Although Windex shouldn't harm any hard gemstone, we seriously recommend using this method only for diamonds, and only for platinum, gold, and silver. Windex is an ammonia solution, and harmful to soft gemstones (for example, emeralds and pearls), so using it for anything else is just too big a risk of damage.
Windex is safe to use on silver, gold, and platinum bands but is not safe for copper. Combine the Windex and hydrogen peroxide in a 50/50 mixture and soak the ring for about 10 minutes. Then, brush with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and dry.
You can clean a ring with Windex if it just has diamonds set in a gold, silver, or platinum setting. But if you have an antique diamond ring or a ring with colorful stones, porous stones, or treated jewels, it's better to forego this procedure.
Clean Jewelry with Glass Cleaner
Spray the cleaner directly on the piece and either gently scrub or wipe it away. Be sure to rinse with water when you're done. This method should only be used on gold, platinum, silver, and diamonds because the chemicals used in most glass cleaners can harm other stones and metals.
If you're looking for a way to get the sparkle and disinfect your diamond engagement ring from bacteria, the Windex and Hydrogen Peroxide method is for you. The Windex (or other ammonia-based cleaners) will remove typically dirt build-up to enhance sparkle and the hydrogen peroxide will kill any bacteria on the ring.
Spray Windex on the ring inside the bowl generously and allow it to sit for about one minute. Using a toothbrush, scrub the ring thoroughly, focusing on the surface and around where it is attached to the metal.
Ammonia is an effective method for cleaning silver, gold, platinum, brass, and diamond jewelry. However, proceed with caution when using this ingredient. Though ammonia will make your diamonds shine, it's potent and can be hazardous if mishandled. It can damage your jewelry if not used correctly.
Never use toothpaste, baking soda, or a commercial metal cleaner on gold. If you use these abrasives, you may scratch the gold. Never use bleach. Bleach reacts with gold and will eat away at gold alloys.
Mix 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup warm water. Add 1/2 teaspoon of ammonia based household cleaner (like a glass cleaner such as Windex) Soak your jewelry in the solution for about 5 minutes & then gently scrub with a soft-toothbrush. Air dry or carefully towel-dry with paper towel or regular cloth.
Every week or so, they can be soaked overnight in an ammonia based household cleaner like Windex or a commercial jewelry cleaner. Do not use chlorine bleaches or abrasive cleaners or toothpaste as they may corrode or loosen the metal setting.
Because of gold jewelry's high chance of tarnish*, there are a couple specific substances to avoid: Soap – Steer clear of any soap with unknown ingredients. Basic blue Dawn dish soap is fine, but remove your gold jewelry before showering to avoid accumulating a film from other body washes.
Vinegar. Cleaning your gold and gemstone jewelry couldn't be easier with white vinegar. Simply drop the jewelry into a jar of vinegar and let sit for 10 to15 minutes, agitating occasionally. Remove and scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, if necessary.
Easy gold care at home. The easiest way to care for your gold jewellery at home is to make a mixture of 10 parts water and 2 parts dish soap. Soak your pieces for at least two hours, then polish with a soft cloth.
Soak in a solution of Dawn dish soap and warm, not hot, water for 15 minutes. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush any dirt or grime that may have accumulated on the gold. Rinse in a bowl of clean, warm water. If rinsing under the faucet, make sure the drain is closed.
Many chemicals found in cleaners can damage your gold and silver jewelry, as well as the gemstones they contain. The chemicals that cause the most damage include bleaches, deep cleaners, detergents and solvents. Also chlorine, which is found in mold and mildew cleaners, and bromine can harm your jewelry.
WD-40 works beautifully on all metals. This is a one-step process. Simply spray the WD-40 directly on the gold and let it set for a few minutes. Rinse it off under clean water and your gold will shine brightly.
This is a handy and maybe unexpected tip, but Coke does indeed clean gold. You can dip your gold in a small bowl of Coke and make sure that it is completely covered. Leave the gold plated jewelry in the solution for 10 minutes and then rub with a soft cloth and rinse.
Chlorine can damage and discolor metals (like gold and platinum) and can slowly erode the finish and polish of gemstones. Before playing in the sand (or gardening.) Dirt and small rocks are abrasive. If not cleaned right away, your jewelry can be permanently damaged.
For example, exposure to strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid, can dissolve gold and cause it to be destroyed. Similarly, exposure to strong bases, such as sodium hydroxide, can cause gold to corrode and become damaged. In addition to chemical reactions, gold can be damaged by physical forces.
A: Most Windex® Glass and Multi-Surface Cleaners are formulated with detergents, solvents, fragrance and in some cases ammonia (see below for ammonia-free products). For more information about what goes inside SC Johnson products, visit whatsinsidescjohnson.com.