How To Clean and Polish Gold Jewelry At Home

Updated: May 2025 - New expert tips just added!

✨ How to Clean Gold Jewelry at Home (Safely and Effectively)

Has your gold jewelry lost some of its gorgeous shine after everyday wear? You’re not alone. Oils, lotions, and just plain life can dull the finish of your favorite pieces, but the good news is, you can bring back that glow from the comfort of your own home and without spending a lot of money on expensive cleaning solutions.

🧼 Method 1: Warm Water and Mild Dish Soap (The Classic)

This is the most tried-and-true way to clean gold safely and it works wonders for daily buildup.

How to do it:

1. Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water.

2. Add a few drops of gentle dish soap and mix until sudsy.

3. Let your gold pieces soak for 10–15 minutes.

4. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean around prongs, clasps, and settings.

5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Best for: All solid gold jewelry, especially pieces worn every day.

🧽 Method 2: Baking Soda Paste (For Heavier Tarnish)

For a deeper clean, baking soda can help lift tougher grime, but use this one with care.

How to do it:

1. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste.

2. Gently apply the paste to the jewelry using a soft toothbrush.

3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

⚠️ Note: Don’t use this method on delicate or soft gemstones. It’s best for plain gold pieces only.

🧴 Method 3: Warm Water + White Vinegar (Use With Caution)

This method is sometimes recommended for stubborn dirt, but it’s not ideal for every piece.

How to do it:

1. Mix one cup of warm water with one tablespoon of white vinegar.

2. Soak your jewelry for 15–20 minutes.

3. Rinse well and dry gently with a soft cloth.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid this method on any piece that has gemstones, glue-set components, or antique finishes, as vinegar can be too harsh.

💎 Method 4: Jewelry Cleaner (Safe, Fast, and Easy)

For the simplest and safest clean, we recommend using a gold-specific jewelry cleaner like the foaming cleaner we offer at Nova Lita.

It’s:

• Safe for all solid gold

• Gentle on durable gemstones (like diamonds and sapphires)

• Quick to use, no soaking required

This is the method we use ourselves when we want fast results without the risk.

❌ What Not to Do

• Don’t use toothpaste, baking powder, or other abrasives, they can scratch the surface.

• Skip the paper towels—they’re surprisingly rough and can leave tiny marks.

• Avoid chlorine (including swimming pools) and bleach-based products, which can permanently damage gold.

• Never soak opal, pearl, emerald, turquoise, or vintage pieces without researching first, they’re too fragile for most cleaning methods.
  
  

🧽 Bonus Tip: Use a Polishing Cloth Between Cleans

All of our Nova Lita pieces ship with a real gold polishing cloth. Give your jewelry a quick buff after each wear to keep it glowing longer between cleanings.

🟡 TL;DR: How to Clean Gold Jewelry at Home in 2025

• Use warm water + dish soap for everyday cleaning

• Try baking soda paste or vinegar (only on plain gold) if you need something stronger

• Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive tools

• For the easiest clean, use a jewelry-safe cleaner

• Always dry with a soft cloth, and store your pieces carefully

Your gold jewelry deserves a little love now and then and a simple at-home clean can make it shine like new.

Have a serious collection that requires serious cleaning? Check out our blog for Advanced Gold Polishing Tips