How to Clean Gold Jewelry at Home

We all know that special feeling we get when we put on a new piece of gold jewelry.

The new ring, necklace or bracelet is shiny and all of our friends and coworkers notice how beautiful it is.

But over time, under normal, everyday wearing conditions, gold can start to look a little dull and lifeless. Cleaning your gold jewelry regularly or in between visits to your jeweler will perk it right up, enhance its longevity and protect its value.

As gold jewelry is so popular, cleaning it properly will mean it can be worn and enjoyed for many generations to come.

Inspect and Know the Jewelry You’re about to Clean

Before cleaning your jewelry, especially if it has any gemstones, inspect the prongs holding the gems in place. Also, look to see if you can see any physical signs of damage. If you see anything out of place, it’s best to bring it in to the jeweler.

There are many gems that can be cleaned carefully at home, but some should only be cleaned by a professional jeweler. When you purchase a piece of jewelry with gems, ask the representative if you can clean your piece at home if need be.

How to Clean Your Own Jewelry

Because it may not always be practical to take your jewelry in to the jewelry store for a professional cleaning, you can do it at home quite easily.

Now keep in mind, if you have purchased a piece of jewelry with a warranty that requires you to bring it in every six months or so for inspection and cleaning to keep the warranty in good standing, do not skip this as you want the warranty if anything might happen to a gem.

But cleaning at home in between these appointments is also something you can do to clean up minor dirt and oils to keep it looking lustrous.

A Mild Dish Soap and Warm Water Bath

Bathing involves using two to three tiny drops of mild dish soap and regular warm water in a small bowl, something like a one cup measuring cup. Add the dish soap to the warm water and mix with your fingers.

Some people like to use seltzer water instead of warm water because the bubbles can help loosen light grime and dirt a little better. (Make sure to use sodium-free seltzer and not club soda.)

1. First, soak the gold jewelry in the mixture for about 5 minutes.
2. Next use a clean, soft bristled baby toothbrush, or you can buy a soft bristled jewelry brush, and gently clean the surface and any crevices in the piece.
3. If there are gems on the jewelry, gently and carefully clean around them.
4. Once you are done cleaning, let soak for about another 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Take the jewelry out, rinse under cool running water then shake and blow out any excess water.
6. Lightly pat dry and buff with a clean, lint-free cloth or a nice ultra soft jewelry polishing cloth.

Using a Jewelry Cleaner with Basket and Brush

Although the method of using mild dish soap and warm water is safe for many pieces of jewelry, you can always purchase a cleaning kit. Again, you want to know the jewelry you have. Look for something that does not contain ammonia, harsh chemicals and is safe for your jewelry.

If you purchase one of these kits online, read the reviews. The kit you buy may say it’s safe for sensitive gems like pearls, but in actuality – it may not be.

If you purchase a kit at a jewelry store, they will be able to provide you with the correct cleaning kit for your jewelry needs.

Keeping Your Gold Jewelry Clean

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cleaning. Gold is a soft and sensitive metal, it can be damaged by cleaning products such as bleach. Removing your gold jewelry before doing household chores will prevent it from becoming damaged and grimy before its time.

Apply perfume, hairspray, body lotions before you put on your jewelry, especially if the piece has a sensitive gemstone. Gold reacts to the oils on your skin, which is why it sometimes turns green.

Store your jewelry in a clean, dry box lined with soft material. There are a variety of jewelry boxes on the market to suit your needs.

Cleaning your jewelry at home is easy just remember if you have any questions at all, ask a professional jeweler.