Don't let a bad smell prevent you from wearing your favorite jewelry pieces. Over time, jewelry can develop unpleasant odors from a variety of sources, from tarnish to food particles. Odor-causing substances can lurk in the links of chains, behind the stones of rings and in other locations resistant to a cursory scrubbing. Using a few household ingredients, you can remove the smell from your jewelry, giving a whole new life to your favorite pieces.
- Cooking pot
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Metal spoon
- Slotted spoon
Fill a small, high-sided pot with 1 inch of white vinegar.
Place the pot on a stove over medium-high heat. Turn off the burner when the vinegar begins to steam lightly.
Submerge your jewelry item in the vinegar, agitating lightly to release any air bubbles.
Add one teaspoon of baking soda per cup of vinegar to the pot. Stir the mixture vigorously with a metal spoon. As they combine, the vinegar and baking soda will release carbon dioxide, causing the liquid to bubble.
Allow the mixture to sit until all bubbling has subsided -- about 15 minutes. Remove the jewelry from the mixture with a slotted spoon, and rinse thoroughly under cold, running water.
Writer Bio
Michael Cohen has been a technical writer since 2006. His areas of expertise include classical music and nonprofit management, and his work has been featured across a variety of media platforms. Cohen received his bachelor's degree from The New School in New York City.