How To Clean Gold Jewelry at Home in 6 Ways

People love gold jewelry pieces because they’re timeless and their value increases over time. They never get out of style, plus they’re flexible to wear as everyday embellishments or for special occasions to add a touch of elegance. That’s why it’s essential to maintain their radiance and quality.

Here are useful tips if you’re looking for ways to clean your pieces at home

Clean Gold Jewelry Using the Best Homemade Cleaner

Gold jewelry looks luxurious, but it’s easy to maintain. You can restore the shine on your gold items with home cleaning materials. But before you do it, check if your high-end jewelry brand recommends a specific cleaning method. Fine pieces often require special cleaning instructions. Otherwise, follow these steps to keep your treasures in tip-top shape.

Clean Gold Jewelry With Dish Soap

Dish soap is considered an all-purpose cleaner. You can use it to clean your gold bangles, bracelets or earrings.

Things you will need:

• Dish soap
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Microfiber cloths
• Ammonia

1. In a bowl, mix lukewarm water and dish soap.

2. Add a few drops of ammonia.

3. Soak it in the solution for five minutes.

4. Remove the jewelry and start scrubbing away the grime and dirt using a soft toothbrush. 

4. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry with a soft cloth.

Clean Gold Jewelry With Vinegar

Vinegar is a kitchen staple with several uses, including jewelry cleaning. 

Things you’ll need:

• White vinegar
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Soft cloth

1. Fill a small jar with white vinegar.

2. Slowly drop your gold jewelry and let it soak for a few minutes. 

3. Remove from the solution and use the toothbrush to remove the remaining debris.

4. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth.

Clean Gold Jewelry With Baking Soda

Baking soda is a popular alternative cleaning agent. You can use it to make your gold items look like new. 

Things you’ll need: 

• Hot water
• Baking soda
• Soft brush
• Soft cloth

1. Boil enough water for cleaning. 

2. While it’s boiling, gently drop your gold pieces. 

3. Add some baking soda and stir. Let it boil for another minute.

4. Remove from the stove and let it cool. 

5. Take the jewelry out and scrub it with a soft brush.

6. Rinse in running water and dry with a soft cloth.

Clean Gold Jewelry With Toothpaste

Toothpaste is also effective in bringing back the shine of your tarnished treasures. 

Things you’ll need: 

• Toothpaste
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Clean cloth

1. Dilute toothpaste in two tablespoons of water. 

2. Apply it to the gold piece and gently scrub with a toothbrush until you get rid of dirt stuck in tiny crevices. 

3. Rinse in tap water to wash away residue. 

4. Dry and polish with a soft, clean cloth.

Clean Gold Jewelry With Alcohol

The best thing about alcohol is it makes your jewelry shine and at the same time, disinfects it.

Things you’ll need:

• Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
• Non-porous bowl like glass or stainless steel
• Cotton swab or soft cloth

1. Fill a small bowl with alcohol.

2. Submerge the piece of jewelry and let it soak overnight to loosen the dirt.

3. Use a cotton swab or soft cloth to wipe away the residual grime. 

4. Rinse the jewelry in the same bowl of alcohol. 

5. Allow to air dry or wipe with a soft cloth.

Clean Gold Jewelry Adorned With Diamonds and Gemstones

Diamonds exposed to cosmetics quickly lose their shine. Moisturizers, makeup and other everyday skin care products can leave a thin film and cloud the brilliance of your pieces. Follow these steps to clean gold jewelry enhanced with diamonds and other stones. 

Things you’ll need:

• Soft toothbrush
• Soft, lint-free cloth
• Gentle liquid detergent

1. Combine a few drops of liquid detergent with water. 

2. Use the solution to soak your diamond jewelry for a few minutes. 

3. Remove it and slowly scrub it using a soft toothbrush.

4. Rinse with warm running water.

5. Dry with a soft lint-free cloth. 

2 Things To Avoid When Cleaning Gold Jewelry

Not all home products are safe to use for eliminating the tarnish on gold pieces. Avoid these two substances at all costs. 

• Harsh soap: Dawn dish soap does a great job in getting rid of jewelry dirt, but steer clear of harsh detergents with ingredients that can discolor your treasures. 

• Chlorine: Products with chlorine can discolor and gradually erode the nice finish of your rings or necklaces. It can’t affect 24-carat pure pieces but it may react with lower-carat gold jewelry mixed with other metals, like silver, copper and nickel.

If you’re unsure whether home cleaning products are safe for your gold ornaments, bring them to a jeweler for professional cleaning. They will know the right and safe method to restore the brilliance of your precious metals, especially if it’s adorned with gemstones. 

6 Care Tips for Your Gold Jewelry

Proper care can increase the longevity and radiance of your gold items. Do these things to maintain the shiny appearance of your precious jewelry.

1. Store your gold pieces in a clean, dry place. Use a jewelry box with dividers to prevent jewelry from colliding with each other. 

2. Remove your necklaces, rings and bracelets when going for a swim. Saltwater can leave damage to them. Pool water is often treated with chlorine, which you should avoid.

3. Take your jewelry off when applying skincare products. Sunscreen, moisturizer and lotion can get into the tiny crevices of the jewelry, making cleaning harder. Moreover, products also layer a thin film on gemstones and make them appear cloudy. 

4. Remove your jewelry when working with soil or sand. The dirt and small rocks you touch every time you tend to your garden can be abrasive and scratch your jewelry.

5. Make it a habit to clean your jewelry before storing them. Sweat and body oils stick to the pieces and dull their shine. 

6. Frequently Inspect your precious items for signs of vulnerabilities. Your bracelet or ring may have loose stones or clasps. Visit your jeweler to repair or secure parts that are about to break. 

Proper Care for Gold Jewelry Can Increase Their Longevity

Many treat their gold pieces as investments or a memento of a special occasion, like a wedding. You need to take care of them to make them last and retain their high value — especially if you plan to pass them on to other family members. 

Clean your treasures using gentle home cleaning products, like dish soap, vinegar, baking soda and alcohol. Scrub gently with a soft brush when trying to dislodge dirt stuck in tiny gaps. For high-end jewelry pieces, ask your jeweler for appropriate cleaning methods.