How to Clean and Care for Your Solid Gold Jewellery
Solid gold is made to last. That is the beauty of it. But just like your favourite leather or denim, it still deserves a little care along the way. Here is everything you need to keep your gold looking exactly as it did on day one.
Why cleaning your gold jewellery matters
Gold does not tarnish or rust, but it does attract oils, perspiration, cosmetics and everyday dust. Over time this invisible buildup settles into the surface of the metal and around any gemstone settings, dulling the natural brilliance that made you fall for the piece in the first place.
The good news is that solid 9ct gold responds beautifully to gentle cleaning at home. Because there is no plating to wear away, you can clean solid gold regularly without risk, and the results are immediate. A piece that looks dull can be back to its original shine in under ten minutes.
Everyday care tips for solid gold
- Put it on last. Jewellery should be the last thing you put on, after skincare, perfume, sunscreen and makeup. These can all affect the finish over time.
- Store it right. Keep each piece in a soft pouch or separate box. Solid gold will not tarnish, but it can pick up tiny scuffs if left loose with other pieces.
- Take it off sometimes. Gold handles a lot, but remove it before swimming, the gym, or anything involving chemicals or hard surfaces.
What you need to clean gold jewellery
You do not need specialist equipment. Everything required is likely already in your home:
- Mild dish soap, just a few drops
- Warm water, not hot
- A soft-bristled toothbrush (a baby toothbrush works perfectly)
- A lint-free microfibre cloth for drying and buffing
- A small bowl for soaking
- Optional: a jewellery polishing cloth for a final shine
The most important rule is gentleness. Soft materials only, nothing abrasive or textured that could scratch the metal or disturb a gemstone setting.
How to clean solid gold at home, step by step
Follow these steps for a safe, effective clean that restores shine without any risk to your piece.
- Add a few drops of mild dish soap to a small bowl of warm (not hot) water and stir gently.
- Place your gold jewellery in the solution and let it soak for five to ten minutes. This loosens oils and buildup without any scrubbing.
- Using your soft toothbrush, gently work around the piece, paying attention to crevices, chain links, and the underside of settings where dirt gathers most.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water. Make sure all soap is removed, as leftover residue can leave a film that dulls the finish.
- Pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Do not rub hard, gentle pressure is all you need.
- Buff lightly with a polishing cloth if you have one, working in small circular motions to bring back the shine.
Ten minutes, once a month. That is all it takes to keep solid gold looking its best.
Caring for gold jewellery with gemstones
Most gemstones, including lab grown diamonds and citrine, are safe to clean with the warm soapy water method above. Diamonds are among the hardest materials on earth and handle water and gentle soap with ease. Some stones need a little more care:
- Pearls - clean with only a damp soft cloth. No soaking, no soap. Pearls are organic and water can erode their surface over time.
- Opals - porous and sensitive to temperature change. Wipe with a barely damp cloth only.
- Coral and turquoise - avoid water or chemical exposure. Wipe dry only.
- Lab grown diamonds and citrine - safe for the standard warm soapy water method.
When in doubt, a dry soft cloth is always the safest first step for any gemstone.
What to avoid when cleaning gold
What you avoid matters as much as the method. These can erode gold alloys, damage gemstones, or leave permanent marks:
- Bleach and chlorine
- Alcohol or hand sanitiser
- Toothpaste
- Baking soda
- Vinegar or lemon juice
- Boiling or very hot water
- Abrasive cloths or paper towel
A note on viral cleaning hacks: methods involving toothpaste, bicarbonate soda or cola are genuinely harmful to gold. Their abrasive or acidic nature can cause microscopic scratching that dulls the surface permanently.
How often should you clean gold jewellery?
The right frequency depends on how often you wear a piece and how much contact it has with skin, products and the environment. As a simple guide: a quick weekly wipe with a microfibre cloth after wear; a full monthly clean with warm soapy water for pieces worn daily; and a yearly professional check for settings, clasps and overall condition, particularly for pieces with diamonds.
When to see a professional jeweller
Home cleaning handles the vast majority of everyday maintenance, but a professional is the right call when: the piece has significant sentimental or monetary value and you are unsure about cleaning it yourself; a stone appears loose or a setting feels different; there are deep scratches a cloth cannot address; or clasps and links feel weakened. A professional clean usually includes an ultrasonic and steam clean, a polish, and a check of all settings, and takes around thirty minutes.
About solid gold and tarnish
All Glasaje jewellery is crafted from solid 9ct gold or sterling silver, with no plating and no fading. Solid gold does not tarnish, but it can look dull if oils and products build up on the surface. A quick clean every month keeps it looking its best. Every piece is also covered by our 12-month warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Does solid gold tarnish?
No. Solid gold does not tarnish. It may appear dull over time due to oil and product buildup, but this is easily removed with warm soapy water. The gold itself does not change.
Can I clean solid gold jewellery with water?
Yes. Solid gold is completely water safe. Unlike gold plated jewellery, there is no coating to be stripped by water. Warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap is the recommended cleaning solution.
Can I wear solid gold jewellery in the shower?
Yes. Solid 9ct gold is water safe and will not be damaged by showering. Soap and shampoo buildup can dull the surface over time, so a quick wipe after showering keeps pieces looking their best.
How do I clean a gold chain or necklace at home?
Soak in warm soapy water for five to ten minutes, then use a soft toothbrush to gently clean along the links. Rinse well under warm water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Can I use toothpaste to clean gold jewellery?
No. Toothpaste is mildly abrasive and can cause microscopic scratching on the surface of gold, dulling its finish over time. It can also damage softer gemstones. Use mild dish soap and warm water instead.
What should I avoid when cleaning gold jewellery?
Avoid toothpaste, bleach, alcohol, baking soda, vinegar and abrasive cloths. These can scratch the surface or, in the case of bleach, cause permanent damage to gold alloys.
Can I clean gold jewellery with lab grown diamonds at home?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are physically identical to mined diamonds and among the hardest materials on earth. They are safe to clean with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush. Learn more about our lab grown diamonds here.
