Gold does not develop a dull tarnished finish over time. However, it can still easily accumulate dirt and grime with regular use.
So if you love your precious gold jewellery and you want it to look new and shiny forever, try these tips.
Tips to keep your gold jewellery clean
To restore the shine to your precious rings, bracelets, necklaces and other gold jewellery, you will need just a few household tools and ingredients.
Follow the steps below!
Pour a few drops of liquid dish detergent in a bowl of warm (not hot) water. Mix gently.
Ordinary tap water will work fine too. For even better results, you can use sodium-free seltzer water or club soda.
The carbonation in these liquids can help loosen accumulated dirt and debris.
Avoid using hot or boiling water, especially if your jewellery contains fragile, precious stones.
Some gems, like opals, can crack if subjected to rapid and drastic temperature changes.
Soak your gold jewellery in the solution. Allow the jewellery to sit in the water for about 15 minutes.
As the jewellery soaks, the warm soapy water will work its way into the cracks and crevices, loosening hard-to-reach buildups of dirt.
Next, gently scrub the jewellery with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Clean each piece of jewellery individually, paying particular attention to nooks and crannies where dirt may be hidden.
Make sure you are using a very soft brush – the softer, the better. Stiff bristles will scratch the surface of your jewellery.
If your jewellery is gold-plated (as opposed to solid gold), stiff bristles will even remove the gold layer entirely.
Select brushes designed for jewellery cleaning purpose are best, but most small, soft brushes (like, for instance, eyebrow brushes) will also work.
Rinse each piece of your jewellery in warm running water. It will help remove lingering dirt that’s been loosened by the action of your brush.
If you are rinsing your jewellery in a sink, ensure you plug or cover the drain so that you do not accidentally lose your jewellery should in case it slips out of your hands.
You can rinse your jewellery in a pasta strainer or metal coffee filter instead of a sink.
Dry your jewellery with a soft cloth. Then, let the jewellery sit out on a towel to air dry completely before wearing it again.
Wearing a wet jewellery can trap moisture against your skin, leading to minor skin irritation.