Homemade Gold Jewelry Cleaner

Nothing is quite as dazzling as sparkling gold jewelry, and when authentic gold jewelry becomes dirty and dull, cleaning is required to restore its brilliant shine. Buying jewelry cleaner isn't necessary. Homemade gold jewelry cleaner is just as effective at cleaning and restoring the shine of beautiful gold jewelry. Try the following recipe for homemade gold jewelry cleaner. You'll never have to buy ready-made gold jewelry cleaner again.

Warning Regarding Opals, Pearls, and Lower-Quality Jewelry

Delicate stones such as opals and pearls should not be cleaned with homemade jewelry cleaner or any other jewelry cleaner containing ammonia or other harsh ingredients. Mild soap and water and a soft chamois cloth are all that is necessary. Simply wash delicate pieces by hand, rinse momentarily under cool water, pat dry, and polish with a soft clean chamois.

Lower-quality pieces designed with faux gemstones should not be cleaned with the following homemade cleaners. Inexpensive gems are typically glued into settings, and adhesive can become soft when cleaned with products containing ammonia or rubbing alcohol. Consult a jeweler regarding the authenticity of gold and gemstone jewelry before cleaning.

Removing Oil or Grease From Gold

Do you work with automotive oil or other types of grease? Gold that isn't embellished with opals, pearls, and other gemstones can be dipped into 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol, rinsed with cool tap water, and polished to a brilliant shine with a soft chamois cloth. This is a very easy and inexpensive way to clean grease and other oils from ordinary gold items.

Supplies Required for Making Gold Jewelry Cleaner

To make a container of homemade gold jewelry cleaner comparable to cleaner sold in stores, you'll need ½ quart of water, ½ teaspoon of household ammonia, ½ teaspoon of mild dish liquid, a soft toothbrush or another comparable brush with flexible bristles, a ½ quart-size container with a tight-fitting lid, and a chamois cloth. Optionally you can place a small plastic handle basket in the container of homemade cleaner for easy removal after soaking.

Combine the homemade solution in a container of your choice, and keep it covered when not in use. This homemade cleaner should last indefinitely when properly stored.

Cleaning Instructions

Place gold items in the homemade solution, and allow it to soak momentarily. Brush it lightly, and pay careful attention to crevices and openings beneath gemstones where soap and debris typically collects. Rinse it in cool water, and pat it dry with a clean soft cloth. Finishing cleaning by polishing gently with a chamois cloth to restore the brilliant shine and lustrous beauty.