How to Clean Platinum

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Platinum is not only beautiful, but an incredibly durable metal, making it a popular choice for industrial use in the medical industry and jewelry you want to last a lifetime. It will periodically need to be cleaned during that lifetime. Learn how to properly care for your platinum to help make it last and keep it looking new.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Cleanser on Platinum

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  1. There are several products available which are made for cleaning fine metals and jewelry. These contain polymers which buff out small blemishes in your platinum while being gentle enough not to damage the metal. Consult your local jeweler about which cleansers he would recommend. [1]
    • You can also use warm water and mild soap if the platinum is not terribly tarnished. Use a cleanser for a deeper clean.
  2. A good choice is an old soft-bristled tooth brush. Dip the brush in your cleanser and gently scrub any tarnish from your platinum. [2]
    • Apply cleanser in the direction of the grain of the metal.
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  3. Run some lukewarm water and rinse the platinum until all of the cleanser has been removed. If you notice some spots which still need cleaning, run the brush over these areas and rinse again. [3]
    • It is a good idea to stop the drain in the sink while you are rinsing your platinum so you don’t lose anything if it slips out of your hand.
  4. Avoid cotton cloths and towels, which could leave residue on your jewelry. For a really clean, dry finish, wipe the platinum clean with a microfiber cloth or a chamois to give it a nice shine. [4]
  5. While it is safe to clean your platinum with a commercial cleaner, any diamonds or precious stones set in the platinum could be more susceptible to damage. [5]
    • Check with your jeweler before you use cleanser on a piece of platinum that is mixed with other metals and precious stones.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making Your Own No Scrubbing Solution

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  1. A cookie sheet should work as long as it is deep enough to fit your platinum and have it completely covered in the solution. Make sure the foil has the shiny side facing up. Wrap the foil all the way around the edges of the pan to secure it. Spread your platinum pieces on the foil.
  2. Combine one cup of boiling water with one tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon of baking soda. Stir the ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed.
  3. Carefully pour the baking soda, salt and water solution into the pan. If your platinum moves when you pour over it, you can use a spoon to reposition the jewelry so it is flat.
  4. Pour half a cup of white vinegar to into the pan. The vinegar will activate the base solution and cause the it to begin bubbling. Leave the platinum in the bubbling solution for five to ten minutes.
  5. Remove your jewelry from the pan. Run some lukewarm water and rinse each item until the solution and tarnish has been completely removed. Dry each piece with a lint-free towel for a nice shine.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Keeping Your Platinum Looking Clean and New

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  1. Certain tasks and chemicals can take a toll on your jewelry. It is best to remove it before you do something which could scratch your jewelry or expose it to harsh chemicals.
    • Avoid wearing jewelry while cleaning the house with chemicals, or swimming in a chlorinated pool.
    • Take off rings when you will be using your hands in manual labor like gardening or going to the gym.
    • Put your makeup on first, then your jewelry. There could be chemicals in your makeup, lotions and hairspray which can build up on your jewelry. It is best to put jewelry on last.
  2. You can use a fabric pouch or a jewelry box with dividers and compartments to separate your jewelry. The main concern here is multiple pieces scratching each other when they are jumbled together in one box. Separate each item into its own space. [6]
    • You can also try wrapping the item in tissue paper if it is in a box with other pieces.
  3. This will keep any tarnish from having time to build up on your piece. You can do this yourself at home. Also consider taking it to a jeweler for a professional cleaning once a year. [7]
    • When you visit the jeweler have him check for any other issues like loose prongs or scratches.
  4. Platinum is an incredible durable metal, but it is still possible that you may end up with a visible scratch. Your jeweler can repolish the area leaving it looking as good as new. [8]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I clean my platinum ring at home?
    Edward Lewand
    Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser
    Edward Lewand is a Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser with over 36 years of experience in the jewelry industry. He completed his residency in graduate gemology at the G.I.A. in 1979, New York and now specializes in Fine, Antique and Estate Jewelry, consultations and expert witness work. He is a Certified Appraiser of the Appraiser Association of America (AAA) and an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) of the American Society of Appraisers In Gems and Jewelry.
    Edward Lewand
    Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser
    Expert Answer
    Mix a mild dish soap with warm water and then just scrub the ring with a clean toothbrush. That should remove most dirt and grime.
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  • Question
    How do I make my platinum ring shiny?
    Edward Lewand
    Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser
    Edward Lewand is a Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser with over 36 years of experience in the jewelry industry. He completed his residency in graduate gemology at the G.I.A. in 1979, New York and now specializes in Fine, Antique and Estate Jewelry, consultations and expert witness work. He is a Certified Appraiser of the Appraiser Association of America (AAA) and an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) of the American Society of Appraisers In Gems and Jewelry.
    Edward Lewand
    Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser
    Expert Answer
    Your best bet is to take the ring to a professional jeweler and have them polish it for you. It's actually fairly difficult to get platinum to shine like new at home.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How can you tell the difference between platinum and silver?
    Edward Lewand
    Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser
    Edward Lewand is a Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser with over 36 years of experience in the jewelry industry. He completed his residency in graduate gemology at the G.I.A. in 1979, New York and now specializes in Fine, Antique and Estate Jewelry, consultations and expert witness work. He is a Certified Appraiser of the Appraiser Association of America (AAA) and an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) of the American Society of Appraisers In Gems and Jewelry.
    Edward Lewand
    Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser
    Expert Answer
    Platinum is a much denser material than silver, so it'll have a lot more heft to it. Also, platinum isn't actually white; it's more of a soft gray color. On top of that, platinum won't tarnish but silver will. If you still aren't sure, go to a professional jeweler. They'll be able to tell you if it's platinum or silver.
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      • Special cleaning techniques or equipment may need to be used by a professional jeweler to clean your platinum, especially if it is set with gemstones.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Commercial platinum cleaner
      • Soft-bristled brush
      • Lint-free cloth
      • Water
      • Salt
      • Baking Soda
      • White Vinegar
      • Pan
      • Aluminum foil

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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.subzero-wolf.com/assistance/answers/clean-stainless-steel-and-platinum
      2. ↑ Edward Lewand. Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser. Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.
      3. ↑ Edward Lewand. Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser. Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.
      4. ↑ Edward Lewand. Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser. Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.
      5. ↑ http://www.jewelrynotes.com/clean-care-platinum-jewelry/
      6. ↑ https://platinumonly.com/pages/caring-for-platinum/
      7. ↑ http://www.4facets.com/jacare_cleaning.html
      8. ↑ Edward Lewand. Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser. Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean platinum, start by lining a pan with tin foil and placing your platinum inside of it. Then, mix together 1 cup of boiling water, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar, and pour the mixture over your platinum in the pan. Next, pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into the pan, and let your platinum sit for 5-10 minutes while the solution bubbles and cleans it. Finally, take your platinum out of the mixture and rinse it off with water. To learn how to clean platinum with a commercial cleaner, read on!

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      • Ather Husain

        Oct 8, 2016

        "It was helpful, especially avoiding scratches, wiping with lint free cloth, packing cleaned jewellery and ..." more
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