Our jewelry is part of our identity. It is an expression of our personality, a reminder of a loved one who has passed, or it is a sign of commitment and devotion. It’s important to keep our gold jewelry clean and glowing. What can you use to clean gold jewelry?
You can use a variety of everyday household items to clean gold jewelry. You can use vinegar, baking soda, aluminum foil, toothpaste, and even coke. Dish soap in warm water is the most effective and simple method to give gold jewelry a gentle cleaning.
Thankfully, cleaning gold jewelry doesn’t have to involve a trip to the jewelers or using expensive store-bought cleaners. Whether you are looking to clean, disinfect, or restore your gold jewelry, this article will help you safely clean your gold jewelry.
Can You Use Vinegar To Clean Gold Jewelry?
Professional jewelry cleaners often use a type of acid to clean gold jewelry. Vinegar is naturally acidic. Can you use vinegar to clean gold jewelry?
You can use vinegar to clean gold jewelry. The acidic content in vinegar will safely clean gold without affecting the gold’s color or integrity. Use either white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
To clean your gold jewelry with vinegar, place the gold jewelry into a bowl with enough vinegar to cover the jewelry.
Let the jewelry sit in the vinegar for at least 15 minutes. Occasionally rotate the jewelry during the 15 minutes.
If the jewelry is exceptionally dirty, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the dirt loose. Rinse the jewelry under warm running water and then allow it to air dry.
Can You Use Baking Soda To Clean Gold Jewelry?
Baking soda is known for lifting stains and breaking down hard, stuck on grime. Can you use baking soda to clean gold jewelry?
You can use baking soda to clean gold jewelry. Combine baking soda and water together to form a thick paste. Let the paste sit on the jewelry for at least 10 minutes. Rinse the jewelry under warm running water to rinse away the baking soda.
The abrasiveness of baking soda makes it a good cleaner for tougher stones such as diamonds. Care needs to be taken, however, when cleaning gold itself or if your gold jewelry has softer stones such as amber or opal.
Baking soda can also scratch gold if it is used too often or if too much pressure is applied when cleaning the gold. Let the baking soda dissolve before scrubbing the jewelry and then rinse thoroughly, removing all traces of the baking soda.
[This article and its contents are owned by Wabi Sabi Group and was first published on 05/09/2022.]
Can You Use Alcohol To Clean Gold Jewelry?
Alcohol kills germs and disinfects surfaces. Can you use alcohol to clean gold jewelry?
As a general rule, alcohol should not be used to clean gold jewelry. Alcohol can affect the finish of gold jewelry, dulling the gold appearance and over time, weakening the integrity of the gold.
If you need to sanitize your gold jewelry, alcohol can be used on occasion. Do not soak the jewelry in alcohol. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or cloth dipped in the alcohol to clean the gold jewelry.
Caution also needs to be exercised when using hand sanitizer. The alcohol content in sanitizers can eventually affect the gold jewelry it comes in contact with. If you use hand sanitizer a lot throughout the day, remove your gold jewelry before using the sanitizer.
Can You Use Toothpaste To Clean Gold Jewelry?
Toothpaste can clean our teeth and even remove tough plaque. Can you use toothpaste to clean jewelry?
You can use toothpaste to clean gold jewelry. Because toothpaste is abrasive, use gentle pressure when scrubbing the gold. Do not use gel toothpaste or toothpaste with added ingredients such as whiteners, food dye, or essential oils.
Toothpaste should not be used often to clean gold jewelry. And care should be exercised when using toothpaste to clean jewelry that has soft gemstones. The abrasiveness of toothpaste will ruin the appearance of these stones.
Can You Use Jewelry Cleaner To Clean Gold Jewelry?
What if you don’t have the time to soak or scrub your gold jewelry? Can you use a jewelry cleaner to clean gold jewelry?
You can use a jewelry cleaner to clean gold jewelry. Jewelry cleaner is designed to effectively and safely clean and restore the finish to your jewelry. Use a jewelry cleaner that is specifically for gold jewelry.
Jewelry cleaner is a safe way to give your gold jewelry that “just from the jewelry store” shine without leaving your house. Jewelry cleaner has solvents and surfactants that effectively break up and dissolve dirt and oils that accumulate on jewelry.
Can You Use Windex To Clean Gold Jewelry?
Windex has chemical properties that can make class shine and sparkle. Can you use Windex to clean gold jewelry?
You can use Windex to clean gold jewelry. Windex will not disinfect your ring, but it will remove dirt and oil. Windex is safe to use on diamonds but it should not be used on softer stones.
Softer stones such as amethyst and pearls can be damaged by the ammonia in Windex. Avoid using Windex to clean your gold jewelry if you are not sure which type of stone the jewelry has.
[This article and its contents are owned by Wabi Sabi Group and was first published on 05/09/2022.]
Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Clean Gold Jewelry?
Hydrogen peroxide is an affordable and effective disinfectant. Can you use hydrogen peroxide to clean gold jewelry?
You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean gold jewelry. Hydrogen peroxide will safely lift dirt and oils that have accumulated on the gold. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to spot clean or soak gold jewelry.
Hydrogen peroxide is the best choice when disinfecting gold jewelry. Hydrogen peroxide will help prevent the gold jewelry from spreading bacteria. This is especially important for jewelry such as earrings.
Can You Use Water/Boiling Water To Clean Gold Jewelry?
Water is the most important ingredient when it comes to cleaning. Can you use water to clean gold jewelry?
You can use water/boiling water to clean gold jewelry. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or nail brush to gently loosen dirt. Use boiling water to loosen dirt or other debris that has hardened on the jewelry.
Water on its own will clean the gold jewelry, but it will not disinfect the jewelry. If your gold jewelry needs deeper cleaning or needs to be disinfected, add baking soda or dish soap to warm water.
Can You Use Ammonia To Clean Gold Jewelry?
Ammonia is the main ingredient in most cleaners that removes grease and oil. Can you use ammonia to clean gold jewelry?
You can use ammonia to clean gold jewelry, but it should be used sparingly. Ammonia will remove the film of grease and oils that have accumulated from wearing the jewelry, but it can be too harsh for softer metals like gold.
Ammonia is very strong and, if not used carefully, can cause lung irritation in some users. Only a small amount of ammonia is needed to spot treat gold jewelry.
For larger pieces of gold jewelry, mix ¼ cup ammonia with 1 cup warm water. Do not soak the gold jewelry in the solution for longer than 60 seconds.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the jewelry. Be careful when brushing around any stones or gems.
Rinse the jewelry under warm running water and then dry with a soft lint-free cloth.
Can You Use Coke To Clean Gold Jewelry?
Coke is capable of removing hard water stains, grease, and even rust. Can you use Coke to clean gold jewelry?
You can use Coke to clean gold jewelry. The acid in Coke will break up and dissolve tarnish from the gold. Coke should only be used for quick cleanings. Thoroughly rinse the Coke off of the jewelry and pat dry the jewelry.
Coke is effective at restoring the shine to gold jewelry but caution needs to be used. Do not soak the jewelry in Coke. The acid in Coke can break down the gold, weakening it.
A safe way to clean gold jewelry is to dip a soft cloth into the Coke and then gently wipe the jewelry. If your gold jewelry requires deeper cleaning, place the jewelry in the Coke for no longer than 5 minutes.
It is important to rinse each piece of jewelry, removing the Coke thoroughly. Let the jewelry air dry or pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Can You Use Dawn/Dish Soap To Clean Gold Jewelry?
Dawn dish soap is an environmentally friendly soap that gently removes oils, grease, and dirt. Can you use Dawn/dish soap to clean gold jewelry?
You can use Dawn/dish soap to clean gold jewelry. Dawn/dish soap will not remove any tarnish from the gold jewelry but it will remove oils and dirt, restoring the jewelry’s original shine. Dawn/dish soap is also safe to use on any gems or stones.
Place a few drops of Dawn/dish soap into a bowl of warm water. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or cloth to gently clean the jewelry. Rinse each piece of jewelry thoroughly and then lay them on a soft lint-free cloth to air dry.
[This article and its contents are owned by Wabi Sabi Group and was first published on 05/09/2022.]
Can You Use Lemon Juice To Clean Gold Jewelry?
Lemons are acidic and are natural disinfectants. Can you use lemon juice to clean gold jewelry?
You can use lemon juice to clean gold jewelry. The acidity in lemon juice will help to remove tarnish from the gold jewelry and make it shine. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 and ½ cups of warm water.
Lemon juice is too acidic to use on its own. Always dilute it with water. The high acidity in lemon juice can damage gold if used too frequently.
Use lemon juice as a gold cleaner on occasion or if you are looking for a natural oil essence to add to another neutral cleaning solution such as dish soap and water.
Can You Use Bleach To Clean Gold Jewelry?
Bleach can destroy germs and bacteria and viruses, even mold. Can you use bleach to clean gold jewelry?
As a general rule, bleach should not be used to clean gold jewelry. Bleach is corrosive to softer metals such as gold. Even in small amounts, bleach will discolor gold and can disintegrate it.
Cleaning solutions that contain bleach are also harmful to gold jewelry. This is why jewelry professionals advise you to remove jewelry when cleaning.
Gold jewelry should also be removed before swimming. Public swimming pools often use bleach to disinfect the water, towels, and frequently touched surfaces around the pool. Even this limited exposure will affect your gold jewelry.
Can You Use Aluminum Foil To Clean Gold Jewelry?
Aluminum foil has been used to prevent static electricity in dryers and to scrub the bottom of tarnished pans. Can you use aluminum foil to clean gold jewelry?
You can use aluminum foil to clean gold jewelry. The ionizing reaction from aluminum will remove the tarnish from gold jewelry, restoring the gold. Combine aluminum foil with baking soda to give your gold jewelry a deep cleaning.
To get the best result from using aluminum foil when cleaning your gold jewelry, follow these steps:
Step 1: Place a crumpled sheet of aluminum foil on a baking sheet or in a pan.
Step 2: Place the gold jewelry on the foil in a single layer.
Step 3: Cover each piece of jewelry with a thick layer of baking soda.
Step 4: Pour enough boiling water over the jewelry to cover each piece.
Step 5: Occasionally rotate and turn over the jewelry as it soaks.
You want all sides of the jewelry to come in contact with the aluminum. The chemical reaction between the foil and baking soda will cause the tarnish to be attracted to the aluminum foil.
This content is owned by Wabi Sabi Group and was first published on May 9, 2022..
Step 6: Let the jewelry soak in the solution for at least 15 minutes or until you notice the tarnish is no longer coming off.
Step 7: Rinse the jewelry under warm running water and then let the jewelry air dry.
How To Clean Gold Jewelry Properly?
Cleaning your gold jewelry at home is easy and effective. And it doesn’t require any expensive cleaners.
Gold jewelry should be cleaned on a regular basis however it’s not a good idea to polish the jewelry often. Over-polishing the jewelry can cause the gold to break down, ruining your gold jewelry beyond repair.
Caution does need to be used when cleaning gold jewelry that has gemstones. Some gemstones, such as opals and emeralds are more delicate and can be negatively affected by solutions that are acidic or contain ammonia.
This article was first published on May 9, 2022 by Wabi Sabi Group..
When cleaning gold jewelry with gemstones, use a soft cleaning cloth or a simple solution of warm water and dish soap. If the jewelry requires deeper cleaning, use a jewelry cleaner or cloth designed for delicate jewelry or take it to a professional jewelry cleaner.
Regardless of which type of cleaning solution you decide to use, here are the basic steps to properly clean your gold jewelry.
Step 1: Use a bowl or pan wide enough to lay each piece of gold jewelry separately and also deep enough to hold enough water to cover the jewelry.
Step 2: Lay each piece of gold jewelry in the bowl or pan, in a single layer.
Step 3: Pour warm water and your selected cleaning solution over the jewelry.
Step 4: Let the gold jewelry soak in the warm water for at least 15 minutes.
Step 5: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or cloth to gently clean the jewelry. Use caution when cleaning gemstones. Using too much pressure could loosen the stone’s settings.
Step 6: After cleaning the jewelry, soak each piece in a bowl of hot water.
Step 7: Lay the jewelry in a single layer on a soft, lint-free cloth to allow the jewelry to completely air dry.
Caring For Gold Jewelry
After your gold jewelry has been cleaned and dry, you want to take care of how you maintain and store your jewelry.
Gold jewelry should be stored in an air-tight container away from moisture and humidity. Moisture in the air will affect the finish of gold and can cause it to tarnish.
If you do not have an air-tight container, keep a silica packet in the same place as the jewelry. Silica packets often come in shoe boxes or vitamin bottles to absorb moisture.
Ingredients in soaps, lotions, and makeup can all affect your gold jewelry. Remove jewelry before showering and when washing your hands. Apply moisturizers, makeup, and even perfume, before putting on your gold jewelry
Jewelry should also be removed when using hand sanitizers. The alcohol content in hand sanitizer will increase the rate at which gold tarnishes and can even break down the gold, weakening it.
Remove gold jewelry before swimming. Chlorine in the pool water will disintegrate gold. You might not notice the effect on the gold finish right away. Sadly, the first sign your jewelry is weakening is when you notice a dullness on the gold or when a stone is missing.
To clean gold jewelry properly, use a gentle solution of dish soap or baking soda mixed with water. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently remove dirt or other debris from any stones or gems. Rinse the jewelry under warm running water and then let it air dry completely before wearing or storing.
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WabiSabi Group is the owner of this article and was published on May 9, 2022 and last modified on .