Gold necklaces styled with any outfit add elegance and class to it. They can be worn anywhere, anytime, for any occasion. However, using these gold necklaces for a longer period can lead to dirt build-up and discoloration, resulting in the loss of shine over time.
- It becomes difficult to restore gold necklace shine. This is why a clean gold necklace is a must. You will find numerous gold jewelry cleaning tips on online platforms these days but not all tips are very impactful.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through simple steps on how to clean gold jewelry at home, along with some important tips for long-term care.
Why does the gold necklace tarnish?
Before going through some quick ways to clean gold jewelry let's dive into the reason, Why does our gold necklace tarnish? Pure gold (24k) is a very soft metal so it is often alloyed with other metals like copper, silver, or nickel to enhance its durability. These metals react with air, moisture, and body oils, leading to the thickening of tarnish and oil on your necklace.
Materials needed to begin the cleaning process:
- Mild dish soap
- Lukewarm water
- Toothbrush with soft bristles
- A microfiber cloth or soft towel
- A bowl for soaking
- Baking soda
- Ammonia
- Toothpaste
Here are some best way to clean gold chains:
Prepare a cleaning solution using mild dishwashing soap and warm water and wash your gold necklace gently. Avoid using any harsh detergents or soaps as they have strong chemicals that may damage your necklace. It will help remove oil, dirt, and dust.
Soak the necklace for 15-20 minutes once the solution is prepared. This soaking process helps loosen any dirt, oils, or residue that may be stuck on the necklace.
After soaking, use a soft toothbrush to scrub it gently in a circular motion to remove any buildup of dirt or grime. The bristles of the toothbrush should be soft enough otherwise it may scratch the surface of the gold.
Rinse the necklace thoroughly under lukewarm water. If you have a fine gold chain, be cautious during the rinsing process to prevent it from getting tangled or broken.
The drying and buffing process is done after rinsing the necklace, you can gently pat on it with a microfibre towel to make it dry. Once the necklace is dry, you can use a microfiber cloth to buff it gently, polishing the gold and restoring its shine.
Use baking soda for stubborn tarnish or spots that don’t come off with the basic cleaning method, you can try a paste made from baking soda and water. This method helps in removing the tarnish that has accumulated over time.
Cleaning gold with ammonia can bring extra shine but we have to be very cautious while using the same as it can damage certain types of gold jewelry. Especially ones with small delicate stones.
Long-Term Care Tips for Your Gold Necklace
The best ways to clean your gold chains were mentioned above but will it be helpful for a longer period? Let’s dive into some tips to maintain gold jewelry which will help you to keep it alive for a longer period:
- Remove Your Necklace When Swimming or Showering: Chlorine present in pools or salt water can damage your gold necklace. So avoid wearing them while going swimming or beaches.
- Store Your Necklace Properly: Keeping your gold necklaces in jewelry boxes or soft cloth pouches can be helpful when you are not wearing them. It maintains the shine of jewelry by not reacting with moisture or dry air.
- Clean Regularly: If you wear your necklace frequently, make it a habit to clean it regularly. It will keep your necklace shiny for a longer period.
- Avoid Contact with Harsh Chemicals: Before using cleaning products, lotions, perfumes, or hairspray always try to remove your gold jewelry. Chemicals present in these products may damage your gold.
Gold cleaning Do’s and Don’ts.
Following are the Do’s and Don’ts for Gold necklace cleaning:
Do's:
- Use a soft cloth to gently clean the dirt and oil on your gold necklace.
- Use warm water and mild soap to soak and rub gently on your gold necklace for a few minutes, then clean with a soft brush.
- Rinse thoroughly your jewelry in lukewarm water to remove any soap or dirt.
- Dry with a soft cloth to avoid water marks. Try to pat the necklace and dry it rather than rubbing and drying it.
- Store your gold jewelry properly in a separate box to avoid scratching or tarnishing.
- Use a gold-specific cleaner designed for gold jewelry, but make sure it's gentle.
- Clean your gold jewelry frequently to maintain its shine and prevent oils and dirt.
Don'ts:
- Don’t use bleach, chlorine, or any harsh or strong chemical cleaners, as they are hard and can damage the gold.
- Don’t use abrasive pads, scrubbers, or paper towels as they have a rough base and can scratch the surface.
- Don’t clean near a sink, as your jewelry might slip and fall down the drain.
- Exposing your gold jewelry to extreme temperatures or hot water can cause damage. Avoid wearing them in sunlight.
- Don’t wear in chlorine or saltwater, Remove gold jewelry before swimming in pools or oceans, as chlorine and saltwater can damage the metal.
Final thoughts
Gold jewelry is a beautiful and valuable asset, but it requires regular care to maintain its shine and beauty. Cleaning your gold necklace doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. A few simple ingredients and a little time can keep your gold bright and shiny.
To clean your gold chains follow all the methods mentioned above. However, it is to be noted that household methods cannot replicate the work done by professionals. Remember to keep your jewelry clean regularly, scratched, and shiny by following these small steps.
Cevherun is the perfect place if you are looking for your next gold necklace. Our graceful collection offers a range of beautifully crafted pieces that are intricately designed and perfectly go for all occasions.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: How often should I clean my gold necklace?
A: Clean your gold necklace every 2-3 months, or more often if you wear it daily.
Q: Can I use toothpaste to clean gold?
A: No, toothpaste is too abrasive and can scratch your gold necklace.
Q: What is the safest way to clean gold jewelry at home?
A: Use mild soap, warm water, and a soft toothbrush for safe and effective cleaning. It is the safest way to clean gold jewelry at home.
Q: Is it safe to use ammonia on gold necklaces?
A: Ammonia can be used in small amounts, but avoid overuse to prevent damage. It is safe to use on gold necklaces.
Q: How can I keep my gold necklace shiny longer?
A: Avoid contact with chemicals, store it properly, and clean it regularly with safe methods.