How to Clean Gold Jewellery at Home: A Comprehensive Guide

Gold jewellery is cherished for its beauty and durability, but over time, it can accumulate dirt, oils, and tarnish, diminishing its shine. Regular cleaning helps maintain the lustre and appeal of your gold pieces. So here’s how to do just that:

What You Will Need

Lucky for you, you don’t need to break the bank by buying boutique jewellery cleansing packs. This is because the best items are household ones! Before you start, gather the following supplies:

• Mild Dish Soap: Use a gentle, phosphate-free soap to avoid harsh chemicals.
• Warm Water: Not boiling, but warm enough to dissolve dirt.
• Soft Bristle Brush: A toothbrush or a specific jewellery brush works well.
• Microfiber Cloth: For drying and polishing.
• Bowl: To hold the cleaning solution/ rinsing water

Step-by-Step How to Clean Gold Jewellery

The Do’s:

1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution:
   In a bowl, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Ensure it’s well mixed to create a soapy solution.
2. Soak the Jewellery:
   Place your gold jewellery in the soapy water and let it soak for about 15-20 minutes. This soaking time allows dirt and grime to loosen. It’s the key step as it opens the pores in gold allowing extra grime to exit the surface.
3. Gently Brush the Jewellery:
   After soaking, take the soft bristle brush and gently scrub the jewellery. Focus on intricate designs, settings, and crevices where dirt can accumulate. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can scratch the surface. Brush in circular motions to clean evenly.
4. Rinse Thoroughly:
   Rinse the jewellery under warm running water to remove any soap residue. Ensure the drain is covered or rinse in a bowl of warm water to ensure you don’t loose the item down the drain, or any gemstones if they come loose.
5. Dry with a Microfiber Cloth:
   Pat the jewellery dry with a soft microfiber cloth. This prevents water damage or soap residue without scratching the soft metal.
6. Polish for Extra Shine:
   After drying, use a clean section of the microfiber cloth to buff the jewellery lightly, restoring its shine.

The Don’ts:

• Don’t use harsh chemicals: Stay away from bleach, ammonia, or other harsh cleaners, as they can damage gold jewellery and gemstones.
• Don’t use hot water: this could damage to the gold (and gemstones if any)
• Don’t use a toothbrush previously used on teeth: This seems like it should go without saying but using a toothbrush previously used on your teeth can transfer dirt and bacteria from your mouth onto your jewellery (probably making things worse not better).
• Don’t use ultrasonic cleaners: Gold is a soft metal so the power of an ultrasonic cleaner on your piece may be too strong and damage or misshapen it. If your piece has the addition of soft stones like emerald this removes their oil coating and could even fracture them. Best to consult your jeweller if you want to go down this route.
• Don’t use hairdryers (or any heat source) to dry your gold jewellery: this can misshapen the metal or if the piece has gemstones, cause them to expand ensuring the possibility of fracture.
• Don’t use paper towels or rough fabrics: they can scratch the gold.

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Additional Tips for Cleaning Gold Jewellery

• Cleaning Frequency: Clean your gold jewellery regularly, ideally every few months or more often if you wear it frequently.
• Store Properly: When not in use, store gold jewellery in a soft pouch or lined box to prevent scratches and tangles.
• Professional Cleaning: For heavily tarnished or intricate pieces, consider taking your jewellery to a professional jeweller for a thorough cleaning and inspection.

Those looking for an eco-friendly solution may opt for a mix of baking soda and vinegar, which you can mix with warm water for a sustainable cleaning solution. However, this may not be as effective on stubborn dirt as traditional dish soap.

For more information on how the world of antique jewellery is eco-friendly check out Antique Jewellery: The Thinking Girl’s Answer to Sustainable Luxury.

When to Avoid Cleaning

If your gold jewellery contains delicate gemstones like opals, pearls, or turquoise don’t soak them in water as they are relatively porous. Instead, use a damp cloth to clean the metal parts only. For intricate designs, it’s best to consult a professional to prevent damage.

Conclusion

Cleaning your gold jewellery at home is simple and effective, ensuring that your pieces remain radiant and beautiful for years to come. With just a few basic supplies and some gentle care, you can restore the shine of your favourite items, allowing you to enjoy their beauty to the fullest. Regular maintenance will not only keep your jewellery looking great but also extend its life, making it a worthwhile investment.

If you want to learn more about specific ways to clean precious gemstones like diamonds, rubies, or sapphires, consult our guide How to Look After and Clean Your Jewellery.