Cleaning Jewellery at Home

Written By Faye Leeke

How to Care for Gold Jewellery at Home: A Simple Guide to Keep Your Precious Pieces Shining

Gold jewellery is timeless, elegant, and a symbol of luxury. Whether it’s a cherished pair of earrings, a delicate bracelet, or a treasured family heirloom, gold has the remarkable ability to last for generations. However, like any valuable possession, it requires proper care to maintain its shine and brilliance. You don’t have to be a professional jeweller to keep your gold looking its best. With a few easy at-home cleaning and maintenance tips, you can ensure your gold jewellery stays as brilliant as ever.

1. How to clean your gold jewellery at home

Gold jewellery can accumulate dust, oils, and dirt over time, dulling its shine. Regular cleaning is essential to restore its lustre.

You will need:

  • Bowl

  • Warm water

  • Mild dish soap

  • Soft brush (tooth brush works well)

  • Kitchen Roll

Steps to Clean Your Gold Jewellery:

1. Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Stir to create a gentle soapy solution.

2. Soak the Jewellery: Place your gold jewellery in the soapy water and let it soak for about 10-15 minutes. This will loosen any dirt or oils stuck to the surface.

3. Gently Scrub: After soaking, use a soft brush (like a toothbrush) to gently scrub the jewellery. Pay attention to any intricate details, ensuring you get into all the crevices.

4. Rinse and Dry: After cleaning, rinse your jewellery with clean water and gently pat it dry with kitchen roll. Avoid using rough materials that could scratch the surface.

Tip: For jewellery with stones, be sure to check if the stones are secured before cleaning.


2. Store Your Gold Jewellery Properly

Proper storage is key to preventing scratches, tarnishing, and other damage. Gold is a relatively soft metal, so it’s important to store your jewellery carefully.

  • Use Individual Pouches or Boxes: Store each piece of jewellery in its own soft pouch or a separate compartment in a jewellery box. This prevents pieces from rubbing against each other and causing scratches.

  • Avoid Exposure to Chemicals: Keep your jewellery away from harsh chemicals, such as perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products. These can cause discolouration or damage to the metal over time.

  • Store in a Dry Place: Humidity can cause gold to tarnish, so store your jewellery in a dry area. A cool, dark place is ideal to prevent wear and tear.


3. Polish Your Gold Jewellery

Gold jewellery naturally loses some of its shine over time. Regular polishing can help restore its gleam and keep it looking as good as new.

What You’ll Need:

  • A polishing cloth (preferably one designed for gold)

  • A jewellery cleaning solution (optional)

Steps to Polish Your Gold Jewellery:

1. Use a Gold Polishing Cloth: Gently rub your gold jewellery with a gold polishing cloth. These cloths are designed to remove tarnish and enhance the natural shine of gold.

2. Be Gentle: Avoid using excessive force, as this could scratch the surface. Simply buff the jewellery gently in circular motions.

3. Professional Polishing: We advise you get your jewellery looked at professionally and cleaned every 6-12months

4. Avoid Wearing Gold Jewellery During Certain Activities

Gold is a soft metal, and while its durable, it can be prone to scratching or damage under certain conditions. To prevent wear and tear, remove your jewellery during activities that may expose it to harsh conditions.

Avoid Physical Activities: Exercise, cleaning, or heavy lifting can cause your jewellery to get scratched or bent. It’s best to take it off during these activities.

Avoid Swimming: Chlorine in swimming pools can damage gold over time, so it’s advisable to remove your jewellery before swimming.

Be Cautious with Beauty Products: Hair sprays, lotions, and perfumes can build up on your gold jewellery, causing it to lose its shine. Make sure to wear your jewellery after applying these products, or wipe it clean if it comes into contact with them.


5. Get Your Jewellery Professionally Checked


Although at-home care is important, it’s a good idea to have your gold jewellery professionally checked from time to time. A jeweller can inspect your jewellery for loose settings, worn-down claws, or other issues that might not be visible to the naked eye.

When to Visit a Professional:

  • If you notice any loose stones or settings

  • If your gold jewellery is scratched or damaged

  • Once a year for a general check-up and professional cleaning


Gold jewellery is an investment, and with the right care, it can last for many years, even generations. By cleaning it regularly, storing it properly, and avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals or rough conditions, you can keep your gold jewellery looking as radiant as the day you first wore it. Remember, the key to preserving the beauty of your gold pieces is consistency, so take a few moments each week or month to care for your treasures, and they’ll continue to shine for years to come.

Faye Leeke