How to Clean Gold at Home

When a piece of gold jewelry comes in contact with the natural oils on your skin, it dulls its shiny appearance, much like fingerprints do to a mirror. Jewelry cleaning solutions are available to help restore the shine, but you can clean your gold jewellery at home using a few household items. Despite popular misconceptions, harsh chemicals and abrasive materials can scratch or damage finely-crafted gold pieces. The right methods, on the other hand, will remove residue and tarnish while protecting precious metals and gemstones from unintentional damage.

Regular glass cleaners are an affordable, effective way to give your gold a quick scrub. Just spray the solution on the surface of the piece, then gently scrub or wipe to remove any dirt and grime. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all soapy residue before drying the item. This method is safe for most gems and precious metals, but is not recommended for pearls or soft porous stones, such as opals or coral, that can be easily damaged by chemicals.

For a more thorough cleaning, invest in a small bottle of jewelry cleaner made specifically for the metal. This type of solution will typically include a dipping basket for easy use, as well as a brush for reaching smaller nooks and crannies. The best jewelry cleaner for gold is usually a mild, non-detergent liquid with a surfactant (a detergent that breaks down grease and oil), but make sure to check the label for specific instructions on your particular piece of jewellery.

If you’d prefer a non-toxic option, try mixing a bit of gentle dish soap in warm, not hot, water. Soak your piece of silver in the mixture for about 30 minutes. This will give the surfactants time to work and break down any buildup. You can then gently scrub the piece with a soft toothbrush, or if your jewellery has tiny crevices, use a new baby-sized, very soft toothbrush. Once the jewellery is completely dry, you can buff it to a sparkling finish with a microfiber cloth.

You can also use a bit of baking soda to remove heavy tarnish on sterling silver jewellery. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste, then rub it on the tarnished piece. After a few minutes, rinse it and buff to a shine with a lint-free microfiber cloth. Be careful when using this method for pieces containing gemstones, as the baking soda can sometimes discolor them. If you can’t remove a piece of tarnished jewellery with the homemade methods above, consider taking it to a jeweler for professional care. Jewelers have specialized equipment, including ultrasonic machines, that can safely and quickly clean gold and precious metals without damaging delicate gemstones. They’re also skilled at polishing and restoring gems to their original glory, keeping your jewelry in top condition for generations to come.