The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Gold Jewellery at Home

Gold jewellery is timeless, elegant and holds a special place in many of our lives. However, like all things, it requires proper care and maintenance to retain it lustre and beauty. Over time, gold jewellery can accumulate dirt, oils adn even tarnish, making it appear dull and less attractive. Fortunately, cleaning gold jewellery at home is straightforward and cost-effective if you know the right techniques. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about cleaning different types of gold jewellery, including how to restore white gold, tackle tarnished gold and maintain the shine of your rings, earrings and chains.

Why Does Gold Jewellery Need Cleaning?

Gold, by nature, is a soft metal and is often mixed with other metals to improve its durability. This mixture, known as an alloy, can react with various environmental factores such as air, moisture and chemicals, leading to tarnishing or dullness. Daily wear also exposes your jewellery to oils, lotions, perfumes and dirt, which can build up over time. Regular cleaning not only restores your jewellery’s shine but also prolongs its life.

How to Clean Gold Jewellery at Home

The easiest and most common method for cleaning gold jewellery at home involves using mild soap and water. Here’s the step by step guide which we use to clean our gold jewellery:

What you’ll need to clean you gold jewellery at home:

• Mild washing up liquid
• Warm water
• Soft-bristled toothbrush or small soft brush
• Soft cloth or micro-fibre cloth
• Bowl

What you’ll need to do:

Prepare the cleaning solution: in a bowl, mix a few drops of mild washing up liquid with warm water. Ensure the water is warm but not hot, as excessive heat can damage certain gemstones or loosen any glued settings.

Soak the jewellery: place your gold jewellery in the bowl and let it soak for about 15-20 minutes. This will help loosen any dirt or grime.

Gently Scrub: After soaking, take a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub the jewellery. Pay special attention to crevices and intricate designs where dirt can accumulate.

Rinse: Rinse the jewellery thoroughly under warm running water to remove any soap residue. We recommend you keep the plug in the sink in case the item you’re cleaning is accidentally dropped and goes down the plug hole.  (This has happened to me!)

Dry and Polish: Use a soft cloth or micro-fibre towel to gently pat dry the jewellery. Avoid using paper towels or tissues as they can scratch gold. Once dry, buff the jewellery to restore its shine.

How to Clean White Gold Jewellery

White gold is a popular choice for its sleek and modern appearance. However, over time, it can develop a yellowish tint due to the wear of its rhodium plating. You can clean white gold in the same way as we’ve explained earlier.

How to Clean White Gold That Has Gone Yellow

If your white gold jewellery has turned yellow, it’s likely that this is due to the rhodium plating wearing off. To restore its original shine, you may need to have it re-plated by a professional. I have a ring which I regularly have to get replated to restore it to its original look!

How to Clean Heavily Tarnished Gold

To clean you gold jewellery which is really tarnished, use the method we have described here but you may need to repeat the process.

How to Clean a Gold Chain

Gold chains can be tricky to clean because of their intricate links. Dirt and oils can build up between the links, causing the chain to look dull.  You can use the method to clean gold we have described here and use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub at the chain. We recommend you focus between the links where the dirt tends to accumulate.  When you have rinsed the chain you can pat it dry with a soft cloth to polish it and restore its shine.

How to Clean Gold Rings

Gold rings, especially those worn daily, collect a lot of dirt, oils and even scratches. Cleaning them regularly is essential to maintaining their sparkle. As gold is a soft metal, regularly checking your gold ring is a good idea to monitor for wear, particularly if you have two or more rings that sit next to each other on your finger and wear against each other.

Steps:

Soak: As with other gold jewellery soak your gold rings in warm soapy water with some mild washing up liquid for 15-20 minutes.

Brush and Rinse: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub the ring, paying attention to the setting and any intricate designs. Rinse under warm running water. Once again, we really recommend you use a plug or bowl so that the running water cannot wash the ring down the sink by accident.

Dry and Buff: Pat the ring dry with a soft cloth and buff it gently to restore its shine.

Dealing with Stubborn Dirt on Rings: for rings with diamonds or other gemstones, if dirt is trapped under the setting, use a wooden toothpick to gently dislodge it. Be careful not to scratch the metal or stone. I also find that using a small interdental toothbrush is a great way to get into the small spaces between the setting and stones in a ring.

How to Clean Gold Earrings:

We suggest you clean your gold earrings in the same way that you would clean gold rings and jewellery as we have described here. We find it useful to use a bowl for both the cleaning and the rinsing process.

Extra Tips for Cleaning Gold Jewellery

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach, chlorine or any harsh chemicals on gold jewellery. These can damage the gold and cause permanent discolouration
• Avoid Abrasive Materials: Steer clear of abrasive cleaning materials for delicate gold items as they can scratch the metal
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly clean your gold jewellery to prevent the buildup of dirt and oils. A quick rinse and polish after wearing can help maintain its shine.
• Safe Storage: Store your gold jewellery in a soft cloth or jewellery box to protect it from scratches and exposure to air which can cause tarnishing
• Professional Cleaning: If your jewellery is heavily tarnished or has intricate settings that are difficult to clean, consider professional cleaning. A jeweller can clean and polish your gold jewellery as well as check for any damage or loose settings.

Gold jewellery, whether it’s a cherished heirloom or daily accessory, deserves proper care to keep it looking its best. With the right techniques and a little time, you can easily clean your gold jewellery at home, restoring its brilliance and prolonging its life. From rings to chains, each piece can benefit from regular cleaning, ensuring that your gold jewellery continues to shine and impress for years to come. Remember, gentle cleaning of gold jewellery is key, and when in doubt, seeking professional help can prevent damage and keep your treasures in perfect condition.