Gold jewellery requires regular cleaning to keep it looking bright and shiny. However, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners, silver polish, or abrasive scrub brushes can prevent damage to delicate gems and gold overlays.
Instead, try a mild dishwashing soap to clean your 14k gold. Be sure to use a bowl of warm water for rinsing so you don’t accidentally drop your pieces down the drain!
Soak
A gold jewellery cleaner dip bath works very well for cleaning most pieces of gold jewelry, including those with stones. Its wetting agents penetrate dirt and ensure a fast clean-up without the use of harsh chemicals. Simply immerse your jewellery into the gold cleaner bath and leave it for a few minutes. Then rinse with water and your jewellery will shine bright again.
You can also clean your jewellery with mild dishwashing soap and water. Add a drop or two of soap to a bowl of warm water and soak your jewellery for about 10 minutes. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Don’t soak gemstone-studded jewellery in this solution, however, as the water can cause them to rust or discolour. Instead, use a soft brush like an old toothbrush or eyebrow brush to gently scrub any nooks and crannies. Then rinse and let the piece dry completely before putting it back in storage. It is important to regularly clean your jewellery as it can easily be scratched, especially if you wear it often or if you are physically active.
Brush
While soaking is the most effective method for cleaning gold jewellery at home, regular brushing will also help. This will not only keep the metal looking shiny and new, but it will also remove grime that accumulates on your jewellery over time.
A mild soap and water combination is the best option for a gentle cleaning solution. Combine warm or lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap in a shallow bowl, and then add your jewellery to soak for 10-15 minutes. It’s best to clean one piece of jewellery at a time to avoid scratching.
This method will work for most gold jewellery, but it won’t be suitable for pearls or semi-precious gemstones. If you have these types of stones, visit your local jeweller to ensure that the cleaning process won’t damage them. Many jewellers have the tools necessary to clean all sorts of ornaments, including using ultrasonic or steam cleaners. They can also advise you on the best method for your specific gemstones and metals.
Rinse
A simple soap solution is safe for most gold jewellery pieces, including those with stones. Mix a bit of liquid dish soap (like Dawn) into warm, not boiling water, and let your jewelry soak for anywhere from five to ten minutes. A clean brush is helpful for scrubbing the piece to loosen dirt in tight settings and details.
This method is best for general wear-and-tear and mild stains or tarnish, but not a good choice for more serious buildup or rust. It may not be strong enough to remove gemstones, either.
You can also purchase a jewellery cleaner specifically made for gold, which is gentle enough to use on any metals and gemstones. Just make sure that it’s labeled as safe for gold and that the cleaner is corrosive-free. If you have sensitive skin, consider getting a scent-free version. This is an effective and economical way to get your jewelry looking great! Just make sure that your jewellery isn’t soaking for too long; it could damage the stone or the setting.
Dry
Gold jewellery studded with gemstones is a delight to own, but you have to be careful when cleaning such pieces. Never soak a gold ornament that contains gemstones in water, as this can trap the moisture and cause your precious gem to discolour or rust. You can still use a soap and water solution, but make sure that you brush the piece carefully with a new baby toothbrush to avoid scratching the stone settings.
Alternatively, you can use a commercial jewellery cleaner that is designed for gold jewellery. These are usually pre-mixed with water and come with specific instructions on how to use them. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Typically, you will soak the gold jewellery in the solution for about 15 minutes before rinsing and brushing gently. After the brushing, you should rinse again and dry the jewelry with a soft cloth. This is the safest and most effective way of cleaning your jewellery at home.