Jewelry can be a fantastic investment. If you find something you love and it’s high quality, you will most likely be able to get your money back.
Gold is one of the best materials you can use to make jewelry because not only is it beautiful, but it also stands the test of time. However, as with most metals, it does tarnish over time. Gold jewelry can start to look unattractive if you don’t know how to keep it clean.
Not sure how to clean tarnished gold jewelry? Keep reading to find out what you can do!
Clean with Polishing Cloth
To clean tarnished gold jewelry using a polishing cloth, first, hold the jewelry piece in one hand and the polishing cloth in the other. Rub the cloth in circular motions directly onto the jewelry piece, covering all areas that are tarnished. Continue to rub gently until the pieces begin to shine.
Once finished, take a look at the piece and use a second polishing cloth to buff the piece to a lasting shine. To maintain the shine, a polishing cloth should be used each time the jewelry is worn.
Use Baking Soda to Remove Tarnish
To clean tarnished gold jewelry using baking soda, create a mixture using 1 teaspoon of baking soda and enough warm water to cover the jewelry in a shallow bowl. Put the gold jewelry into the mixture and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Remove from the mixture, then thoroughly rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth.
If the jewelry is still tarnished, try scrubbing it gently with a soft brush. Next, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of baking soda until it creates a paste. Rub the paste mixture on the jewelry, leave for a couple of minutes, then rinse and dry. Repeat as necessary.
Finally, to maintain the jewelry in the future, store it in a sealed plastic bag and use a soft cloth to lightly polish the pieces before wearing. With regular cleaning, the gold jewelry should stay shiny and gleaming.
Deep Clean Using Ammonia
Ammonia is an effective and environmentally friendly way to clean tarnished gold jewelry. Start by preparing a solution of equal parts warm water and household ammonia in a bowl. Soak the jewelry for a few minutes in the solution and then gently brush the jewelry with a soft bristle toothbrush.
Rinse the jewelry with warm water and place it on a towel to dry. Once the jewelry is dry, use a soft cloth to buff it. This process will restore the luster of the gold and keep it from tarnishing for longer.
Remember to always wear gloves when using ammonia. Do not use ammonia on gemstones or pearls as the ammonia may damage these materials.
Use Dish Soap
Using dish soap to clean tarnished gold jewelry is an effective way to restore its original luster and shine. Begin by rinsing the jewelry thoroughly with warm water and drying it with a soft cloth. Next, mix warm water with mild dish soap and create a lather on the jewelry with a soft brush.
For stubborn dirt, use a soft cloth and gently rub the jewelry with a small amount of dish soap on it. After cleaning with the cloth and dish soap, rinse the jewelry under warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
If the tarnish persists, use a jewelry polishing cloth and gently rub the jewelry, moving in one direction. Finally, use a soft brush or cloth to remove any remaining dirt and dry the jewelry until it’s sparkling.
Soak in Vinegar Solution
If your gold jewelry is beginning to look dull and tarnished, cleaning it with a vinegar solution is a great way to bring it back to its former luster. To start the process, mix equal parts of warm water and white vinegar in a small container.
Place the tarnished gold jewelry in the solution and allow it to soak for approximately 20 minutes. After the timer has expired, remove the jewelry from the solution and scrub gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help loosen any remaining grime and dirt on the jewelry that can be difficult to remove.
Rinse the jewelry with warm water and dry it with a clean, soft cloth. Now your gold jewelry will be shining brightly again and be ready for you to wear. With this simple soaking method, you can easily bring back the beauty of your gold jewelry.
Clean Tarnished Gold Jewelry With Toothpaste
To clean tarnished gold jewelry with toothpaste, start by squeezing a dime-size dab of toothpaste onto a soft cloth. Dab the jewelry gently to cover it in toothpaste, then rinse off with warm water.
Use your fingers to scrub the jewelry to release any buildup and help loosen any corrosion. Rinse off the jewelry under warm running water and then blot dry with a soft cloth.
Finish by buffing to a shine with a polishing cloth that’s specifically designed for gold. Be careful not to use too much pressure as this can damage the jewelry. For pieces that have particularly stubborn tarnish, use an ultra-soft toothbrush to give it an extra scrub.
Abrasive Cleaning Approach
For tougher tarnish, you can use an abrasive cleaner. Apply the cleaner to another soft cloth and rub the jewelry in a circular motion, going with the grain of the jewelry.
Make sure not to scrub too hard, or you may scratch the surface of the piece. Rinse the jewelry under cool water and dry it with a cloth.
Follow up with jewelry polish for extra shine. Remember to use gentle motions with abrasive cleaners to prevent any damage from occurring.
Use Jewelry Cleaner Machine
Using a jewelry cleaner machine is one of the easiest methods of cleaning tarnished gold jewelry. Through the use of the machine, the cleaning process becomes a breeze.
Benefits of Using the Machine
One of the best ways to restore its natural shine is to use a specialized machine. The machine is able to clean inaccessible areas of your jewelry. This means that there is no problem cleaning those areas which are hard to clean especially when you just use manual cleaner.
This method is also environmentally friendly. Moreover, you are able to save costs since this doesn’t require a lot of energy and water in order for this to operate.
Another benefit of this method is that ultrasonic jewelry cleaning provides a gentle cleaning action. There is no scrubbing involved that can actually damage your valuables. You can be assured that the cleaning process won’t cause scratches to your gold jewelry.
Also, the machine can clean multiple pieces of jewelry properly and quickly. You can clean more than two pieces of jewelry simultaneously and still get a really effective and efficient process of cleaning.
How to Clean Using the Jewelry Cleaner Machine
Plug in the machine and pour lukewarm water and a cap of the included jewelry cleaner into the machine’s reservoir. Drop one piece of jewelry in the upper basket and close the lid before pushing the “protection” button. The machine will whisk and massage the cleaned jewelry with ultrasonic soundwaves, submerging the jewelry in a gentle bath of ions to remove the tarnish and make your jewelry sparkle like new.
After the cleaning cycle is complete, open the lid and empty the tank using a paper towel. Rinse the jewelry in lukewarm water and lightly dry it with a soft smooth cloth.
Visit the Jeweler for Professional Cleaning
If gold jewelry has become tarnished due to wear and tear, it’s important to clean it periodically. Doing a simple cleaning at home is usually sufficient, but if the shine is still not back to its original brightness, it’s time to visit the jeweler for a professional cleaning.
Jewelers typically have materials such as special cleaning solutions or ultrasonic machines that will take your jewelry from dull to dazzling. In addition, the jeweler can inspect your jewelry for any damage or loose stones that could cause further damage.
If ever you decide to sell some beautiful pieces of jewelry, then you can always go to a jewelry appraiser. One will inspect your item so that you will have an idea about the real market value of your gold pieces.
Know How to Clean Tarnished Gold Jewelry Today
After many years of use, gold can appear tarnished. Well, you cannot just let your jewelry stay that way. What you can do is to know how to clean tarnished gold jewelry.
Proper care of your gold jewelry can help to prevent tarnish and make your pieces shine like new! Hence, you can use the tips above for cleaning tarnished gold jewelry and restoring its shine.
For professional deep cleaning, remember to consult with a jeweler near you. So go ahead, give your jewelry pieces the attention they deserve now!
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