Jewelry items, whether it be the costume jewelry you wear day to day to spruce up any outfit or the family heirloom passed down from generation to generation, all have one thing in common. They all need a little attention if you want to keep them clean and sparkling. Below are some weird and wonderful ways anybody with the right resources can use to clean their silver and gold jewelry. One important thing to remember is that gold is slightly more sensitive as compared to silver so caution needs to be taken during the cleaning process.
How to clean gold
An easy way to get your gold to sparkle is with antacids (anti-heartburn medication). Simply drop the gold jewelry into a fizzing glass of citric soda and bicarbonate antacid and leave it for a few minutes. Then apply some water to a soft cloth and gently wipe off the jewelry afterward. It’s that easy.
How to clean gold plated jewelry
The best way to clean gold plated jewelry is just with a soft cloth dipped in some warm, soapy water for any stubborn dirt and dust particles. Gold is not very reactive so these particles should slide right off.
How to clean tarnished silver
The most common and most ideal way to clean tarnished silver would be with the use of a silver polish. This removes the tarnish and coats the silver in a protective layer to prevent any tarnishing in the future. However, for those who do not have silver polish on hand, many other options are available to do the trick.
1. Mix some dishwashing liquid in warm water and add a few drops of ammonia. A small, soft-bristled toothbrush can then be dipped in the solution and used to gently scrub the tarnished silver.
2. Window cleaner is another odd yet reliable option to clean your jewelry.
3. Firstly wet the jewelry and then apply some toothpaste. Rub the toothpaste onto the jewelry all whilst keeping it wet. Once the toothpaste turns black, let it sit for 2 minutes and then clean off and let the jewelry dry.
4. Soak the jewelry for half an hour in 1 tablespoon of baking soda mixed with some hot water in a non-aluminum dish lined with a sheet of foil.
5. Soak the jewelry in vinegar for 10 to 15 minutes and then scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
6. Rub ketchup onto your jewelry for a few minutes then clean it off and let it dry.
7. Heat up a sufficient amount of cola and then add the silver jewelry and leave to soak for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, scrub off any residue left behind.
8. Soak the jewelry in methylated spirit for 15 seconds, then remove and wipe down with a soaked cloth.
For those of you who just couldn’t get enough, here is an extra little nugget of information. A good way to stop your silver jewelry from leaving dark marks on your skin is to coat it in clear nail polish.
An even better way to stop this from happening is to stop your silver jewelry from ever tarnishing. A good way to protect your jewelry is to keep it dry and out of contact with any moisture.
This can be done by storing it correctly or using a protective spray.
