how clean gold at home conditions quickly and efficiently, which folk remedies can be used and how to return the original shine to your favorite products without damaging the surface, we will tell in this article.
The loss of the initial brilliance of gold jewelry is due to several factors: exposure to oxygen, which forms the oxide film; exposure to chemicals in household chemicals and chlorinated pool water; microparticles of dust and dirt clogging into the smallest inaccessible elements of jewelry.
It is a well-known fact that gold jewelry is made not of pure gold of the highest standard, but of an alloy of gold with copper, silver or other metals. This is due to the fact that pure gold is a soft metal, and additives give it hardness. However, the elements of the alloy determine the tendency of gold to age, the appearance of an oxide film and dullness.
Among the most common causes of contamination of gold products: sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands, creams and decorative cosmetics, environmental effects - dust and smog.
After understanding the causes of aging and gold pollution, you will be able to choose the best way to clean. Everyone can cope with the task at home, like clean silver from black.
Features of cleaning gold jewelry
In order for gold jewelry to please its original splendor for as long as possible, careful, careful handling and storage will be required. It is recommended to remove jewelry while playing sports, visiting a bathhouse or doing homework involving the use of chemicals.
Even following the recommendations, it will not be possible to completely neutralize the negative environmental impact: water, cosmetics, household chemicals, oxygen and the sun can change the appearance of gold for the worse. Due to mechanical damage, micro-scratches form on the metal, due to which the jewelry loses its luster. Cosmetics and perfumes are the cause of stains on the surface. Also harmful to gold are detergents, which include alkali, chlorine, iodine.
The cleaning method and means for each product are selected individually. What suits classic yellow gold is not always useful for white. Particular attention is paid to cleaning products with stones and with a matte surface. Less time and labor will take to clean the smooth rings without inserts.
Folk remedies for cleaning gold at home
Every woman in the box has at least one gold jewelry. Over time, any gold product loses its original shine and needs to be cleaned. It is quite possible to give a primordial look to your favorite jewelry at home.
the cloth
Quickly and efficiently clean gold with a cloth. This is the most economical way. Using a soft, lint-free cloth, rub the product thoroughly until it shines. For these purposes, fleece, flannel or suede is suitable.
It will turn out delicately to clean any decoration.If such care is carried out constantly, professional means and liquids for gold will not be required.
The only minus of the method is that the fabric will not cope with old pollution, will not dissolve the dark oxide film and will not clean the pollution in hard-to-reach places. For these cases, one of the many popular recipes for gold purification will help.
Ammonia
To give shine to gold using ammonia, the following components will be required:
- 150 ml of ammonia;
- 150 ml of water;
- 2 drops of detergent.
All components are mixed and jewelry is placed exactly 1 hour into the resulting solution. After this, the products are washed in cold water and each separately wiped dry. White gold is especially thoroughly wiped; moisture should not remain on it in any case.
Hydrogen peroxide
The solution that will help to “rejuvenate” jewelry is a combination of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. It’s easy to prepare: 3 teaspoons of ammonia, 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and a drop of liquid soap are added to a glass of water. To prepare the solution, enameled utensils are used.
In this composition, gold jewelry is steeped for several hours. After the procedure, films of oxide, old impurities will leave the surface of the products, a delightful gloss will appear. Please note that the product is contraindicated for cleaning jewelry with stones.
Foil
You can clean gold at home using ordinary foil. This is a very simple but effective way. In a deep container, lay out a layer of foil on which we lay out the decorations. In a glass of water, dissolve 3 tablespoons of soda and pour the golden products with the resulting solution for 10-12 hours. It remains only to rinse the gold with running water and wipe dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Soda
Gold items are placed in a small container of water and brought to a boil. Table soda is added in a proportion of 1 tbsp. teaspoon of soda in 1 cup of water and boil for 5 minutes. After that, the jewelry is brushed, rinsed and dried.
A known method of purification of gold directly with soda with the addition of vinegar. However, it is not recommended to be used, because the direct mechanical contact of the soda particles with gold leaves micro-scratches that will not affect the appearance of the product in the best way.
Salt
There is salt in any kitchen, so this method of cleaning gold jewelry is the most affordable and cheapest. A saline solution is prepared from 0.5 cups of hot water and three tablespoons of salt. At night, gold items are placed in it. In the morning they are washed with water and wiped dry. This method is suitable for small contaminants, it can not cope with old spots.
Coca Cola
Many have heard about non-standard ways of using the popular Coca-Cola drink. One of such unusual methods is gold purification. Coca-Cola contains an increased concentration of acid, which dissolves plaque. Gold jewelry is placed in a small container and poured with a drink for one hour. After this product, it is enough to rinse with water and dry.
Lemon acid
Another great plaque solvent is citric acid. To clean the jewelry, a concentrated solution of citric acid is prepared and the gold jewelry is boiled in it for about 10 minutes. Then they wash with running water, and the products will sparkle, as on the day of purchase.
Toothpaste
The composition of toothpaste and toothpowder includes substances with abrasive properties, and, therefore, able to clean the metal. Toothpaste contains foaming elements that soften the effects of abrasive.
Gold is cleaned according to the same principle as teeth: paste is applied and brushing is carried out with usual movements. Use the softest brush.
Gold purification with purchased funds
If you don’t have time and desire to prepare mixtures for refining gold yourself or boil in solutions and rub with toothpastes, you can use specialized tools that are widely available in stores.
Funds are available in the form of pastes, liquids, napkins with impregnation. The main thing when choosing is to consider what metal it is intended for and whether it is suitable for processing natural stones and various inserts.
Video instruction
If the instructions indicate that the tool is suitable for processing gold, you need to use it without touching the stones.
How to clean gold with stones to make it shine
For full care of jewelry, you need to know how to clean gold and various inserts from precious and semiprecious stones. Stones require special handling. For example, some stones are not afraid of the effects of water and a number of chemicals, but for others it is destructive.
Products containing diamonds, zirconium or cubic zirconia can be cleaned in soapy water or using ammonia and vinegar. Easy brushing with a soft bristle will not damage diamonds.
They can be wiped with a flannel cloth. Lapis lazuli, rubies and opals can be washed in a weak solution of water and baby soap.
- Most opaque stones are recommended to be treated with a special napkin or soft cloth.
- Stones cannot be immersed in water if they are fixed to the product with glue.
- To clean dirt from hard to reach places, use cotton swabs dipped in a special composition, which is sold in jewelry stores.
In addition to proper care, careful handling is important for the preservation of jewelry. It is worth remembering and following simple rules:
- it is necessary to store gold in a box, away from a direct source of heat, without direct sunlight;
- the products must not come into contact with each other during storage. If there is no special box with sections, you can separate the jewelry with a soft cloth, for example, flannel;
- Before doing homework using household chemicals, you need to remove all jewelry.
The main advice for caring for gold items at home is simple: the attitude to your favorite jewelry should be careful, and care should be constant. Then they will delight not only you, but also your children and grandchildren.
