Alcohol-based sanitizers have no effect on metal rings. Non-alcohol-based cleaners typically use chlorine-based compounds as germicides. The chlorine could cause tarnishing of jewelry, especially if the piece is made of silver, low-carat gold, or nickel-based gold.
Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers
Yellow gold is the least susceptible to damage from hand sanitizer because there's no film or layer that can become tarnished or worn down. Platinum is another fairly safe metal.
If you have any jewelry that's made from a real precious metal such as silver or gold, you can clean it safely with alcohol. As long as your jewelry is made from these metals, the jewelry won't be damaged, whatever its karat or quality.
Pure gold, which is 24 karats, is not affected by rubbing alcohol as it is a stable metal and does not react with most chemicals.
Yes! To clean your jewelry using isopropyl rubbing alcohol, fill a small bowl with it—just enough to fully cover the piece you wish you clean. Leave the jewelry to soak in the bowl for a few minutes. Alcohol dries completely clear on metal surfaces so there is no need to rinse it off with water.
From rubbing alcohol to vodka, keep it away from your jewelry. Alcohol can dry out the natural oils in gemstones like opals and emeralds, which again, can cause them to crack.
Gold does tarnish and scratch over time. To preserve the luster of your gold jewelry, avoid exposure to household bleach and other cleaning products, which will quickly cause gold to discolor and possibly disintegrate.
Gold itself does not corrode, but its primary alloys of silver or copper will do so (forming very dark chemical compounds) under moist or wet conditions. When someone perspires, fats and fatty acids released can cause corrosion of 14 karat gold, especially when exposed to warmth and air.
Gold is very resistant to tarnish, rust and corrosion but should still not be exposed to chlorine or abrasive cleaning products. If exposed regularly to these chemicals gold will lose its natural, shiny yellow color.
Alcohol-based sanitizers have no effect on metal rings. Non-alcohol-based cleaners typically use chlorine-based compounds as germicides. The chlorine could cause tarnishing of jewelry, especially if the piece is made of silver, low-carat gold, or nickel-based gold.
Alcohol-based sanitiser doesn't cause immediate damage, but the buildup of residue could cause metals to tarnish and wear over time. Yellow gold is the least susceptible to damage from hand sanitiser, because there's no layer or film that can become tarnished or worn.
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.
As we've mentioned before, real gold is water- and tarnish-resistant. Thanks to its chemical structure, contact with liquids will not result in a change or loss of color. Showering with a gold chain or showering with a gold necklace, therefore, is perfectly fine.
Vodka/Gin
Cleaning your rings in vodka or gin works really well. If you don't have vodka or gin then any white spirit will work but the higher the alcohol content the better. To do this method pour out a small glass full of alcohol and pop the ring into it.
Chlorine is gold's worst enemy: with repeated exposure, chlorine will weaken your gold jewelry's structure and eventually lead to it breaking. Make sure to take your jewelry off before getting in a pool or spa. Cover or remove while cleaning: household cleaners with acids or abrasives will damage your jewelry's finish.
Yes, it can. Even while 18k gold is of greater quality than 14k or 10k gold, it can oxidize and become discolored with time. Take precautions to shield your gold jewelry from the elements and clean your pieces frequently to keep them looking their best for as long as possible.
HOW DOES GOLD TARNISH? Remember, only pure gold is tarnish-free. Alloyed gold tarnishes when it comes into contact with oxygen and other chemicals. The reaction between the sulfur in the air and alloyed gold creates a thin, dark film on the surface of metal.
Drop a small amount of liquid nitric acid on that scratch and wait for a chemical reaction. Fake gold will immediately turn green where the acid is. Gold-over-sterling silver will become milky in appearance. Gold will not react to the nitric acid.
Gold is very tough, and will only break along a solder line, a place where the width is very thin, or a defective area of pitting (tiny air bubbles from a poor quality fabrication). Sadly, the very quality which makes gold submit to our design processes, also makes it subject to wearing down over the years.
In it's pure form, gold does not rust or tarnish as it does not combine with oxygen easily. This is why pure gold stays as shiny as it does.
Rubbing alcohol is a safe and effective cleaning agent for fake jewelry. It will help extend the luster of your shiny metals and gemstones. You can easily remove smudges, spotting, and tarnished surface from your artificial pieces with rubbing alcohol.
Pass the gin!
Cleaning your jewellery in gin or vodka works really well. If you don't have any to hand, then any white spirit with a high alcohol content will also work. Just pour a small glass of alcohol and submerge your jewellery. Leave for 20 minutes, swirling the liquid every 5-10 minutes.