How to Clean Platinum

Co-authored by Edward Lewand

Last Updated: October 20, 2020 References

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

1
Purchase a cleansing solution for platinum or fine jewelry. 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]
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- You can also use warm water and mild soap if the platinum is not terribly tarnished. Use a cleanser for a deeper clean.
2
Brush the platinum with a soft bristled brush. 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]
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Expert Source

Edward Lewand
Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser
Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.}
- Apply cleanser in the direction of the grain of the metal.
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3
Rinse the platinum clean. 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]
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Expert Source

Edward Lewand
Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser
Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.}
- 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
Dry the platinum with a lint-free cloth. 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]
X
Expert Source

Edward Lewand
Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser
Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.}
5
Avoid cleaning precious stones set in platinum. 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]
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- Check with your jeweler before you use cleanser on a piece of platinum that is mixed with other metals and precious stones.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making Your Own No Scrubbing Solution

1
Line a pan with tin foil. 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.^{[6]
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2
Mix your base solution. 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
Pour the solution over your platinum. Carefully pour the 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.^{[7]
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4
Add vinegar to the pan. 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.^{[8]
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5
Rinse and dry your platinum. 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.^{[9]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Keeping Your Platinum Looking Clean and New

1
Remove your jewelry before performing tasks which could damage it. 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.^{[10]
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- 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
Store your platinum in its own fabric-lined place. 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.^{[11]
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- You can also try wrapping the item in tissue paper if it is in a box with other pieces.
3
Clean your platinum every six months. 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.^{[12]
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- When you visit the jeweler have him check for any other issues like loose prongs or scratches.
4
Have a jeweler polish out any scratches. 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.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Edward Lewand
Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser
Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.}

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

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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.
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

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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.
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

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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.