The safest way to clean jewelry at home is learning how to clean gold jewelry and with the least amount of ingredients and fuss. However, you can also take into account your jewelry’s specific qualities for a more targeted cleaning method. Let’s start with gold jewelry since it is one of the most popular types.
How to Clean Gold Jewelry?
A jewelry cleaning solution that is safe and effective for gold specifically is the best way to keep your gold in great condition. Always double-check that it says the product can be used for gold before using it! If you don’t want to use any commercial products, you can clean your gold jewelry at home by following these easy steps.
Mix Dawn dish detergent with warm water — not hot. Add a few drops of ammonia, then brush carefully with a new, baby-size soft toothbrush.
Rinse in lukewarm water. Air dry or carefully towel-dry with paper towel or regular cloth.
Cleaning Gold Jewelry With Gemstones
The good news is that if your jewelry includes diamonds, rubies, sapphires or even most semi-precious gemstones like amethyst, aquamarine or rose quartz–they can all be safely cleaned using the method described above.
Just take extra care with prongs and make sure to clean behind and under each gemstone. To avoid scratching delicate settings or stones, never press down on them or hold them face-down against a countertop.
Never soak natural emeralds, pearls, opals, coral, bone or wood because they are delicate. Soaking them will cause permanent damage. Do not soak coral, bone and wood too since water and any chemicals can cause irreparable discoloration or destruction.
Most fashion stones, like cubic zirconia or crystals, can handle a short and delicate cleaning; however, they shouldn’t be left in water or scrubbed with harsh chemicals. If you want to clean them deeper than a surface level, it’s best to take them to someone who specializes in that. Gently buffing them with a non-abrasive cloth is the best way to clean these items without damaging them.
Cleaning Gold Plated and White Gold Jewelry
Gold-plated jewelry is best cleaned with a mild dish soap soak, but should not be scrubbed or rubbed with anything abrasive. All colors of gold, including rose gold and white gold, can be cleaned in the same way.
Properties of Gold Jewelry
24 karat gold is the purest form of gold. If your piece contains less than 24 karats, this means it has been mixed with other metals – called alloys – to make it more durable. Alloys are not necessarily a bad thing. The more active you are, the less pure gold you’ll want in your jewelry because it’s a soft metal and prone to scratching. Mixing 10 or more parts alloy will increase its longevity.
Hazards to Avoid When Cleaning Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry is much more likely to tarnish than other types of jewelry, so there are a couple specific substances you should avoid:
Soap – Soaps with unknown ingredients can do more harm than good, so it’s best to stick to basics like blue Dawn dish soap. Another pro-tip: take off your gold jewelry before showering in order to avoid a film build-up from other body washes.
Chlorine – Damage and discoloration to gold jewelry is a common occurrence when exposed to chlorine, especially at high temperatures like in a hot tub. Remember to take it off before coming into contact with any cleaning products that contain chlorine bleach!
When to Clean Gold Jewelry?
We recommend cleaning your jewelry weekly with a gentle cleanser, and deep cleaning it after exposure to activities or materials that could damage it. If you only wear your jewelry for special occasions, inspect it each time you take it off, and clean it only when necessary.
Gold doesn’t corrode and is resistant to scratching, making it easy to keep clean with little worry of damaging the jewelry. Plus, if you do Gold can withstand gentle frequent cleaning, which keeps it free from dust build-up, oil smudges, fingerprints, and other chemical residues. This helps extend the life of your gold jewelry by preventing wear and tear while also keeping it looking shiny like new!
Final Thoughts on How to Clean Gold Jewelry
Whether you wear gold every day, or only for special occasions, it’s important to know how to clean and care for your jewelry in order to maximize its longevity. By taking a few basic precautions and using the right materials, your gold jewelry will stay looking beautiful for years to come!
You May Also Like…