Over time, even the most expensive products lose their shine. Dust, contact with skin, cosmetics and household chemicals create on the surface dull coating. To return your favorite accessories to their original appearance, you don’t have to take them to the workshop. There are proven and safe cleaning methods that can be easily replicated at home.
Gold loves a warm bath
The most gentle method for gold jewelry without stones is soap solution.
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Pour warm water into a small container.
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Add a couple of drops of mild dishwashing detergent or liquid soap.
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Immerse the jewelry in the solution for 15-20 minutes.
If the contamination is strong, you can add it to the water. ammonia (ammonia) at the rate of 0.5 teaspoon per glass of water. After soaking, carefully go through hard-to-reach areas with a soft toothbrush, rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
The magic of foil for silver
Silver often darkens due to oxidation, but this process is reversible through a simple chemical reaction.
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Line the bottom of the bowl aluminum foil.
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Place silver items on it.
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Add 1-2 tablespoons baking soda.
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Pour boiling water over it.
You will see a reaction begin and the blackness will transfer from the metal to the foil. After 5-10 minutes, remove the jewelry (be careful, the water is hot), rinse and polish with a flannel cloth. This method is ideal for chains and textured rings.
Features of cleaning stones
Precious and semi-precious inserts require a special approach. Diamonds, sapphires and rubies hard, so they can be cleaned in a mild soap solution using a soft brush. This will help remove the fatty film from the back of the stone, returning the play of light to it.
However organic stonessuch as pearls, coral or amber, should absolutely not be cleaned with aggressive chemicals, acids or abrasives. Their structure is porous and can be irrevocably damaged. For them, only wiping with a slightly damp soft cloth is suitable.
What can harm
When cleaning at home, it is important to avoid gross mistakes. Never use tooth powder or dry soda for mechanical friction – micro-scratches will deprive the metal of its mirror shine. You should also be careful with boiling products where the stones are fixed with glue, and not with the help of “feet,” as high temperature can dissolve the adhesive layer.
Regular and careful care allows jewelry to preserve its aesthetic value for many years.
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