How to Clean Gold Jewellery: A Comprehensive Guide

Aurosmith‘s guide on how to clean gold jewellery will walk you through safe and efficient methods to restore your favourite golden pieces to their original glory.

Gold jewellery is timeless, elegant, and often holds significant sentimental value. Indeed, we all have our favourite pieces of gold jewellery that tend to get regular wear – whether it’s your favourite gold chain, gold ring, or gold pendant. 

Over time, however, exposure to lotions, oils, dirt, and everyday wear can cause your gold jewellery to lose its shine and degrade its value. Regular gentle cleaning is the key to preventing this. So, if you’re wondering how to keep your gold jewellery in top condition and clean gold jewellery safely, then you’re in the right place.

Why Clean Gold Jewellery Regularly?

Before diving into the cleaning methods, it’s important to understand why regular cleaning is essential. Gold, a soft metal, can easily get scratched and accumulate dirt. This not only affects its appearance but can also lead to irreparable long-term damage. Thankfully, however, regular cleaning of your gold jewelry will ensure that it remains as beautiful as the day you bought it.

Materials You’ll Need

• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• A soft-bristled toothbrush
• A soft cloth (microfiber is ideal)
• A bowl
• Baking soda (optional)
• Ammonia (for tough stains)

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Gold Jewellery

1. Prepare a Cleaning Solution to Clean the Gold Jewellery

Start by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Make sure the water is warm, not hot, as extreme temperatures can damage some gemstones as well as the gold itself.

2. Soak the Gold Jewellery

Place your gold jewelry into the bowl and let it soak for about 15-20 minutes. This helps to loosen any dirt, grime, or oils that have built up on the surface.

3. Gently Scrub the Gold Jewellery with a Soft Toothbrush

After soaking, take a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub the gold jewellery. Pay special attention to crevices and intricate details where dirt can accumulate. Make sure to be gentle to avoid scratching the gold.

4. Rinse the Gold Jewellery Thoroughly

Rinse the gold jewellery under warm running water to remove any soap residue. However, make sure to do this over a strainer or plug the sink to prevent any pieces from accidentally falling down the drain.

5. Dry and Polish the Gold Jewellery

Use a soft cloth to dry the gold jewellery completely. Once dry, use the cloth to gently polish the gold, restoring its shine. Microfiber cloths are particularly effective for polishing gold jewellery without causing scratches.

Dealing with Tough Stains

For gold jewellery that has particularly stubborn stains or tarnish, you may need to take additional steps:

• Baking Soda Paste: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the gold jewellery and gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Afterwards, rinse the gold jewellery thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
• Ammonia Solution: For more severe tarnish, mix one part ammonia with six parts water. Soak the gold jewellery for no more than one minute, then rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a soft cloth. However, be extra cautious with ammonia, as it can damage certain gemstones and should be used sparingly.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Gold Jewellery

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Always remove gold jewellery before swimming in chlorinated pools or using household cleaning agents, as these can damage the gold.
• Regular Gold Jewellery Cleaning: Clean your gold jewellery regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and oils. A quick cleaning every few weeks can keep your gold jewellery looking its best.
• Proper Gold Jewellery Storage: Store gold jewelry in a soft cloth or padded jewellery box to prevent scratches. Keep pieces separate to avoid them tangling or scratching each other.
• Professional Gold Jewellery Cleaning: For particularly valuable or intricate pieces, consider having your gold jewellery professionally cleaned once a year.

Learning how to clean gold jewelry properly ensures that your precious pieces stay beautiful and maintain their value over time. By following these simple steps and tips, you can keep your gold jewellery looking as stunning as ever. Remember, regular care and gentle cleaning are key to preserving the brilliance and elegance of your gold jewelry. So, take a little time to pamper your gold pieces—they deserve it, and so do you!

Browse our selections of gold jewellery for women and gold jewellery for men and adorn your life’s memorable moments with pieces that are as extraordinary as you.