How to clean gold and leave it like new

Gold does not depreciate. So if you own any, you’ve already made a smart investment! But an important part of a good investment is taking care of your assets. For this reason, it is advisable to keep gold bright, shiny and clean. This is especially true for gold jewelry, since this type of gold is the one that maintains the most contact. If you have expensive gold jewelry, coins, or other valuables that you’d like to keep in good condition, read on to learn an easy and effective method of cleaning gold.

what will you need

In order to clear the gold, you will need to gather some specific supplies. You will need a large plastic bowl or container, some mild dish soap, a polishing cloth, vegetable or coconut oil, a spoon, a dry cloth, and cotton swabs. Also, don’t make the mistake of using baking soda instead of rinse aid. Baking soda is too abrasive and can scratch gold. Harsh chemicals and ammonia will also damage gold, so stay away from these substances. Keep in mind that your gold will require a slightly different cleaning approach if it is embedded with jewelry, such as rhinestones, rubies, diamonds, and pearls.

Here’s how to get started:

Fill your container or large plastic container with warm water.

Add a few drops of mild dish soap or detergent. Use your spoon to stir the water and make a foam.

Working with one piece at a time, submerge your gold item in the soapy water and use your fingers or a few cotton swabs to rub away any dirt and oil.

Note: Do not immerse watches in water unless they are fully waterproof. Even then, it may not be a good idea. Instead, dip a rag in the water and use it to clean the gold.

Remove your item from the container and rinse it under clean, lukewarm water. Dry it well with a clean, dry cloth. Do not use tissue. It is too brittle and will leave lint and debris all over the gold. You can also choose to air dry it overnight.

Once dry, use your polishing cloth to buff the shine back into your gold. Polish in straight, even lines for a uniform shine.

gold cleaning with ornaments

When it comes to cleaning decorations on your gold pieces, such as gems or pearls, you must be very careful. These are easily damaged, especially pearls. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives, and avoid using excessive force when cleaning. To clean gemstones and similar decorations, use a dry cloth and a drop of vegetable or coconut oil.