyday cleaning for gold and mixed pieces
For solid gold jewellery without delicate stones, you rarely need anything stronger than warm water, a few drops of mild washing-up liquid, and a soft-bristled brush (an old, clean toothbrush works well). Swirl gently, pay extra attention to any grooves or clasps where product builds up, then rinse well and dry with a soft cloth before putting it away.
If a piece has gemstones, treat it as you would fine jewellery from us: a barely damp microfibre cloth for wiping, and a trip to a jeweller for anything that needs a deeper clean. It's a small extra step that protects your investment for years to come.
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When it's time to call in the professionals
Home hacks are great for maintenance, but some situations call for expert hands: heavily set stones, antique or heirloom pieces, anything with visible looseness in a setting, or jewellery that still looks lacklustre after a proper clean. A professional polish and inspection once or twice a year is a lovely way to keep sentimental pieces in great condition, and it's a good chance to check that prongs and clasps are still secure.
The takeaway
Caring for your gold and silver jewellery doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. A little bit of prevention, the right storage, and an occasional baking soda or vinegar soak (on the right pieces!) will keep everything in your collection looking its best between wears. Treat your jewellery well, and it really will last a lifetime.