When cleaning gold jewelry, the choice of cleaning agent is of vital importance. The following are detailed suggestions for the selection of cleaning agents:
Appropriate cleaning agent
Mild soapy water
Advantages: Gentle and safe, suitable for daily cleaning. Soapy water will not damage the surface of gold and can effectively remove dirt and grease from the surface of jewelry.
Usage method: Dissolve a small amount of mild soap in warm water, soak the gold jewelry for a few minutes, then gently scrub it with a soft-bristled brush, and finally rinse it thoroughly with clean water and dry it.
Professional jewelry cleaner
Advantages: Specifically designed for jewelry, it has a remarkable cleaning effect and is relatively gentle on gold jewelry. Some professional jewelry cleaners can also restore the luster of jewelry.
Usage method: Operate in accordance with the product instructions. Usually, jewelry needs to be soaked in a cleaning agent for a period of time, then gently brushed with a soft-bristled brush, and finally rinsed thoroughly with clean water and dried.
Alcohol
Advantages: It has a certain decontamination ability and evaporates quickly, leaving no residue on the surface of gold.
Usage method: Use moderately concentrated alcohol, dip a soft cloth in it and gently wipe the gold jewelry. However, it should be noted that excessive alcohol concentration may have an impact on some set gemstones, so caution should be exercised when using it.
Unsuitable cleaning agent
Strong acid and strong alkali cleaners
Disadvantages: It has strong corrosiveness and can seriously damage the texture and appearance of gold jewelry, causing the color to darken and even scratches.
Example: hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, etc.
Cleaning agents containing abrasive components
Disadvantage: The grinding components may wear down the surface of gold jewelry, reducing its weight and affecting its value.
Some toothpastes, scrubs, etc.
Cleaning precautions
When cleaning gold jewelry, use a soft brush or cloth to avoid scratching the surface of the gold.
Thorough rinse: After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the jewelry with clean water to remove any remaining detergent.
Pay attention to gemstone inlays: For gold jewelry inlaid with gemstones, special attention should be paid to the characteristics of the gemstones and a cleaning method that will not cause damage to the gemstones should be chosen.
Avoid frequent cleaning: Although regular cleaning can maintain the luster of gold jewelry, overly frequent cleaning may cause unnecessary damage to it. It is generally recommended to clean 1 to 2 times a month.
Other suggestions
Regular maintenance at professional jewelry stores: In addition to daily cleaning, it is also advisable to regularly send gold jewelry to professional jewelry stores for maintenance and upkeep to extend its service life and maintain its beauty and value.
In summary, when cleaning gold jewelry, one should choose mild and professional cleaning agents and follow the correct cleaning methods and precautions. This can ensure that the jewelry always maintains a bright luster and extend its service life.