Can Toothpaste Clean White Gold?
When your gold jewelry loses its luster, it’s often due to a build-up of germs, dust and grime. Regular cleaning of your jewelry will keep it looking fresh and lustrous. The good news is, that there are a number of common household items that can be used to clean gold jewellery and restore its shine. One of the most commonly recommended items is toothpaste. However, is it safe to use? Read on to find out.
Toothpaste contains mild abrasives which can remove dirt and tarnish from white gold and other precious metals. The main abrasives in toothpaste are calcium carbonate, hydrated silica and aluminium hydroxide, which all have a low Mohs scale rating. This means they are not strong enough to damage most jewellery and will only remove surface blemishes. Toothpaste is also very effective at dissolving tarnish from silver. This can be done by rubbing a small amount of toothpaste onto the tarnished silver with a soft cloth. It can then be rinsed off and polished to a shine.
Vinegar can be used to clean gold and other precious metals, but it’s important to remember that vinegar is acidic and may corrode some types of alloys. It is also not suitable for very delicate pieces of jewellery, especially those with gemstones or pearls. If you’re worried about your delicate pieces of jewellery, try using a solution made from baking soda. It’s easy to make and will help to keep your jewellery looking pristine.
The key to success with this method is ensuring that the jewellery is completely dry before storing it. It’s also a good idea to wrap your pieces of jewellery in tissue paper, as this will prevent them from tarnishing.
Windex and hydrogen peroxide are another quick and convenient option for cleaning jewellery. However, it’s important to remember that hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent and can dull certain metals. You should also avoid this cleaner on jewellery with stones, particularly opals, as it can cause irreparable damage to the iridescent stone.
Alternatively, you can use baking soda and water to clean your jewellery. To make a paste, mix together baking soda and water until it reaches a medium to thick consistency. Then, apply the paste to your ring or other piece of jewellery and gently scrub with an old toothbrush or jeweler’s brush. Be sure to pay attention to any recessed areas of the jewellery, as they can be hard to reach with other tools. After scrubbing, rinse your jewellery in clean water and pat it dry with a soft cotton cloth. The frequency of your jewellery cleaning depends on how often you wear it. Ideally, you should clean it at least once a week. Regular cleaning will ensure that your jewellery lasts for a long time and looks its best. When in doubt, visit a reputable jeweler to have your jewellery professionally cleaned and replated. They will be able to advise you on the best at-home methods for your specific jewelry.
