Clean jewelry is a sign of good hygiene, but it’s also a great way to make your pieces look brand new. Over time, even the best gold jewelry will lose its sheen, especially if it’s worn often and gets exposed to everyday elements like oils from your skin or chlorine in a swimming pool. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to restore your favorite pieces to their original lustre. All you need is a few common household items.
A basic mild dish soap is safe for most gold jewelry and can be used to remove dirt, grime, and everyday oil build-up. Just mix a bit of soap with warm water in a shallow bowl and soak your piece for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Another quick and easy DIY cleaner is a solution of one part white vinegar with two parts warm water. Soak your piece for a minute and then gently scrub it with a soft brush. Rinse and dry as usual. It’s important to note that these at-home solutions aren’t recommended for rings studded with gemstones or pearls, as the acid from the vinegar could harm the delicate stones.
If you’re looking for a more in-depth cleaning, use a gentle scouring pad or toothbrush (preferably one with soft bristles, as the hard-bristled ones can scratch your jewellery) and warm soapy water to remove any embedded dirt or grime in recessed areas of your piece. You can also clean highly carved gold jewellery with an eyebrow brush, which is a gentler option that won’t leave scratches. how to clean gold ring