We all buy expensive gold jewellery with a lot of excitement hoping we’d wear it for years but then comes a time when the jewellery starts to lose its lustre. To keep them in their best condition, you must give them proper care and gently clean them from time to time.
If we specifically consider gold, it is a precious and most popular metal used by Indian people for jewellery.
Indian women adorn jewellery made of gold in all the special events they attend in their lifetime, it is that close to their hearts. Moreover, it is a status symbol to showcase the wealth and carries a cultural heritage.
Having said that, when anyone wears jewellery regularly, it is normal that the shine will fade. However, you can combat that by cleaning gold jewellery every now and then. Gentle and frequent cleaning can keep jewellery free of dust, debris, oil, fingerprints and damage. Thus, being the best gold jewellers in Haridwar, we recommend weekly cleaning and inspection of your jewellery collection. It will help you extend the life of your favourite jewellery pieces and keep them shiny.
When you step into the best gold jewellery store in Haridwar, make sure to buy premium quality pure gold ornaments.
Gold has always been a symbol of wealth, beauty, and tradition. Whether it’s jewelry passed down through generations or a recent purchase, gold holds sentimental and financial value. However, over time, gold can lose its luster, becoming dull and lifeless. The good news is, with the right care, you can keep your gold shining forever. In this blog, I’ll share my personal experiences, practical tips, and easy cleaning methods to help you maintain your gold’s sparkle effortlessly.
Why Does Gold Lose Its Shine?
Before we dive into solutions, let’s understand why gold loses its shine. Based on my experience, the following are the most common reasons:
- Everyday Exposure to Dirt and Oils – When you wear gold daily, sweat, dirt, and skin oils accumulate on the surface, making it look dull.
- Contact with Chemical Products – Perfumes, lotions, shampoos, and cleaning agents can create a thin, sticky layer over gold.
- Environmental Factors – Exposure to moisture, air pollutants, and humidity can cause gold to lose its brightness over time.
- Scratches from Rough Surfaces – Gold is a soft metal, and rubbing against hard surfaces can create small scratches that reduce its shine.
- Improper Storage – Keeping gold with other metals or gemstones can cause it to develop tiny scratches, affecting its brilliance.
Understanding these factors helps us take preventive steps to maintain our gold’s natural glow.
Daily Habits to Keep Gold Shining
Over the years, I’ve learned that simple habits can prevent gold from becoming dull. Here are some tips that work wonders:
1. Store Gold Properly
Always store gold in a soft, fabric-lined jewelry box or a pouch.
- Keep each piece separate to prevent scratching.
- Use anti-tarnish strips in your jewelry box to absorb moisture.
2. Avoid Contact with Chemicals
- Remove gold jewelry before applying lotion, perfume, or makeup.
- Avoid wearing gold while cleaning or washing dishes, as cleaning products contain harsh chemicals.
- If gold accidentally comes in contact with chemicals, rinse it with clean water immediately.
3. Take Off Jewelry Before Physical Activities
- Remove gold jewelry before exercising, swimming, or doing household chores.
- Sweat, chlorine, and even cooking oils can contribute to gold losing its shine.
4. Wipe with a Soft Cloth After Use
- Every night, before storing your gold, wipe it gently with a microfiber or cotton cloth to remove dirt and moisture.
My Personal Experience: The Importance of Regular Cleaning
I once wore a gold ring every day for months without cleaning it. Over time, it became dull, and I thought it had lost its shine permanently. However, a simple soap and water cleaning restored its original glow. Since then, I clean my gold regularly and have never faced the same issue again.
Cleaning gold doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some easy and effective home remedies I swear by:
Best Home Remedies to Clean Gold
1. Soap and Warm Water – The Simplest Method
Best For: Regular maintenance
What You Need:
- A bowl of warm water
- Mild dish soap
- A soft-bristled toothbrush
- A soft cloth
Steps:
- Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water.
- Soak your gold jewelry in the solution for 15 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a toothbrush to remove dirt.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
My Advice: This method is gentle and perfect for regular cleaning. I use it once every two weeks to keep my gold looking fresh.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar – Deep Cleaning Solution
Best For: Removing built-up dirt and grime
What You Need:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Warm water
- A soft brush
Steps:
- Make a paste using baking soda and a few drops of water.
- Apply the paste to your gold jewelry using a soft brush.
- Pour a little vinegar over the jewelry and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
My Advice: Be gentle when scrubbing. This method is powerful, so I use it only when my gold needs a deep cleanse.
3. Toothpaste – A Quick Shine Fix
Best For: Bringing back the lost glow
What You Need:
- Non-gel, white toothpaste
- A soft toothbrush
- A damp cloth
Steps:
- Apply a tiny amount of toothpaste to the jewelry.
- Use a soft toothbrush to scrub lightly.
- Rinse with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
My Advice: This method is great for a quick polish but should not be overused as toothpaste can be slightly abrasive.
4. Lemon and Salt – Natural Shine Booster
Best For: Removing stains and enhancing brightness
What You Need:
- Lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
- Warm water
- A soft cloth
Steps:
- Mix lemon juice with a pinch of salt in warm water.
- Dip your gold jewelry into the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Rinse and wipe with a soft cloth.
My Advice: I use this method on my gold chains and bangles before festive occasions to make them shine.
5. Ammonia Solution – For a Professional-Like Clean
Best For: Heavy cleaning (Use rarely)
What You Need:
- 1 part ammonia
- 6 parts warm water
- A small bowl
- A soft cloth
Steps:
- Mix ammonia with warm water in a bowl.
- Dip your gold jewelry in the solution for no more than 10 seconds.
- Rinse with clean water and dry immediately.
My Advice: I rarely use ammonia because it’s strong. Only use it if other methods don’t work, and never on jewelry with gemstones.
Long-Term Gold Care Tips
- Clean Regularly: Don’t wait for gold to become dull before cleaning it.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Be mindful of exposure to perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners.
- Professional Polishing: Once a year, take your gold jewelry to a jeweler for professional polishing.
- Proper Storage: Store gold properly to prevent scratches and tarnishing.
Final Thoughts
Gold is a timeless treasure, and with proper care, its shine can last forever. From my personal experience, regular maintenance, safe storage, and occasional deep cleaning are the key factors in preserving gold’s beauty. Whether it’s a sentimental gold ring, an elegant necklace, or a treasured family heirloom, these simple yet effective tips will ensure that your gold remains as dazzling as the day you got it.
Try these methods and see the difference for yourself. Your gold deserves to shine forever!