If your gold jewelry looks a little dull, don't worry: a thorough cleaning will make it look good as new! You don't even have to resort to expensive cleaners to make them glow and sparkle. All you need is normal household products that you can find at home.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Clean with Dishwashing Liquid
Step 1. Pour a few drops of liquid dish detergent into a basin filled with warm (not boiling) water
Mix gently. While regular tap water is fine, you can use sodium-free seltzer water or sparkling water for best results. The carbonation process of these liquids can help soften accumulated dirt and debris.
Do not use hot or boiling water, especially if the jewelry contains delicate gemstones. Some, in fact, such as opal, can break if subjected to sudden and drastic changes in temperature. Likewise, don't use water that is too cold either as dirt will tend to harden and encrust
Step 2. Soak the jewelry in the solution
Leave them to soak for about 15 minutes. Warm water and detergent will penetrate cuts and crevices, dissolving hard-to-reach dirt build-ups.
Step 3. Gently clean the jewelry using a soft-bristled toothbrush
Rub each piece individually and pay particular attention to the corners and crevices where dirt could lurk. Use a very soft toothbrush. If the bristles are stiff, they can scratch the surface of the jewel and even completely remove the surface layer if the jewel is gold plated (as opposed to solid gold)! However, if there is a crack that is difficult to clean, gently scrub it with a cotton swab.
Special brushes designed specifically for cleaning jewelry are the best tools, but small, soft ones (like eyebrow brushes) are just as good
Step 4. Wash each jewel with lukewarm running water
Rinse it thoroughly to remove stubborn dirt that you have softened with the toothbrush. Again, make sure the water is not boiling, especially if the jewelry is encrusted with delicate stones.
If you do this in the sink, close or cover the drain so you don't lose your jewelry if it accidentally slips out of your hands. Alternatively, wash them by placing them in a colander or metal coffee filter
Step 5. Dry them with a soft cloth
After cleaning, place them on a rag to air dry completely before wearing them again. If you put them still wet, residual moisture could get trapped on the skin and irritate it.
Method 2 of 4: Clean with Ammonia
Step 1. Know when to clean jewelry with ammonia
It is a very strong detergent with a corrosive action. So avoid using it too often on gold jewelry if you don't want to ruin it. Ammonia is a great product for the occasional (but infrequent) "deep clean".
It can damage some materials used in jewelry making. Do not use it to clean gold jewelry that is also composed of platinum or pearls
Step 2. Combine 1 part ammonia and 6 part water
Stir gently until you get a homogeneous mixture.
Step 3. Soak the jewelry in the solution for no more than a minute
Don't let them soak for too long as ammonia is slightly corrosive, like all strong alkaline products.
To shorten the time and rinse all the jewelry in one go, use the colander. Alternatively, collect them in a handled strainer or turn the bowl upside down in a larger colander inside the sink
Step 4. Thoroughly rinse all jewelry under running water
Close the sink drain to avoid losing them if they accidentally slip out of your hands. Alternatively, just use the strainer you needed to remove them from the ammonia.
Step 5. Gently dry them with a soft polishing cloth
Let them dry completely on a tea towel before wearing.
Method 3 of 4: Cleaning the Jewelry with Glued Stones
Step 1. Know which ones on the jewelry should not get wet
Jewelery with glued-on precious stones (like many earrings) should not be immersed in water. Hot water, in fact, can weaken the glue and cause stones to fall, especially if they are brushed vigorously. For this type of jewelry, you have to follow a particular cleaning method that does not involve soaking.
Step 2. Clean the jewelry with a damp, soapy cloth
Make a solution of water and dish soap (as in the previous method). Soak a soft cloth and gently scrub the jewelry.
Step 3. "Rinse them" with a cloth soaked in water only
Dab it gently, taking care to absorb any traces of foam that may remain.
Step 4. Place or hang the jewelry after cleaning it
Let them dry like this. By keeping them hanging and upside down, the residual moisture will evaporate easily, avoiding to penetrate into the cracks of the processing.
Method 4 of 4: Using Boiling Water
Step 1. Know when to use boiling water
Gold tolerates it without problems, but if it is decorated with delicate gemstones (such as opals, pearls, corals and moonstones), the latter can crack or damage, especially if there is a huge difference in temperature (i.e. if dip the cold jewel into boiling water). This method is also not suitable for jewelry with glued precious stones, because the glue could weaken. However, it is a great solution if you need to clean gold jewelry that is very dirty or decorated with "hard" stones (such as diamonds).
Step 2. Boil the water
You don't need a lot, but just a quantity that allows you to soak all the jewels. While you wait for it to come to a boil, place them in a sturdy bowl or other container that is resistant to boiling water. Pyrex or metal bowls and plates are a great choice.
Arrange the items in the bowl without overlapping them. Water must come into contact with each jewel
Step 3. Pour the water carefully
Be careful not to spill it quickly or splash it as you pour it - boiling water can cause severe burns. When all the jewels are completely covered, it means that it is enough.
Step 4. Wait for it to cool down
Remove the jewelry when you can take it without burning your hands. After cleansing with boiling water, clean them with a soft brush, pat them with a delicate towel and let them air dry.
Don't worry if the water is dirty - that's normal! Dirt, grease and residues formed on jewelry dissolve with boiling water and float to the surface. The dirtier it looks, the more grime it has managed to scrape off
Advice
- Store your jewelry so it doesn't get scratched. Each piece should be kept in a fabric bag.
- You can remove stubborn grease from gold jewelry by soaking it in alcohol (provided the gems are not glued).
- Remember that you can always have your jewelry cleaned by a professional.
- Alternatively, try this method: at the beach, take a piece of chalk wet from the sea. Rub your thumb and then pass it over the gold for a few seconds. Clean with a dry cloth.
Warnings
- Opal is a very delicate stone. Do not use chemicals, abrasives, toothpaste or ultrasonic tools. Instead, gently wipe it off with a soft face washcloth or silk scrap.
- If you have a gold ring decorated with a diamond or gemstone, make sure the bezel claws are not damaged and that the gem is fixed in the setting to prevent it from falling out.
- Do not bleach. To be sure, jewelry shouldn't come in contact with any kind of chlorine-based substance because it can permanently discolour.
- Toothpaste can scratch gold jewelry and gemstones, so it's best to avoid using it for this type of cleaning.
