You can use Windex on white gold if it contains diamonds or other hard, durable stones, but it's generally better and safer to use warm water and mild dish soap, as ammonia in Windex can potentially harm softer gems like pearls or emeralds and might affect white gold's plating over time, especially with prolonged soaking. A gentle soap and water soak with a soft brush is the recommended, safest home method for white gold jewelry.
While it's great for windows, the ammonia and other chemicals in Windex can be too harsh for many precious metals and gemstones. Over time, ammonia can actually cause white gold to yellow and may damage the rhodium plating that gives it its bright white appearance.
Water, vinegar, and salt are the best cleaners for white gold. White gold can be cleaned with this mixture, removing all dirt and grime.
You may have heard that it is okay to use Windex if you're trying to clean your jewelry at home, but it's a no-no. The ammonia in Windex can damage precious metals over time. Vinegar is too acidic and can damage jewelry, too.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
While Windex is generally safe for diamonds and sturdy metals like gold or platinum, avoid using bleach, chlorine, or abrasive cleaners that can damage your ring.
Clean your white gold with a soft brush and baking soda.
Form a paste by mixing baking soda and a little water together. Apply a little paste, and gently scrub the white gold using a soft brush. You can buy special jewelry cleaning brushes, but a soft toothbrush will suffice. Be careful not to scrub too hard.
Here's how to bring back the shine: Professional Rhodium Re-Plating: This is the go-to solution for refreshing white gold. A jeweller will thoroughly clean your jewellery, removing any dirt or oils. Then, they'll apply a fresh coat of rhodium, often using an electric current to ensure even plating.
Ultrasonic Cleaners: Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Dirt
These machines use high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles in a liquid cleaning solution. As these bubbles collapse, they generate gentle yet powerful vibrations that dislodge dirt, grime, and oils from even the tiniest crevices of your jewelry.
Never use chlorinated bleach to clean your gold, and you should also be careful if you use chlorinated bleach to wash clothing. You'll also want to avoid exposure to chlorine in swimming pools and hot tubs, as even this can damage gold. Don't use toothpaste, either.
A common myth is that toothpaste is a good way to clean your jewelry. This is not true. Toothpaste can damage jewelry. Metals and gemstones used in jewelry have a certain hardness rating that represents their ability to withstand scratches.
Keep your jewelry away from chemicals
This includes everyday products such as hairspray, lotion, perfume, makeup, etc. Remove your jewelry before using cleaning products and jumping into the pool. Chlorine, bleach, ammonia, and other household chemicals are too harsh and can damage your jewelry.
White gold gets its color from a layer of rhodium. The rubbing alcohol will erode the rhodium, which will require you to have your ring “dipped” more often.
You can polish your white gold jewellery with a microfibre jewellery cleaning cloth to give your piece a wipe to bring out that wonderful shine every now and again.
4 Things You Should Never Use To Clean Jewelry
Take a half a cup of white vinegar and mix it with two tablespoons of baking soda in a shallow bowl. After mixing the solution so that the baking soda is dissolved well, you can place your jewelry in the bowl and leave it there for 2 to 3 hours. When your jewels are nice and clean, rinse them and dry with a cloth.
If you'd like to disinfect your jewelry, you can use regular household isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as long as the jewelry is solid gold or platinum and is only set with diamond, ruby, or sapphire. Take care with any other kind of stones and use a gentler form of cleaning.
Using vinegar on white gold is not recommended, as it can damage the rhodium plating.
Only rhodium replating can make white gold white again. With daily wear, rhodium plating lasts one to three years. Rings fade faster than earrings or necklaces because they tend to have more contact with other surfaces. If your white gold band is turning yellow, it's time to replate.
To determine if your jewelry is rhodium plated, check for a bright, mirror-like finish, especially on white gold or silver pieces. Jewelry that maintains a brilliant, high-polish appearance without signs of tarnish is often rhodium plated.
Cleaning Techniques for White Gold Rings
Harsh chemicals and abrasive materials should be avoided, as they can damage both the white gold itself and any gemstones adorning the ring. Instead, opt for gentle cleaning solutions such as warm soapy water and a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Products to Avoid When Cleaning Jewelry
For instance, you've probably been advised to use denture tablets to clean your rings, but actually, these contain chemicals that will weaken the setting over time. If you have any doubts about your chosen cleaning method, you can always consult a professional jeweler.