The gold jewelry They can lose their shine over time. Dirt, body oils, soaps, and cosmetics can cause them to tarnish or simply appear worn.

The degree of tarnishing of gold jewelry depends on the amount of gold they contain: the lower the purity of the alloy, the faster they discolor.

In jewelry alloys with silver or copper, These metals react with hydrogen sulfide in the air and form sulfides, which causes it to darken.

How often should gold jewelry be cleaned?

The frequency of cleaning gold jewelry depends on its use and exposure to agents that cause deposits or accumulations of dirt.

If you use them daily, it is advisable to clean them every one or two months. Jewelry that is worn less frequently can be cleaned annually or as needed.

How to clean gold with home remedies

There are special cleaning cloths for gold, ideal for polishing large objects such as cutlery or some jewelry, although they are not as useful for delicate necklaces or bracelets.

the aluminum foil and salt trick

This method is suitable for intensive cleaning, but is not suitable if the jewelery has stones or other non-metallic elements:

1. Place aluminum foil in a pot and fill it with hot water.
2. Add a pinch of salt and soak the gold jewelry for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth or a special gold cleaning cloth.

You will wonder how such a simple trick can be so effective. The explanation is that the chemical reaction between aluminum, salt and hot water Helps break down dirt and oxides on gold.

Other home remedies that work

There are also several cleaning products and other home remedies that you can try to clean your jewelry. Below we explain some of the most effective methods:

With dishwasher

1. Place the jewelry in a container with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap (you can do it with a homemade detergent).
2. Let them sit in the solution for about 15 minutes.
3. Next, gently clean the gold jewelry with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding excessive scrubbing to avoid scratching it.
4. Rinse the soap thoroughly under running water and dry the jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

WITH CHEMICAL YEAST

To clean slightly dirty or discolored gold jewelry, you can use the chemical yeast:

1. Sprinkle a teaspoon of baking powder on a soft, lint-free cloth.
2. Rub the jewelry gently with the powder.
3. Rinse them with warm water and polish the gold with a clean cloth.

The effectiveness of chemical yeast as an agent for cleaning gold is due to the combined action of its three components:

1. baking soda, that softens dirt.
2. Tartaric acid (cream of tartar) or other powdered acids, such as calcium phosphate or sodium pyrophosphate. These acids react with the bicarbonate when it is moistened and heated, releasing CO2.
3. Starch, usually corn, which is added to prevent baking soda and acid from reacting with each other during storage, as well as helping to absorb moisture. When cleaning it works as a very mild abrasive agent.

With baking soda and vinegar

For intense discolorations:

1. Mix three parts baking soda with one part water until it forms a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the jewelry and place the metal in a bowl of cleaning vinegar for 5 minutes.
3. Then rinse with warm water, dry and polish.

With toothpaste and other dental products

Cleaning gold jewelry with toothpaste or with products to clean dentures is controversial in both cases. If you decide to use toothpaste, opt for one that does not contain abrasive particles and use a soft toothbrush to avoid scratches.

Dental hygiene products can be helpful for remove dirt accumulated in hard-to-reach places.

When is professional cleaning necessary?

If at-home methods fail to remove heavy dirt or discoloration, it may be advisable to perform a cleaning with sound waves (ultrasound).

However, this method It is not suitable for all jewelry. It is advisable to consult a jeweler, especially for pieces with a complex design or with great sentimental value, since emeralds, lapis lazuli, turquoises and malachites can lose their shine in an ultrasonic bath, while diamonds, sapphires and rubies can better withstand this cleaning method.