Online searches for jewellery cleaning have hit a five-year peak, rising 423% since August 2021, according to Google Trends data, with TikTok emerging as a primary destination for quick cleaning tips.
But jewellery experts at the crystal jewellery brand Tiny Rituals warn that several of the platform’s most viral techniques may do more harm than good.
The foil and baking soda trick
One widely shared method involves lining a bowl with aluminium foil, placing jewellery inside, adding baking soda, and pouring boiling water over the pieces. After 10–15 minutes, the items are removed and dried, often appearing shinier.
Experts at Tiny Rituals say the trend is being misapplied. “The main issue with the foil and baking soda ‘hack’ is that TikTok users are replicating the method with the wrong kind of jewelry. As baking soda is a harsh ingredient, this method can easily damage delicate jewelry pieces, particularly gold and any jewelry containing gems or stones. The heat of the water can cause gems or stones to become dislodged by melting away the glue, so it’s important to steer clear of this technique for any delicate pieces.”
According to the experts, the method should be reserved for sterling silver, also known as 925 silver, and even then only used sparingly. “It’s generally only recommended to use this technique with pieces made from sterling silver. Even in this case, it should still only be used as a rare one off. Repeated use of this ‘hack’ can quickly damage and scratch jewelry, since baking soda is an abrasive ingredient. It should also not be used on plated jewelry, as this can cause the plating to erode over time.”
They also flagged a common follow-up mistake. “Certain videos also show influencers using paper towels to dry jewelry after using this hack, which should also be avoided. Paper towels can easily scratch delicate pieces, especially those with gems or stones, and can wear down plating. This is why, if using this method, it’s best to leave the jewelry to air dry afterwards.”
The toothpaste and toothbrush hack
Another common approach sees users apply toothpaste to jewellery, then scrub with an old toothbrush and warm water. Experts advise against it. “One of the main issues with this hack is using an old toothbrush to remove any dirt from the jewelry. As toothbrush bristles can be firm, delicate pieces of jewelry can easily become scratched or damaged. Scrubbing jewelry with an old toothbrush can also cause stones or gems to become dislodged. Many toothpastes also contain abrasive particles such as hydrated silica or calcium carbonate, which can then cause damage to delicate metals.”
Ultrasonic cleaners
High-frequency sound waves in ultrasonic cleaners can remove dirt, grease, oils, and residues without scrubbing, making them preferable to abrasive methods, though experts say caution is still needed.
“Although placing jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner can be a great one off cleaning method, it’s important not to overdo it. Over time, ultrasonic cleaners can wear down and weaken delicate gems and stones. It’s also important not to place antique jewelry into an ultrasonic cleaner at the risk of causing damage. Fragile gemstones like pearls and emeralds may also be damaged by the machine’s vibrations, so it’s important to be aware of this before using an ultrasonic cleaner.”
Safer alternatives
Benn Mendelsohn, CEO of Tiny Rituals, urged people to look past viral appeal before trying a technique at home. “While TikTok can be a really great way to discover tips when it comes to jewelry cleaning, it’s really important that you’re not taking everything you see at face value. Many jewelry cleaning ‘hacks’ on TikTok, like the foil and baking soda trick, aren’t suitable for any jewelry that isn’t silver. This is why it’s so important that you’re doing your research before using any of these tricks.”
For delicate or valuable items, Mendelsohn recommended seeking professional help, but offered a gentler at-home option for routine cleaning. “If you’re looking for ways to clean your jewelry, it’s often best to take it to a professional, particularly for any delicate or valuable pieces. However, if you’re looking for a quick hack at home, one of the safest methods is combining a bit of mild dish soap with warm water, not boiling, in a bowl before leaving the jewelry to soak for around 10–15 minutes. If you have a soft bristled brush, then you can use this to gently brush the jewelry to remove any dirt in hard to reach areas. Then, rinse the jewelry off with lukewarm water before leaving it to dry. Using a specialist jewelry polishing cloth is another way to safely restore shine to gold and silver. Ensure that you’re rubbing gently with the polishing cloth, rather than applying heavy pressure, to avoid causing any scratching or damage.”