How to Clean Gold Jewellery at Home

Gold jewellery is classic and timeless and can hold a lot of sentimental value. However, over time, it can lose some of its shine due to everyday wear, including oils and dirt causing it to tarnish.

Whether you want to maintain your golden piece to keep it as a family heirloom or if you just want to maintain its shine, this blog post will keep you up to date on exactly how to keep your jewellery tarnish-free.

Step-by-Step Guide to Give Your Gold the Ultimate Shine

Real gold can easily tarnish so knowing how to clean it when it does is important when trying to maintain that shine. Regular cleaning and polishing of your gold will help you to keep it shining bright.

1 - Cleaning Solution

Firstly find a cleaning solution that works for you we recommend either a fragrance-free mild soap and some warm water or a specialised gold jewellery cleaning solution.

Then fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap or jewellery cleaning solution. It's super important to check that the soap is gentle and free from harsh chemicals that could damage your gold.

2 - Prepare the Jewellery

• Remove any gemstones or delicate components that could be damaged by the cleaning solution.
• Inspect the jewellery for loose stones or any signs of damage that may require professional repair.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a jewellery brush to gently remove any visible dirt or debris from the surface.

3 - Time to Clean

Now that you have made up your cleaning solution and the jewellery is ready, gently place it into the bowl and allow it to soak for up to 15 minutes so that the oils and dirt can loosen.

Next, use a soft-bristled brush and gently scrub the jewellery, paying attention to any intricate designs on the piece where dirt could be trapped. Be super gentle with the jewellery to avoid scratching and scrub the piece in a circular motion.

4 - Rinse

Now that the jewellery is clean, rinse under warm running water to make sure that all the soap and cleaning solution is rinsed off to avoid it drying and building up.

5 - Dry

Gently pat the jewellery dry with a soft, lint-free cloth and make sure it is thoroughly dry before you store it away or wear it - as leaving some parts damp can cause it to tarnish.

6 - Polish

This part is optional - but if you want to give your jewellery that extra shine, then you should grab a gold polishing cloth and gently polish in circular motions to restore shine.

Be careful not to over-polish - this can wear down the gold plating or remove any protective coatings.

Tips on What Not to Do

• Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes that can scratch or damage the gold.
• Do not expose gold jewellery to harsh chemicals, including chlorine, bleach, or ammonia, as they can cause discolouration and damage.
• Remove gold jewellery before swimming, showering, or engaging in activities that may expose it to abrasive materials or chemicals.

How to Keep My Gold Jewellery Looking Brand New

Regular cleaning of your jewellery and making sure you are looking after it by storing it in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.

For jewellery you wear regularly you should clean it once a month. If you wear it occasionally, then you should clean it every three to six months.

It’s a good idea to take your gold jewellery to be cleaned professionally once a year. Professional cleaning can help remove stubborn dirt, restore the shine, and identify any potential issues or damage that may require repair.

Things to Remember

• Delicate or vintage gold jewellery may require gentler cleaning and less frequent polishing to avoid causing damage or wear.

Looking for the Perfect Gold Piece?

Here at Miltons Diamonds, we have a large collection of golden jewellery pieces, from white to yellow to rose gold pieces you will be sure to find the jewellery of your dreams.

We have rings, pendant necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more all listed on our website for you to browse.

We have experience dating back 100 years and our family-run stores have a team full of passionate and knowledgeable jewellers who will help you to find the gold piece of your dreams.

Family is important to us so we have carefully curated a gift-buying guide for you to browse if you are looking for a gift for the special someone in your life. We are also on hand to help you every step of the way whether you are looking for an engagement ring, a promise ring or an anniversary gift, we are here to give you advice on what is the best option for you.