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• Method 1 of 3: Using baking soda and vinegar
• Method 2 of 3: Try baking soda and dish soap
• Method 3 of 3: Using baking soda and boiling water

With baking soda you can clean gold in a natural and environmentally friendly way. You can use vinegar baking soda or a baking soda soap solution to clean your gold items. You can also use baking soda with boiling water to clean the gold. If the gold contains pearls, don't clean it with baking soda.

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Method 1 of 3: Using baking soda and vinegar

1. Mix three parts baking soda with one part water. Mix the ingredients until a thick paste forms. The paste should have a toothpaste-like density.
2. Apply the paste with a cotton swab. You can also use a sponge to apply the paste. Cover the entire piece of gold with the paste. Then place the piece of gold in a small plastic cup or container.
3. Pour vinegar over the gold. Use distilled white vinegar. The gold must be completely submerged in the vinegar. Leave the gold in the vinegar for five minutes.
4. Rinse and dry the gold. Put the gold under warm running water. Rinse the gold thoroughly until the baking soda and vinegar mixture is removed. Use a soft cloth to dry the gold pieces.
   • If the gold is still dirty, repeat steps one through four or use a different method. Also try to avoid scrubbing the gold with a toothbrush to clean it; you can accidentally scratch it by scrubbing it with baking soda and a toothbrush.
   • Do not use this method for pieces of gold that contain pearls and gemstones. The combination of baking soda and vinegar can damage them.

Method 2 of 3: Try baking soda and dish soap

1. Mix warm water, dish soap, and baking soda in a bowl. Use one cup (240 ml) of water, one teaspoon (5 ml) of dish soap, and one teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda. Mix the ingredients together, until well combined and the baking soda dissolves.
   • If this isn't enough mixture, double or triple the recipe.
2. Place the gold in the mixture. Make sure the gold is completely submerged in the mixture. Let the gold sit in the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Gently scrub the gold. Use a new (or unused) soft toothbrush for this. Scrub the gold with the toothbrush until all of the build-up of dirt and grime is removed.
   • Only scrub the gold if the mixture has not removed the built-up dirt or grime.
   • Don't scrub the gold too hard; you can scratch the gold by scrubbing it too hard.
4. Rinse and dry the gold. Place the gold under warm running water. Rinse the gold thoroughly until all of the mixture is removed. Use a soft cloth to thoroughly dry the gold until all the water is removed.
   • This method is safe to use on gold pieces containing diamonds.
   • This method is not safe for gold containing pearls.

Method 3 of 3: Using baking soda and boiling water

1. Line a glass bowl with aluminum foil. Make sure the shiny side is facing up. If you have more than two gold pieces, line a flat surface, such as a glass pan or baking tray, with foil. This way you make sure that every piece of gold touches the foil.
2. Cover the gold with baking soda. Place the gold in the bowl (or pan), making sure that each piece of gold touches the foil. Sprinkle a sufficient amount of baking soda on the gold pieces, until they are completely covered. You should not be able to see the gold pieces.
3. Pour boiling water over the gold. Heat one to two cups (240 to 480 ml) of water in the microwave for one to two minutes, or until it boils. Then pour the boiling water over the gold until it is completely submerged. Let the jewelry soak for three to five minutes.
   • Alternatively, you can use the stove to heat the water (about eight to ten minutes on a high setting).
4. Spell off the gold and dry it. After the gold has finished soaking, use pliers to remove the gold from the water. Rinse the gold thoroughly under cold running water. Then dry it with a soft cloth until all the water is removed from the gold.
   • Do not use this method if the gold contains glued crystals or pearls. The boiling water can loosen the glue from the crystals and damage the pearls.
   • This method is safe for gold containing gems unless the gems are glued.