Gold jewelry is a popular choice for both men and women but can be susceptible to tarnishing. This can be caused by several factors, including exposure to sulfur, chlorine, or other chemicals. In some cases, gold jewelry can also tarnish simply due to age or wear and tear. If your gold jewelry is looking dull or tarnished, there are a few things you can do to clean it up at home. In this blog post, we will discuss why gold jewelry is turning black and how to clean gold jewelry at home.
1. Why gold jewelry is turning black?
There are two main causes of gold tarnish:
Exposure to chemicals: Gold is a relatively soft metal and is easily corroded by chemicals such as sulfur, chlorine, and acids. When exposed to these chemicals, gold will oxidize and form black compounds.
Sweat: Human sweat contains salt, especially sulfur-containing salt. When sweat seeps into gold jewelry, sulfur-containing salt will react with gold to form black compounds.
In addition, gold can also turn black due to other factors such as:
Improper storage: Gold needs to be stored in a dry environment, away from dust. If not stored properly, gold will be more likely to discolor and turn black.
2. How to clean gold jewelry at home
Soap and water
This is the most basic and common method for cleaning gold jewelry. Simply mix a mild soap and water solution, and then use a soft brush to gently scrub the jewelry. Rinse the jewelry with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is a mild abrasive that can help to remove dirt and grime from gold jewelry. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft cloth and rub it gently over the jewelry. Rinse the jewelry with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural acid that can help to remove tarnishes from gold jewelry. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl, and then soak the jewelry in the solution for 15-30 minutes. Rinse the jewelry with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
Here are some notes when cleaning gold jewelry at home:
- If the jewelry is heavily tarnished, you may need to soak it in the cleaning solution for a longer period.
- After cleaning the jewelry, be sure to rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue from the cleaning solution.
- Dry the jewelry with a soft cloth to prevent it from getting scratched.
- To help prevent tarnishing, store the jewelry in a clean, dry place.
In conclusion, there are several reasons why gold jewelry can turn black. By understanding the causes of tarnish, you can take steps to prevent it from happening. If your gold jewelry does tarnish, there are a few simple and effective ways to clean it up at home.