The suitability of soap for gold depends on the type of soap and how it is used. It's not a simple yes or no answer.
Understanding Soap and Gold Jewelry
While gold itself is resistant to corrosion, gold jewelry is often alloyed with other metals that can tarnish*. Furthermore, residues from cleaning products can accumulate on the surface, dulling its shine.
According to the provided information:
- Avoid soaps with unknown ingredients: It's crucial to steer clear of any soap with unknown ingredients when it comes to cleaning or exposing gold jewelry. Different chemicals can react poorly with the alloys in gold jewelry.
- Specific soaps may be acceptable: Some basic soaps, such as basic blue Dawn dish soap, are generally considered fine for cleaning gold jewelry occasionally.
- Body washes can cause issues: Regularly exposing gold jewelry to body washes, particularly by wearing it in the shower, can lead to the accumulation of a film on the surface. This film can make the jewelry look dull and dirty.
Practical Advice for Gold Jewelry Care
Based on these points, here are some practical tips:
- Remove jewelry before showering: To prevent the build-up of residue from body washes and other shower products, always remove your gold jewelry before showering.
- Choose cleaning agents carefully: If cleaning your gold jewelry at home, opt for cleaning solutions specifically designed for gold or, as suggested in the reference, a known gentle soap like basic blue Dawn dish soap.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Stay away from soaps containing harsh chemicals, abrasives, or unknown additives.
In summary, while some basic soaps might be acceptable for occasional cleaning, many common soaps, especially body washes and those with unknown ingredients, are not good for gold jewelry as they can cause residue build-up or potentially react with the metal alloys.
