How to Clean Gold Jewellery at Home: 5 Easy and Proven Methods

Is your gold jewellery looking dull lately? Trust us, you’re not alone, we all have been there. Solid gold jewellery is a timeless investment, but keeping it looking as radiant as the day you bought it can be a challenge.

If you’re looking for easy and effective ways to clean gold jewellery at home, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll share 5 simple and tested methods to restore your favourite jewellery’s shine and remove dirt and tarnish. These easy gold jewellery cleaning hacks will help keep your beautiful and cherished pieces, be it a gold ring, pair of gold hoop earrings, or gold chains, sparkling without the need for professional cleaning.

 

Clean Gold Jewellery at Home: Quick Tips

To clean gold jewellery at home, soak it in warm water with mild dish soap for 15-20 minutes. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub away dirt, then rinse and dry with a cloth. For stubborn tarnish, use a baking soda paste or a vinegar soak for a deeper clean. Always avoid harsh chemicals and store jewellery properly to maintain its shine.


How to Clean Gold Jewellery Without Damaging It?

1. Soak in Warm, Soapy Water

How to clean gold jewellery at home with soap and water:

This is the gentlest method for cleaning your gold jewellery, and it's perfect for pieces that are only lightly tarnished or dirty. Here's what you need to do:

  • Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap (avoid harsh chemicals).
  • Drop your gold jewellery into the bowl and let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
  • After soaking, gently scrub the jewellery with a soft toothbrush to remove any grime or dirt.
  • Rinse it under lukewarm water to remove the soap residue and dry it gently with a soft cloth.

Pro Tip: This method works great for daily wear jewellery and won't damage your gold.

 

2. Use Baking Soda for a Deeper Clean

How to clean gold jewellery at home with baking soda:

Baking soda is a natural, non-abrasive cleaner that can remove built-up grime without scratching your gold. It’s perfect for when your jewellery needs a little extra shine. Here’s how to use it:

  • Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of warm water to form a thick paste.
  • Apply the paste to your gold jewellery using a soft cloth or toothbrush.
  • Gently rub the paste in circular motions, focusing on any tarnished or hard-to-reach areas.
  • Rinse your jewellery under warm water and dry it with a clean cloth.

Why it works: Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness is enough to lift dirt and tarnish without harming your gold’s surface.

 

3. Vinegar Soak for Stubborn Tarnish

How to clean gold jewellery at home with vinegar:

Vinegar is a powerful yet safe cleaner for gold, perfect for tackling stubborn tarnish. To clean your gold jewellery with vinegar:

  • Pour white vinegar into a small bowl.
  • Drop your gold jewellery into the vinegar and let it soak for about 10-15 minutes.
  • After soaking, use a soft brush to gently scrub away any remaining tarnish.
  • Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm water and dry your jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Pro Tip: If your jewellery is particularly dirty, repeat the process for a deeper clean.

 

4. Ammonia Solution for a Professional Clean

How to clean gold jewellery at home with ammonia:

Ammonia is a strong cleaner and can help bring back the shine to your gold jewellery, but it should be used carefully. Always dilute it with water before use. Here’s how to do it safely:

  • Mix one part ammonia with six parts warm water in a small bowl.
  • Soak your gold jewellery in the solution for 1-2 minutes.
  • Gently scrub the jewellery with a soft toothbrush to dislodge any dirt or grime.
  • Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove all ammonia residue and dry with a soft cloth.

Caution: Ammonia is strong, so don’t soak your jewellery for too long. This method is great for a deeper clean without damaging the gold.

 

5. Use a Commercial Gold Jewellery Cleaner

How to clean gold jewellery at home with a gold jewellery cleaner:

For a quick and easy clean, especially for intricate or antique pieces, you can use a store-bought gold jewellery cleaner. These cleaners are specifically formulated to clean gold without causing harm. Here’s how to use them:

  • Follow the instructions on the jewellery cleaner product (usually involves dipping the jewellery into the solution or applying it with a cloth).
  • Use the provided brush or a soft toothbrush to gently clean the jewellery.
    Rinse under warm water and dry with a soft cloth to restore its natural shine.

Why it works: These cleaners are designed to be gentle yet effective, making them a safe choice for more delicate or heavily detailed jewellery.

 

How to Clean Gold Jewellery with Gemstones

Cleaning gold jewellery with gemstones requires a little extra care to avoid damaging both the gold and the stones. Different gemstones have varying levels of hardness and sensitivity, so here’s how to clean your jewellery with gemstones without causing harm:

1. Choose the Right Cleaner for the Gemstone

  • For diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, soak your jewellery in a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. These stones are hard and durable, so this solution is safe.
  • For pearls, opals, and emeralds, avoid harsh chemicals and opt for a gentle clean. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the jewellery, avoiding submerging it in water.

 

2. Use a Soft Brush

Gently scrub around the stones using a soft toothbrush (preferably one with non-abrasive bristles) to remove dirt and grime. Be extra cautious around delicate stones like pearls and opals to avoid scratches.

 

3. Rinse and Dry Carefully

Rinse the jewellery under lukewarm water, making sure not to expose the stones to extreme temperatures. Dry with a soft cloth, being gentle around the gemstones.

Tip: Always avoid ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals for softer stones, as they can crack or fade. For particularly valuable pieces, consider having them cleaned professionally.

By following these steps, you can safely clean your gold jewellery with gemstones, preserving both the gold and the beauty of your precious stones!

 

How to Clean Gold-Plated Jewellery?

Gold-plated jewellery is popular because it is more affordable as compared to solid gold jewellery. Gold-plated jewellery features plating of gold over other metals, mostly sterling silver. It is important to clean gold-plated jewellery carefully to maintain its shine without damaging the plating. Here’s how to do it:

Cleaning gold-plated jewellery at home in 4 Easy Steps:

1. Soak in Soapy Water

Mix mild dish soap with warm water and soak for 10-15 minutes.

2. Wipe with a Soft Cloth

Gently clean with a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid scratches.

3. Use a Soft Toothbrush

For detailed areas, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.

4. Rinse and Dry

Rinse under lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Tip: Avoid long soaking or harsh chemicals to preserve the gold plating.

Gold plating can wear off after some time, so don’t panic. Clean only when required and always store your jewellery properly. If you see the plating has started to come off, get it re-plated from any nearby jewellery stores.

 

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your gold jewellery at home is easy when you know the right methods! Whether you're using warm soapy water, baking soda, vinegar, ammonia, or a commercial cleaner, each of these methods is tried and tested to restore your jewellery’s shine without causing any damage. Just remember, the key to maintaining your gold jewellery’s brilliance is to clean it regularly and store it properly when not in use.

For more jewellery care tips and style tips, visit our Style Guide section and stay updated on the latest jewellery trends, easy jewellery care and storage tips, and styling guides.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest arrivals, bestsellers, and exclusive offers.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Gold Jewellery

1. Why Does Gold Jewellery Turn Black?
Gold jewellery can tarnish or turn black when gold alloy reacts with chemicals, moisture, or even the natural oils from your skin. The build-up of dirt, dust, or certain lotions and perfumes can also cause discolouration.

2. Can I Use Toothpaste to Clean My Gold Jewellery?
It's not recommended to use toothpaste on gold jewellery as it can be abrasive and may scratch the surface. Stick to gentle methods like soapy water or a jewellery cleaner to maintain its shine. If you still want to use toothpaste to clean gold jewellery, use non-abrasive toothpaste.

3. How Often Should You Clean Jewellery?
It’s best to clean your gold jewellery every 1-2 weeks, depending on how often you wear it. For heavily worn pieces, a weekly clean might be necessary to prevent dirt build-up. For pieces that are worn occasionally, a frequent clean-up is not required.

4. Can I Use Alcohol to Clean My Gold Jewellery?
While rubbing alcohol can disinfect jewellery, it’s not ideal for regular cleaning. It may strip away protective coatings or leave residue on your gold. Stick to gentle cleaning methods for better results.

5. What Should I Avoid When Cleaning Gold Jewellery?
Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, and ultrasonic cleaners. These can damage your gold jewellery and any gemstones it might have.

6. Why Is My Gold Jewellery Losing Its Shine?
Gold jewellery can lose its shine over time due to exposure to daily wear, sweat, lotions, or chemicals. Regular cleaning and proper storage can help maintain its sparkle.

7. How to Prevent Gold Jewellery from Tarnishing?
To prevent tarnishing, store your gold jewellery in a dry place, away from moisture and chemicals. Consider using a jewellery box with a soft cloth lining or individual pouches.

 

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.