How to Fix Tarnished Gold: 5 Easy Ways to Clean Your Jewelry at Home

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Make your gold jewelry look new again with just a few household items
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Pure gold won’t tarnish, but most gold jewelry isn’t entirely pure. It’s often made up of a mixture of gold and other metals (called alloys), and these metals can tarnish over time. If your favorite piece of gold jewelry has started to tarnish, don’t panic! There are several easy and effective ways to clean your tarnished gold jewelry, and we’ll cover them all. We’ll also answer common FAQs and include insights from fine jewelry expert Nicole Wegman, so keep reading!

How to Untarnish Gold Jewelry (the Right Way)

  1. Fill a bowl with warm water.
  2. Add a few drops of dish soap and mix until suds form.
  3. Place your gold jewelry item into the bowl and let it soak for 15 minutes.
  4. Remove the item and gently scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  5. Rinse the item thoroughly under running water.
  6. Finally, dry your jewelry with a soft cloth.
Section 1 of 8:

How to Clean Tarnished Gold Jewelry with Dish Soap

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  1. If you have a piece of gold jewelry that’s tarnished, a little dish soap and water will usually do the trick. Grab a small bowl and fill it with 1–2 cups (240–470 ml) warm tap water, squirt in a few drops of dish soap, and mix everything with a spoon to create suds. [1]
    • Read the label on your dish soap before you use it to make sure that it’s free of phosphates, which tend to be too abrasive for gold.
  2. Gently drop your jewelry into the bowl and let it soak in the dish soap solution for at least 15 minutes. [2] This will loosen the dirt and grime so it’s easy to wipe off.
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  3. Pick your jewelry item up and gently scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. If the item is carved or embellished, take extra care to scrub inside any crevices or curves. [3] Gold can scratch pretty easily, so don't brush too aggressively—gentle back-and-forth motions should be enough!
    • If you don’t have a soft-bristled toothbrush, a cotton swab will work as well. [4]
  4. Put a colander or spaghetti strainer at the bottom of your sink to ensure that your jewelry won’t fall down the drain if you drop it. Then, rinse the jewelry under cool tap water until all the soap residue is gone. [5]
    • If you don’t have a colander or spaghetti strainer, empty out the bowl of soapy water and fill it with clean tap water to rinse out your jewelry. [6]
  5. Gold is a softer metal that scratches pretty easily, explains Wegman. [7] Because of this, a lint-free, microfiber cloth is the ideal option, but you can also use a T-shirt or a soft dish cloth. Don’t use a paper towel; they’re too abrasive and may cause scratches. [8] Carefully buff your jewelry with the cloth to dry it and remove any leftover tarnished bits.
    • And that’s it! Your jewelry should be shiny and as good as new.
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Section 2 of 8:

How to Clean Tarnished Gold with Toothpaste

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  1. Check the label and ingredient list of your toothpaste before using it to make sure it’s suitable for your jewelry. Since gold is easily scratched, it’s important to choose a smooth, non-abrasive toothpaste that doesn’t include baking soda or any other gritty ingredients. [9]
    • Disclaimer: Even if you use non-abrasive toothpaste, this method is a bit riskier than the dish soap method and can cause some scratching. [10] Because of this, it’s best to proceed with caution and try the dish soap method first, if possible.
  2. Diluting the toothpaste in this way will help reduce the risk of scratching. Apply the mixture to your piece of gold jewelry, then gently scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush for about one minute. [11]
  3. Rinse the jewelry under cool tap water until all the toothpaste residue is gone. Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to polish and buff the item gently until it is dry and free of any leftover tarnish. [12]
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Section 3 of 8:

How to Clean Gold Jewelry with Baking Soda

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  1. Use enough hot water to completely cover your jewelry items so they’ll be entirely submerged when you put them in the bowl. [13]
    • Disclaimer: Baking soda can be a bit abrasive, which means it’s more likely to scratch gold jewelry than the dish soap method. Exercise this method with caution, and try the dish soap method first if possible. Do not use this method on gold jewelry that has gemstones, as it can damage them. [14]
  2. Make sure the jewelry is touching the foil at the bottom of the bowl and that it’s completely submerged under the water. [15] Let the jewelry soak for 5-10 minutes. [16]
  3. Remove your gold jewelry item from the bowl and rinse it under cool water. Rub the item gently with a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to dry it and remove any leftover tarnished bits. [17]
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Section 4 of 8:

How to Clean Gold Jewelry with Ammonia

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  1. Mix everything together with a spoon until suds form. Ammonia can irritate the skin, so you’ll need to wear rubber gloves to complete this cleaning process. It also has a strong odor, so work in a well-ventilated area. [18]
    • Disclaimer: Don’t use more ammonia than recommended, and don’t use this cleaning method too frequently. Ammonia is very effective at cleaning gold, but it's harsh and may cause damage if overused. [19] Don’t use this method on gold jewelry with delicate gemstones, as it can damage them. [20]
  2. Carefully place your gold jewelry into the ammonia solution so it doesn’t splash. Let the item soak in the solution for about 10 seconds. [21]
  3. Remove the item from the bowl and gently scrub each tarnished section with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hold the item over the bowl while you do this, so the solution drips back down into the bowl rather than onto your counter. [22]
    • Make sure that you keep your rubber gloves on while handling the gold to protect your skin.
  4. Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the item under cool water for 30-45 seconds, rotating it to ensure that each area gets thoroughly rinsed. Finally, let the item air dry on a dry towel.
  5. Scrub any materials that came in contact with ammonia with dish soap and a clean sponge. Ammonia is dangerous, so you’ll want to ensure that you’ve removed all of it from any materials that you plan to use in the future. [23]
    • Immediately handwash your materials even if you plan on throwing them in the dishwasher later as well. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
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Section 5 of 8:

How to Clean Gold Jewelry with Commercial Jewelry Cleaners

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  1. Commercial cleaning products are specially formulated to clean jewelry and they are generally safe to use on gold. Wegman recommends washing your items in jewelry cleaner and warm water on a weekly basis to keep them looking fresh and tarnish-free. [24]
    • Exercise caution when using commercial jewelry cleaners that contain ammonia or other harsh chemicals, as they can damage certain delicate gemstones. [25]
    • Follow the directions listed on the label of the specific jewelry cleaning product you’ve purchased. Each product may require a slightly different cleaning process.
Section 6 of 8:

How to Clean Gold Jewelry with Gemstones or Diamonds

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  1. Be extra gentle and careful when cleaning gold jewelry with precious or semi-precious gemstones. Harsh cleaning methods can damage the stones themselves, and warm water can even cause the stones to fall off if they’re attached to the jewelry with adhesives or glue. [26]
    • Hard gemstones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and quartz are a bit more durable and safer to clean.
    • Soft gemstones like pearls, opals, jade, and aquamarine are easier to damage, so take extra care when cleaning gold jewelry with these stones. [27]
  2. To avoid damaging the gemstone, try cleaning only the tarnished parts of the gold itself. Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap, then dampen a cotton swab or soft-bristled toothbrush in the soapy solution. Gently rub it into the tarnished parts of the gold to scrub away the grime and debris. Rinse the jewelry with cool water and thoroughly dry it with a soft microfiber cloth. [28]
    • Don’t soak a piece of jewelry with gemstones in any kind of cleaning solution, as this can damage the gems. [29]
  3. A professional jeweler will be able to clean your tarnished jewelry without damaging the gemstone. They’ll also be able to give you advice about future care and let you know which DIY cleaning methods are safe for the gemstone. [30]
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Section 7 of 8:

Things to Avoid When Cleaning Gold Jewelry

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  1. Regular dish soap is the best option for DIY jewelry cleaning. Avoid using harsh household cleaners like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar, as they can easily damage gold and gemstones. [31]
  2. Gold is a soft, malleable metal, so it gets scratched easily. To avoid damage, don’t use soaps that have gritty or abrasive ingredients to clean your gold jewelry. [32]
    • For example, if you’re making a soapy solution of gentle hand soap and water to clean your jewelry, make sure the hand soap doesn’t have any exfoliating beads in it. These beads may leave scratches on your jewelry.
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Section 8 of 8:

Gold Jewelry FAQs

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  1. Pure gold does not tarnish, but most gold jewelry is not made of 100% pure gold. Gold is a pretty soft and malleable metal, so it’s often combined with other metals (called alloys) to increase its durability. [33] These other metal alloys can tarnish, which is why gold jewelry sometimes appears tarnished over time.
    • The ratio of gold to other metal alloys is measured in karats. Each individual karat represents 1/24 of the whole unit of gold.
    • For example, if the gold used to make a piece of jewelry is 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts other metal alloys, it is 14-karat gold. [34]
    • The higher the karat of your gold, the less likely it will be to tarnish.
    • A piece of 24-karat gold jewelry (entirely pure gold) will not tarnish since there are no other metal alloys in it.
  2. Yes, 14-karat gold can appear tarnished because it is a blend of pure gold and other metal alloys, which are susceptible to tarnishing. For example, gold is often alloyed with copper and silver, which can undergo subtle color changes as a result of oxidation. [35]
  3. No, tarnishing does not necessarily indicate that a piece of gold jewelry is fake. Pure gold will not tarnish, but most pieces of gold jewelry are made of a combination of gold and other metal alloys to increase toughness and durability. Your gold item may be tarnished due to the presence of these other alloys, not because the gold itself is fake. [36]
  4. Yes, it is possible to clean tarnished gold using one of the above methods. If you’re having trouble cleaning your gold jewelry on your own, you can also take it to a professional jewelry cleaner. They’ll be able to clean your item and get it looking good as new.
    • Professional cleaning is also a good option if you have an especially delicate, fine, or expensive piece of jewelry and you’re worried about damaging it with DIY cleaning methods. [37]
  5. To prevent your gold jewelry from tarnishing, Wegmen recommends keeping it dry and removing it before showering, working out, and sleeping. [38] If your jewelry does get wet, dry it immediately with a soft microfiber cloth.
    • Consider investing in a jewelry box with separate compartments to store your gold jewelry as well.
    • Storing each piece of gold jewelry in its own compartment will help prevent the delicate metal from getting scratched against other pieces of jewelry.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Why is my gold jewelry tarnishing?
    Nicole Wegman
    Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge
    Nicole Wegman is the Founder and CEO of Ring Concierge, a New York City-based fine jewelry brand. Specializing in engagement ring and wedding band trends, Ring Concierge creates a luxury experience catered towards millennials. Ring Concierge offers engagement rings along with earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. Nicole's work and Ring Concierge have been featured in Vogue, Glamour, Who What Wear, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and Cosmopolitan. Nicole is a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Accredited Jewelry Professional and holds a BS in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University.
    Nicole Wegman
    Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge
    Expert Answer
    Gold won't actually tarnish. However, if your gold jewelry is mixed with another metal—like rose gold, which is often made to look pink by adding copper to gold—then that other jewelry might tarnish.
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      Things You’ll Need

      How to Clean Tarnished Gold Jewelry with Dish Soap

      • Dish soap
      • Bowl
      • Strainer or colander
      • Soft cloth

      How to Clean Tarnished Gold Jewelry with Toothpaste

      • Non-abrasive toothpaste
      • Water
      • Soft-bristled toothbrush
      • Bowl
      • Soft microfiber cloth

      How to Clean Gold Jewelry with Baking Soda

      • Baking soda
      • Aluminum foil
      • Small bowl
      • Fork or tongs
      • Strainer or colander

      How to Clean Gold Jewelry with Ammonia

      • Rubber gloves
      • Glass container
      • Water
      • Dish soap
      • Ammonia
      • Spoon
      • Tongs
      • Toothbrush
      • Sponge

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/clean-fake-jewelry
      2. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/home/how-to-clean-gold-jewelry
      3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-jewelry/
      4. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/clean-fake-jewelry
      5. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/home/how-to-clean-gold-jewelry
      6. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/homemade-jewelry-cleaner-7564418
      7. ↑ Nicole Wegman. Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
      8. ↑ Nicole Wegman. Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
      9. ↑ https://www.dhirsonsjewellers.in/blogs/news/how-to-clean-gold-jewelry-at-home
      1. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/youve-been-cleaning-your-jewelry-all-wrong/
      2. ↑ https://www.goldfunction.com/clean-gold-jewelry-with-toothpaste/
      3. ↑ https://www.goldfunction.com/clean-gold-jewelry-with-toothpaste/
      4. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diy-jewelry-cleaning-recipe-37130501
      5. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/clean-fake-jewelry
      6. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diy-jewelry-cleaning-recipe-37130501
      7. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/260566/allies-homemade-jewelry-cleaner/
      8. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/260566/allies-homemade-jewelry-cleaner/
      9. ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/chemical_terrorism/ammonia_general.htm
      10. ↑ https://www.cleaningservicenewyorkcity.com/safely-cleaning-jewelry.html
      11. ↑ https://www.gemsociety.org/article/clean-gemstone-jewelry/
      12. ↑ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/house-home/diy/how-to-clean-jewelry-using-common-household-items
      13. ↑ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/house-home/diy/how-to-clean-jewelry-using-common-household-items
      14. ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/chemical_terrorism/ammonia_general.htm
      15. ↑ Nicole Wegman. Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
      16. ↑ https://www.gemsociety.org/article/clean-gemstone-jewelry/
      17. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/clean-fake-jewelry
      18. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/youve-been-cleaning-your-jewelry-all-wrong/
      19. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/clean-fake-jewelry
      20. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/home/how-to-clean-gold-jewelry
      21. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/clean-fake-jewelry
      22. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/homemade-jewelry-cleaner-7564418
      23. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/home/how-to-clean-gold-jewelry
      24. ↑ https://www.brilliantearth.com/engagement-rings/buying-guide/precious-metals/
      25. ↑ https://www.brilliantearth.com/engagement-rings/buying-guide/precious-metals/
      26. ↑ https://www.harpercrown.com/blogs/topics/will-14k-gold-tarnish-what-you-should-know
      27. ↑ https://www.larsonjewelers.com/pages/can-gold-tarnish
      28. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/clean-fake-jewelry
      29. ↑ Nicole Wegman. Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
      30. ↑ Nicole Wegman. Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If your gold jewelry has tarnished, you can usually get the stains off with soap and water. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Stir the water with a spoon to mix the soap in thoroughly. Put the gold object in the bowl and let it soak for at least 15 minutes to loosen tarnish and grime. Take the item out of the water and lightly scrub it with a soft-bristle toothbrush, using a gentle back-and-forth motion. You can also use a soft cloth, like an old t-shirt or dish towel. Rinse the item under clean, running water to wash away any remaining dirt and soap residue, then gently dry and polish it with a clean, soft cloth. Keep reading for expert tips on how to get rid of tough stains with baking soda!

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