Download Article
Make your gold jewelry look new again with just a few household items
Download Article
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)
- Fill a bowl with warm water.
- Add a few drops of dish soap and mix until suds form.
- Place your gold jewelry item into the bowl and let it soak for 15 minutes.
- Remove the item and gently scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Rinse the item thoroughly under running water.
- Finally, dry your jewelry with a soft cloth.
Steps
Section 1 of 8:
How to Clean Tarnished Gold Jewelry with Dish Soap
Download Article
-
Add a few drops of mild dish soap to a bowl of warm water. 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] X Research source
- 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.
-
Soak your gold jewelry in the soapy water for 15 minutes. Gently drop your jewelry into the bowl and let it soak in the dish soap solution for at least 15 minutes. [2] X Research source This will loosen the dirt and grime so it’s easy to wipe off.Advertisement
-
Remove your jewelry and scrub it with a soft toothbrush. 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] X Research source 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] X Research source
-
Rinse the jewelry item under warm tap water to remove soap residue. 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] X Research source
- 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] X Research source
-
Dry your gold jewelry with a soft cloth. Gold is a softer metal that scratches pretty easily, explains Wegman. [7] X Expert Source Nicole Wegman
Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge Expert Interview. 23 April 2020. 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] X Expert Source Nicole Wegman
Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge Expert Interview. 23 April 2020. 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.
Advertisement
Section 2 of 8:
How to Clean Tarnished Gold with Toothpaste
Download Article
-
Choose a toothpaste with no abrasive particles. 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] X Research source
- 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] X Research source Because of this, it’s best to proceed with caution and try the dish soap method first, if possible.
-
Mix a small squirt of toothpaste with 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) water. 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] X Research source
-
Thoroughly rinse and dry the jewelry. 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] X Research source
Advertisement
Section 3 of 8:
How to Clean Gold Jewelry with Baking Soda
Download Article
-
Add 1 tbsp (17 g) baking soda to an aluminum foil-lined bowl of hot water. Use enough hot water to completely cover your jewelry items so they’ll be entirely submerged when you put them in the bowl. [13] X Research source
- 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] X Research source
-
Thoroughly rinse and dry the jewelry. 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] X Research source
Advertisement
Section 4 of 8:
How to Clean Gold Jewelry with Ammonia
Download Article
-
Fill a bowl with 1 cup (240 ml) warm water, 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) dish soap, and 1 ⁄ 2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ammonia. 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] X Research source
- 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] X Research source Don’t use this method on gold jewelry with delicate gemstones, as it can damage them. [20] X Research source
-
Drop your gold into the glass container for 10 seconds. 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] X Research source
-
Brush the jewelry item with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove tarnish. 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] X Research source
- Make sure that you keep your rubber gloves on while handling the gold to protect your skin.
-
Rinse the object under cold water and let it air dry. 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.
-
Wash your materials thoroughly with dish soap to remove the ammonia. 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] X Research source
- 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!
Advertisement
Section 6 of 8:
How to Clean Gold Jewelry with Gemstones or Diamonds
Download Article
-
Exercise caution when cleaning tarnished gold jewelry with gemstones. 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] X Research source
- 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] X Research source
-
Spot-clean tarnished parts of the gold jewelry with a dish soap solution. 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] X Research source
- Don’t soak a piece of jewelry with gemstones in any kind of cleaning solution, as this can damage the gems. [29] X Research source
-
If you’re worried about damaging gemstone jewelry, take it to a jeweler. 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] X Research source
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionWhy is my gold jewelry tarnishing?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.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.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
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
Tips
- If you have white gold jewelry, it may appear more yellow over time. That's because white gold is typically plated with rhodium, and that plating can wear off. [39] X Expert Source Nicole Wegman
Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/clean-fake-jewelry
- ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/home/how-to-clean-gold-jewelry
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-jewelry/
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/clean-fake-jewelry
- ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/home/how-to-clean-gold-jewelry
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/homemade-jewelry-cleaner-7564418
- ↑ Nicole Wegman. Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
- ↑ Nicole Wegman. Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.dhirsonsjewellers.in/blogs/news/how-to-clean-gold-jewelry-at-home
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/youve-been-cleaning-your-jewelry-all-wrong/
- ↑ https://www.goldfunction.com/clean-gold-jewelry-with-toothpaste/
- ↑ https://www.goldfunction.com/clean-gold-jewelry-with-toothpaste/
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diy-jewelry-cleaning-recipe-37130501
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/clean-fake-jewelry
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diy-jewelry-cleaning-recipe-37130501
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/260566/allies-homemade-jewelry-cleaner/
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/260566/allies-homemade-jewelry-cleaner/
- ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/chemical_terrorism/ammonia_general.htm
- ↑ https://www.cleaningservicenewyorkcity.com/safely-cleaning-jewelry.html
- ↑ https://www.gemsociety.org/article/clean-gemstone-jewelry/
- ↑ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/house-home/diy/how-to-clean-jewelry-using-common-household-items
- ↑ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/house-home/diy/how-to-clean-jewelry-using-common-household-items
- ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/chemical_terrorism/ammonia_general.htm
- ↑ Nicole Wegman. Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.gemsociety.org/article/clean-gemstone-jewelry/
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/clean-fake-jewelry
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/youve-been-cleaning-your-jewelry-all-wrong/
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/clean-fake-jewelry
- ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/home/how-to-clean-gold-jewelry
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/clean-fake-jewelry
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/homemade-jewelry-cleaner-7564418
- ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/home/how-to-clean-gold-jewelry
- ↑ https://www.brilliantearth.com/engagement-rings/buying-guide/precious-metals/
- ↑ https://www.brilliantearth.com/engagement-rings/buying-guide/precious-metals/
- ↑ https://www.harpercrown.com/blogs/topics/will-14k-gold-tarnish-what-you-should-know
- ↑ https://www.larsonjewelers.com/pages/can-gold-tarnish
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/clean-fake-jewelry
- ↑ Nicole Wegman. Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
- ↑ 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!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 213,978 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "As the son of a jeweller, my tips are: 1- just wear it, jewellery that is worn seldom tarnishes. 2- If you need to clean it, get a piece of chalk and a soft brush, brush the chalk to pick some of it up, then gently but firmly brush up your jewels. This gives the best shine on silver, gold, white gold or any other material." ..." more
Advertisement
"As the son of a jeweller, my tips are: 1- just wear it, jewellery that is worn seldom tarnishes. 2- If you need to clean it, get a piece of chalk and a soft brush, brush the chalk to pick some of it up, then gently but firmly brush up your jewels. This gives the best shine on silver, gold, white gold or any other material."
..."
more
"Thank you. I soaked my beautiful rings my hubby gave me but I accidentally left it soaking over night in denture clean tabs. I totally forgot I placed it in the cleaner. The chemicals turned my beautiful rings an ugly brown color. Baking soda worked."
..."
more
