How to Polish Gold the Right Way

Keep your gold rings and jewelry looking brand new

Gold is a beautiful but soft precious metal that requires gentle polishing to keep it looking shiny and new. If the gold is in fairly good condition, it’s easy to clean and polish at home with some dish soap and water. For this article, we interviewed jeweler Kennon Young to teach you everything you need to know about the safest way to polish gold. Plus, learn how often you should polish gold, when to have it cleaned by a professional jeweler, how to protect it from damage, and get answers to other common questions about polishing gold.

How to Polish Gold at Home

  1. Soak the gold in a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
  2. Gently scrub the gold with a soft, baby-sized toothbrush.
  3. Rinse the gold in clean, lukewarm water.
  4. Pat the gold dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
  5. Buff the gold with a jeweler’s cloth to make it shiny.
Section 1 of 5:

Safest Way to Polish Gold

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  1. Fill a bowl with warm—not hot—water and mix in a few drops of a mild dish soap, like Dawn. Submerge your gold into the mixture, and allow it to soak for a few minutes. To remove scratches, consider adding a few drops of ammonia to the mixture as well, but don’t let the gold soak for longer than a minute. [1]
    • If your gold jewelry also has gemstones, skip this step, as submerging the piece could damage or loosen the gems. It’s better to use a brush to clean the gold around the gems instead.
    • Do not use any soap other than mild dish soap, as the ingredients may tarnish or otherwise damage the gold. Similarly, avoid using chlorine (like in chlorine bleach), as this can permanently damage and discolor gold.
    • If you choose to add ammonia, be sure to wear gloves and avoid contact with your skin.
  2. A new, baby-sized soft-bristle toothbrush is ideal. Gently scrub the gold to remove dirty and grime; it isn’t necessary to apply much pressure. Make sure to get into the crevices of the gold, and avoid scrubbing gemstones if there are any. [2]
    • Remember, gold is a soft metal, so applying too much pressure could scratch or damage it.
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  3. Fill another bowl with clean, lukewarm water and submerge the gold to rinse it off. Make sure all the dirt, grime, and soap residue has been removed. Inspect the gold to see if you’re happy with the outcome. If not, repeat the cleaning process until you’re satisfied. [3]
    • If your gold has gemstones, dampen a soft cloth to rinse away the residue rather than submerging the piece in water.
  4. For the best results, use a lint-free cotton cloth to gently pat the gold dry. Avoid using paper towels or other rough materials to dry the gold, as they may scratch the surface. If you don’t have a soft cloth available, allow the gold to air dry. [4]
    • Young says to “Make sure it's dried very well. You don't want to leave either residue or sitting water on the surface of jewelry.”
  5. Use a polishing cloth to gently wipe off the surface of the gold to remove any remaining debris. If there isn’t any debris or dust left, go over the piece a few times to further brighten the gold. [5]
    • Purchase a jeweler's cloth online, at a jewelry store, or at some supermarkets, like Walmart.
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Section 2 of 5:

How Often to Polish Gold

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  1. Polishing gold jewelry too often can remove a thin layer on the piece’s surface, which may weaken and wear down your jewelry over time. To avoid this, do a full polish only once or twice a year. It’s okay to use a polishing cloth to do a touch-up every few months, however. [6]
    • If you’re just cleaning the gold rather than polishing, it’s generally okay to do so every 2-3 weeks to remove dirt and oil build-up.
Section 3 of 5:

When to Have Gold Professionally Cleaned

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  1. Polishing your gold at home should be enough if it’s just a bit dirty or dull. If it has deep scratches, loose gemstones, or is particularly old or delicate, however, it’s best to visit a jeweler to have it professionally cleaned. Jewelers can also examine the gold for additional damage. [7]
    • If your gold jewelry also has gemstones, it’s recommended to visit a jeweler so you don’t accidentally damage the gems while attempting to polish the gold.
    EXPERT TIP

    Kennon Young

    Master Gemologist Appraiser
    Kennon Young is a Master Gemologist Appraiser and the Owner of Vermont Gemological Laboratory in Burlington, Vermont. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Kennon and his team specialize in handmade engagement rings, wedding bands, and custom jewelry. He attended the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts, the Gemological Institute of America, and the Rhode Island School of Design Extension. He is a Jewelers of America (JA) Certified Bench Jeweler Technician and received the highest credential in the jewelry appraisal industry, the ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser, in 2016.
    Kennon Young
    Master Gemologist Appraiser

    If your gold has visible scratches, take it to a professional. Even the deepest scratches can be removed with laser welders these days. The scratches can be filled in, sanded, and polished clean so you’ll never notice them. Scratches can be polished out of gold, but it’s not something that you can usually do at home.

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Section 4 of 5:

How to Protect Your Gold

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  1. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause gold to fade or become discolored. This is especially true if your gold piece contains alloys of other metals. To keep your gold looking its best, store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. A jewelry box or pouch may be best. [8]
  2. Water can damage gold, especially if it’s exposed to moisture for a long time. Be sure to remove any gold items before getting in the pool, as the chlorine can dull the metal. [9] Take your gold off before getting in the shower, as well.
  3. Do not wear gold jewelry when you will be taking part in an activity that causes you to sweat. Sweat is acidic, and it can damage gold. If taking off the gold during activity isn't possible, make sure to wipe it off as soon as possible with a soft cloth. [10]
  4. Certain cosmetic items can cause damage to gold, like lotion. Other items that could cause damage are hairspray and perfume. You can use these items while wearing gold, but make sure that the two materials don't make contact. [11]
    • Don’t stress if you accidentally put on lotion while wearing gold; it’s easy to clean. Young says, “If you think about what's getting stuck in jewelry, it's typically hand lotion and oils that come off the skin. One of the best things to clean [jewelry with] is dish soap. So I would use a bowl of warm water, just a drop of dish soap, and a small toothbrush like a child's toothbrush [to remove the oils].”
  5. You don't have to stay still at all times when wearing gold, but it helps to be mindful of what you're doing. Try to avoid bumping into things and hitting the gold up against other objects. Being careful will prevent scratches and damage to the surface fo the gold. [12]
    • Rubbing up against other pieces of jewelry can also scratch gold, so store each piece separately if possible.
  6. It is tempting to show off your beautiful gold as much as possible, but try to limit its use. Wearing gold frequently increases your chances of scratching or tarnishing it. Instead save expensive or delicate gold for special occasions to help extend the piece’s lifespan. [13]
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Section 5 of 5:

Polishing Gold FAQs

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  1. Baking soda is abrasive, so it could scratch the gold if you attempt to polish or clean with it. Most jewelers advise against polishing with baking soda. Instead, opt for a mild dish soap and warm water solution. [14]
  2. Vinegar is acidic, so it can tarnish gold , especially if the piece is alloyed with other metals. Instead of polishing or cleaning gold with vinegar, use mild dish soap and water instead. [15]
  3. If you’re not sure how to properly care for the gemstones, talk to a jeweler before attempting to clean and polish the gold on your own. In general, though, make a solution of mild dish soap and water and use a soft brush to clean the gold around the gemstones, being careful not to dislodge them. Do not soak the gold in the solution. [16]
    • It’s generally okay to clean gold with diamonds the same way you would plain gold. Young says, “Diamond jewelry is going to be set in gold or platinum. So the bowl of warm water, a drop of dish soap, and a child's toothbrush is going to be your best bet there.”
  4. Toothpaste often contains baking soda or other abrasive ingredients; it isn’t a good option for polishing gold, as it may leave microscratches. As mentioned above, clean and polish the gold with a mixture of mild dish soap and water instead. [17]
  5. If your gold still lacks luster or isn’t as shiny as you want, it may be time to have it professionally cleaned and polished by a jeweler. Jewelers have the tools and expertise to buff out scratches and restore shine without damaging the gold. [18]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you polish scratches out of gold?
    Kennon Young
    Master Gemologist Appraiser
    Kennon Young is a Master Gemologist Appraiser and the Owner of Vermont Gemological Laboratory in Burlington, Vermont. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Kennon and his team specialize in handmade engagement rings, wedding bands, and custom jewelry. He attended the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts, the Gemological Institute of America, and the Rhode Island School of Design Extension. He is a Jewelers of America (JA) Certified Bench Jeweler Technician and received the highest credential in the jewelry appraisal industry, the ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser, in 2016.
    Kennon Young
    Master Gemologist Appraiser
    Expert Answer
    If you're visually seeing scratches, you really need to have the jewelry professionally buffed. Even the deepest scratches can be removed with laser welders these days. They literally fill in the scratches, and the piece can then be sanded and polished so you'll never notice it.
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  • Question
    How do you remove tarnish from gold?
    Kennon Young
    Master Gemologist Appraiser
    Kennon Young is a Master Gemologist Appraiser and the Owner of Vermont Gemological Laboratory in Burlington, Vermont. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Kennon and his team specialize in handmade engagement rings, wedding bands, and custom jewelry. He attended the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts, the Gemological Institute of America, and the Rhode Island School of Design Extension. He is a Jewelers of America (JA) Certified Bench Jeweler Technician and received the highest credential in the jewelry appraisal industry, the ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser, in 2016.
    Kennon Young
    Master Gemologist Appraiser
    Expert Answer
    Gold will only tarnish after 50-60 years. If you have gold that's old enough to be tarnished, removing the tarnish will most likely devalue the gold as the tarnish is showing its antiquity, so don't detarnish gold.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      • Store gold jewelry in a cotton-lined box at a moderate temperature.
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      • Take the gold to a professional if you aren't satisfied with the results. A professional will know how to use an abrasive properly to take off the first layer of gold.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-clean-your-sterling-silver-gold-jewelry-home-t128503
      2. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-clean-and-polish-gold-jewellery-at-home.html
      3. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-clean-and-polish-gold-jewellery-at-home.html
      4. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-clean-and-polish-gold-jewellery-at-home.html
      5. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-clean-and-polish-gold-jewellery-at-home.html
      6. ↑ https://www.jewelrynotes.com/how-to-remove-scratches-from-gold-jewelry/
      7. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-gold-7557639
      8. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-clean-your-sterling-silver-gold-jewelry-home-t128503
      9. ↑ https://www.koserjewelers.com/blog-post/is-it-ok-to-wear-fine-jewelry-in-the-pool
      1. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-clean-your-sterling-silver-gold-jewelry-home-t128503
      2. ↑ https://www.purewow.com/home/how-to-clean-gold-jewelry
      3. ↑ http://www.jewelrynotes.com/how-to-remove-scratches-from-gold-jewelry/
      4. ↑ http://www.jewelrynotes.com/how-to-remove-scratches-from-gold-jewelry/
      5. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-gold-7557639
      6. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/youve-been-cleaning-your-jewelry-all-wrong/
      7. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-gold-7557639
      8. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-gold-7557639
      9. ↑ https://www.purewow.com/home/how-to-clean-gold-jewelry

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To do a routine polish of your gold, start by soaking it in a mixture of water, baking soda, and dish soap. After a few minutes, scrub the gold with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and then rinse it off with warm water. Finally, use a soft cloth to dry the gold and a jeweler’s cloth to finish up the polishing. If your gold has scratches that need removing, mix water and ammonia in a bowl and soak the gold in the solution for 1 minute. Then, dry the gold with a tissue or let it air dry and repeat the process if necessary. To learn how to protect your gold from scratches, keep reading!

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