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People love gold jewelry because it’s timeless and its value can increase over time, depending on the piece. Gold never goes out of style. Plus, gold is versatile as an everyday embellishment or for special occasions, adding a touch of elegance. That’s why it’s essential to maintain gold’s radiance and quality.

Here are useful tips if you’re looking for ways to clean gold jewelry at home.

How to Clean Gold Jewelry at Home

Gold jewelry looks luxurious, and it’s easy to maintain. You can restore the shine to your gold items with household cleaning products. 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

Mild dish soap is considered an all-purpose cleaner. You can use a few drops to clean your gold bangles, bracelets or earrings.

Things you’ll need:

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

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

2. Unless you have soft stones, you can add a few drops of ammonia to break down tarnish.

3. Soak the gold in the solution for five to 10 minutes.

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

5. 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. However, vinegar is acidic and may damage soft gemstones, plated jewelry or delicate finishes. Avoid using vinegar on gold jewelry with pearls, opals, emeralds or unknown stones. When in doubt, use mild dish soap and warm water or ask a jeweler before 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 in and let it soak for a few minutes. 

3. Remove from the solution and use the toothbrush to clean the remaining debris off the piece.

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. 

However, baking soda can be abrasive, which means it may scratch softer metals, gemstones or plated finishes. Avoid scrubbing gold jewelry with baking soda unless a jeweler confirms it’s safe for the specific piece. 

Things you’ll need: 

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

1. Boil enough water in a pot for cleaning. 

2. While the water is boiling, gently drop in your gold pieces. 

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

4. Remove from the stove and let the water cool. 

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

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

Clean Gold Jewelry With Alcohol

The best thing about alcohol is that it adds luster and disinfects at the same time. This method is best for jewelry with set stones, not glued stones, as alcohol can melt adhesives.

Things you’ll need:

• Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
• Nonporous 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. Air dry or wipe with a soft cloth.

How to Clean Gold Jewelry With Precious Stones

Gemstones exposed to cosmetics can quickly lose shine. Moisturizers, makeup and other everyday skincare products can leave a thin film and cloud the brilliance of your pieces. Even if you’re dealing with precious stones, you can still clean gold jewelry at home. 

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 the gold and slowly scrub it using a soft toothbrush.

4. Rinse with warm running water.

5. Dry with a soft lint-free cloth. 

Things To Avoid When Cleaning Gold Jewelry

Not all home products are safe for removing tarnish from gold pieces. Avoid these two substances at all costs:

• Harsh soap: Dawn dish soap does a great job of removing dirt from jewelry, but steer clear of harsh detergents with ingredients that can discolor your treasures. 
• Chlorine: Products with chlorine can discolor or damage gold jewelry, especially pieces made with lower-karat gold alloys or delicate finishes. While 24-karat gold is purer than lower-karat pieces, it’s still best to remove all gold jewelry before swimming, using a hot tub or handling chlorine-based cleaners. 

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

Need-to-Know 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:

• Store your gold pieces in a clean, dry place. Use a jewelry box with dividers to prevent jewelry from colliding and clanging. 
• Take your jewelry off when applying skincare products. Sunscreen, moisturizer and lotion can get into the tiny crevices of the jewelry, making cleaning harder.
• 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.
• Make it a habit to clean your jewelry before storing it. Sweat and body oils stick to the pieces and dull the gold’s shine. 
• Frequently inspect your precious items for signs of vulnerabilities. Your bracelet or ring may have loose stones or clasps. Visit your jeweler to have parts repaired or secured. 

Proper Care for Gold Jewelry Can Increase Its Longevity

It’s important to treat your gold pieces as investments or as mementos. Take care of your jewelry to ensure longevity and value, especially if you’re passing pieces on to family. 

Now you know how to clean gold jewelry at home with gentle home cleaning products, such as 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.