How to Clean Gold Jewelry: Everything You Need to Know to Do It at Home

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Do you want to know how to clean gold jewelry and make it shine like new? Gold jewelry is one of the most popular choices for both fashion and investment. People love gold because it looks beautiful, lasts forever, and keeps its value over time. Gold rings, necklaces, and bracelets can become family treasures that pass from one generation to the next.

Many people wear their gold jewelry every day but forget to clean it regularly. When you wear gold jewelry, it collects dirt, oil from your skin, soap, and other things that make it look dull. Regular cleaning helps your gold stay bright and beautiful. It also helps you check if any stones are loose or if there is damage that needs fixing.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about how to clean gold jewelry correctly at home. We gathered the guide and information from various sources, Monday (20/10/2025).

Here's how to clean gold jewelry correctly at home to keep your valuable accessories clean anytime:

What You'll Need:

- A small bowl

- Warm water (not hot)

- Mild dish soap (like Dawn)

- A soft-bristled toothbrush (baby toothbrushes work best)

- A soft cloth or microfiber towel

- Optional: a few drops of ammonia

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Check Your Jewelry

Before you start cleaning, look at your jewelry carefully. Check if any stones are loose or moving. If you find loose stones, do not clean the jewelry yourself. Take it to a jeweler for repair first.

Step 2: Make Your Cleaning Solution

Fill the small bowl with warm water. The water should feel comfortable to touch, not hot. Add 2-3 drops of mild dish soap to the water. Mix it gently with your finger. If your gold jewelry has no soft stones like pearls, you can add 2-3 drops of ammonia for extra cleaning power.

Step 3: Soak Your Jewelry

Put your gold jewelry in the soapy water. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes. This soaking time helps loosen dirt and oil. Only clean one or two pieces at a time to prevent them from scratching each other.

Step 4: Gently Brush the Jewelry

Take the soft toothbrush and dip it in the soapy water. Gently brush your jewelry, paying attention to small spaces where dirt can hide. Brush under stones and in the chains. Be very gentle because gold is a soft metal that can scratch easily.

Step 5: Rinse with Clean Water

After brushing, rinse your jewelry with clean, warm water. Make sure all soap is gone. Be careful not to drop your jewelry down the drain. You can put a small strainer over the drain or rinse in a bowl.

Step 6: Dry Your Jewelry

Use a soft cloth to pat your jewelry dry. Do not rub hard. Let the jewelry air dry completely before wearing or storing it. Never use paper towels because they can scratch gold.

Your gold jewelry needs different amounts of cleaning based on how often you wear it. Just like your clothes need washing after wearing, your jewelry needs cleaning too. But how do you know when it is time to clean your gold pieces?

The answer depends on several things. If you wear a gold ring every day, it needs cleaning more often than a necklace you wear once a month. Jewelry that touches your skin a lot, like rings and bracelets, gets dirty faster. This is because our skin has natural oils that stick to gold and make it look dull over time.

As a general rule, clean your everyday gold jewelry once a month. For special pieces you wear less often, cleaning every 2-3 months is enough. If your jewelry looks dull or feels sticky, clean it right away. Also, take your gold jewelry to a professional jeweler once a year for deep cleaning and checking.

Keeping your gold jewelry clean between washings helps it stay beautiful longer. Here are simple things you can do every day to protect your gold pieces.

- Remove Jewelry Before Certain Activities: Take off your gold jewelry before swimming, showering, or cleaning the house. Pool water has chlorine that can damage gold. Soap and shampoo leave a film on jewelry that makes it dull.

- Put Jewelry On Last: When getting ready, put your gold jewelry on after you finish with makeup, perfume, and hair products. These products can stick to gold and make it dirty faster.

- Wipe Jewelry After Wearing: Use a soft cloth to wipe your gold jewelry each time you take it off. This removes oils and dirt before they build up.

- Store Jewelry Properly: Keep each piece of gold jewelry in a separate soft pouch or compartment. This prevents pieces from scratching each other. A jewelry box with fabric lining works well.

- Handle With Clean Hands: Always wash and dry your hands before putting on or taking off gold jewelry. Clean hands mean less dirt and oil on your jewelry.

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the right way to clean gold. Some cleaning methods and products can damage your precious jewelry forever.

- Never Use Toothpaste or Baking Soda: Many people think these products clean gold well, but they are too rough. They have tiny particles that scratch gold, especially high-karat gold which is very soft.

- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach, acetone, or other strong cleaners on gold jewelry. These chemicals can break down the metals mixed with gold and cause permanent damage or color changes.

- Don't Use Hot Water: Very hot water can loosen glue that holds stones in place. It can also damage some gemstones. Always use warm or room temperature water.

- Skip the Ultrasonic Cleaners at Home: While jewelers use special ultrasonic cleaners, home versions can be too strong. They can shake loose stones out of their settings or damage delicate pieces.

- Never Use Rough Materials: Paper towels, tissues, and rough cloths can scratch gold. Even though gold looks strong, it is actually quite soft. Always use soft cotton or microfiber cloths for drying and polishing.Horror Movies About Nuns