Here's how to safely clean your gold jewelry
Dull earrings? A stain on your ring? Gold jewelry loses its shine over time, especially if you wear it often. Fortunately, cleaning jewelry is not difficult at all. With a few simple steps, you can make your favorites shine again. In this blog, we share how to do this safely, without damaging your jewelry.
Why regular cleaning is important
You might not notice it right away, but every day, tiny layers of dirt and grease build up on your jewelry. This causes them to lose their shine, especially delicate necklaces or stud earrings. By cleaning your jewelry regularly, you not only keep them looking beautiful, but also more hygienic — which is especially important when it comes to cleaning earrings.
A simple cleaning once a month can make a big difference. It helps prevent dirt from accumulating in clasps, links, or settings.
Step-by-step plan for cleaning gold jewelry
You’ll need:
- A bowl of lukewarm water
- A few drops of mild dish soap
- A soft toothbrush
- A clean cotton or microfiber cloth
Here’s how to do it:
- Soak: Place your jewelry in a bowl of lukewarm water with a bit of dish soap. Let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Gently brush: Use a soft toothbrush to remove dirt from corners and detailed areas — think necklace clasps or the backs of earrings.
- Rinse: Rinse your jewelry under lukewarm running water.
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Dry and polish:Pat themdry with a soft cloth and give them a quick polish for extra shine.
Don’t want to keep gathering the right tools yourself? Our Jewelry Cleaning Kit includes everything you need to clean your jewelry professionally and safely.
Common cleaning mistakes
Cleaning your jewelry may seem simple, but there are a few things you’re better off avoiding:
- Using water that’s too hot. It can loosen glue or damage delicate stones.
- Abrasive cleaners or hard brushes. These can scratch the gold surface.
- Soaking jewelry in baking soda, vinegar, or lemon. It may sound natural, but it can damage the gold.
- Using ultrasonic cleaners too often. This method can be too harsh for certain pieces — especially those with gemstones.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put my gold jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner?
Yes, but only if the jewelry is solid gold without certain gemstones or glued components. An ultrasonic cleaner uses vibrations to loosen dirt, but it can also cause damage to delicate pieces. Not sure how to safely do it? Then it’s better to clean them by hand.
What should I avoid when cleaning gold?
Avoid harsh cleaning products like chlorine, bleach, or all-purpose cleaners. Toothpaste and silver polish are also too abrasive. Always use a mild soap and a soft brush instead.
Can I have my jewelry professionally cleaned?
Absolutely. Prefer to have your jewelry cleaned by a specialist? You can have it ultrasonically cleaned at a jeweler, who will also check if any stones or clasps are still secure. But with the right tools, you can do a lot at home. Our Jewelry Cleaning Kit is a great alternative if you’d rather clean it yourself.
Can you clean gold jewelry with gemstones yourself?
Yes, but carefully. Use a soft brush and be gentle around the stone and its setting. It’s best not to soak them in water, especially if glue is part of the design. Lukewarm water with mild soap is enough — just make sure to pat them dry thoroughly afterward.
