How to Clean Gold Jewellery at Home: Safe Tips and What to Avoid
Gold jewellery loses its shine over time from everyday contact with skin oils, perfume, and lotion — not because the gold itself degrades. Here's how to clean it safely at home, and when to leave it to a professional instead.
Simple At-Home Cleaning Method
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into warm (not hot) water
- Soak the piece for 10-15 minutes
- Gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush (a clean, soft toothbrush works well), paying attention to crevices and settings
- Rinse thoroughly under running water
- Pat dry immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth — don't let it air-dry with water spots
What to Avoid
- Chlorine and harsh chemicals — can weaken gold alloys over time and damage stone settings
- Toothpaste — despite being a common home tip, it is mildly abrasive and can scratch gold's surface
- Wearing gold while swimming, showering, or exercising — chlorine, sweat, and soap residue all dull gold's finish over time
- Rough cloths or paper towels — can create fine scratches on soft, polished gold
Cleaning Gold with Gemstones or Kundan Work
Pieces with kundan, polki, or other stone-set work set in lac (resin) should not be soaked in water, since moisture can loosen the setting over time. For these, wipe gently with a soft, barely damp cloth instead, and have them professionally cleaned periodically.
Storing Gold to Keep It Cleaner, Longer
- Store pieces separately to prevent scratching from contact with other jewellery
- Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity
- Put jewellery on last (after perfume, lotion, and hairspray) and remove it first when getting undressed
When to Get Professional Cleaning
For jewellery with intricate stone-work, antique pieces, or anything you're unsure about cleaning safely at home, professional cleaning avoids any risk of damage. At Punjab Jewellers, jewellery cleaning is one of our regular services — feel free to bring pieces in periodically for a professional clean and a quick check of settings and clasps.
Bring your jewellery in for a professional clean and settings check at our Raipur showroom.
Visit Our Raipur ShowroomFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use toothpaste to clean gold jewellery?
It's better to avoid it. Toothpaste is mildly abrasive and can create fine scratches on gold's soft, polished surface over repeated use. A mild dish soap and water solution is safer.
How often should gold jewellery be cleaned?
For daily-wear pieces, a gentle home clean every few weeks helps maintain shine, with a professional clean and settings check once or twice a year, especially for pieces with stones.
Is it safe to soak kundan or stone-set jewellery in water?
No, kundan and similar stone-set jewellery is often set in resin (lac) that can loosen with prolonged water exposure. Wipe these pieces with a barely damp soft cloth instead of soaking.
Does Punjab Jewellers offer jewellery cleaning services?
Yes, jewellery cleaning and maintenance is one of our regular services at our Raipur showroom.