How to clean gold?

Learn now how to properly clean gold, so your pieces can be treasured for many years to come!

Unlike silver, gold does not develop a dull, tarnished finish over time. However, it can still accumulate dirt easily with normal use. To restore the shine of your gold jewellery, you'll only need a few household tools and ingredients. Just follow the steps below!

1. WASH WITH WATER AND DISH SOAP

Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to a bowl of warm (not hot) water. Mix gently. Soak the jewellery in this mixture for about 15 minutes. Then, use a soft-bristled brush (so as not to damage the piece) to gently remove any dirt. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth and watch the shine come back to life.

Note: While tap water will do, it's best to use sodium-free water or sparkling water, as the carbonation helps loosen any accumulated dirt. Also, avoid using hot water, especially if the jewellery has delicate gemstones, as they may crack when exposed to rapid, drastic temperature changes.

2. CLEANING JEWELLERY WITH GEMSTONES

Pieces with gemstones glued into their setting (such as many earrings) should not be soaked. Warm water can loosen the glue and cause the stones to fall out, particularly after brushing.

For this reason, the first step is to clean them very gently with a cloth dampened with soap. Then, switch to a cloth dampened with water and wipe the piece to remove any remaining soap and residue.

Once the piece is thoroughly cleaned, place it face down. This will allow any remaining moisture to drain away without touching the gemstones.

3. CLEANING JEWELLERY WITH TOOTHPASTE

This method should be used with care, as some toothpastes on the market contain chemicals that can stain your jewellery.

In a bowl, mix a small amount of toothpaste (about 2.5cm) with water. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently rub your gold piece to remove all accumulated dirt. Finally, rinse the jewellery thoroughly in clean water, and voilà! The bright colour is back!