How to Clean Your Gold Necklace the Right Way
Have you ever picked up your gold necklace, turned it around in the light, and said to yourself, "Hmmm . . . this used to shine more, right?" You are not alone.
The Gemological Institute of America, or the GIA, explains that lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and everyday pollutants and air can get on gold jewelry, and those blemishes can dull the shine permanently.
As it creeps in slowly, we don't usually take notice, and before you know it, the necklace has collected sweat, skin oils, and makeup residue. If you live in a humid city, the combo of dust and summer humidity can take a gold necklace from glam to tacky.
So if you may be asking yourself the question of how to clean a gold necklace without seeing the jeweler or having to buy much-needed tools, keep reading. We are going to keep it real and simple! Nothing extra, no scary chemicals, and no crazy TikTok tricks.
Why Is Your Gold Necklace Dirty?
Because... life.
We wear gold against our skin. So it ends up collecting sweat, oils, skin cells (gross, but true), obstacles like makeup, and residues from hair products. And if you live in a hot or humid place? Dust and pollution too!
But it gets even worse—the grime builds up in the chain links and in the clasp, so not only do the pieces begin to look dull, but they also feel oddly sticky. Or worse for anyone with sensitive skin, that buildup can cause skin irritation.
Bottom line: if you like that hazy, glowing warmth for which gold is known, you have to clean your gold necklace from time to time, not just when it crosses your mind.
Also Check: Our blog post on How to Clean a Stainless Steel Necklace
So what happens if you don't clean your gold necklace?
You have a fantastic piece that was passed down to you from your grandmother. You wear it all of the time, but you haven't cleaned it in the last year. All of a sudden, it is looking... meh. The clasp feels sticky and is then sticking to your skin, leaving an unwanted mark on your neck. That is what a buildup of grime and dirt can do.
And here's the kicker: not cleaning your gold jewelry might actually shorten its life. It can lose its shine faster, and if you're wearing a gold ring, for example, with diamonds or stones, the prong or setting can loosen. Not ideal, right?
So cleaning your gold necklace isn't just great for looks; it's proper maintenance.
How to Clean a Gold Necklace at Home
Now let's get into the meat and potatoes of this! If you are looking to clean a gold necklace at home, this post is for you. It's safe and simple, and it's made with things in your kitchen.
What You'll Need
You are not going to have to go buy anything. Just simply grab:
- A small glass or ceramic bowl (plastic’s fine too, but not ideal)
- A few drops of mild dish soap (think: the kind you’d trust on your hands)
Warm water (not hot!)
- A soft-bristle toothbrush or clean makeup brush
- A microfiber or cotton towel
- Optional but highly recommended: a sink strainer or drain stopper—trust me, this is not the time to gamble
While we are talking about it, the benefits of cleaning it in the sink are to have a strainer or plug because losing your necklace in the drain. Not a fun time.
Check Out: Our blog post on How to Clean a Diamond Ring at Home
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Gold Necklace at Home
Step 1: Mix the Solution
Okay, not a solution, but it works. In your bowl, mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap. You'll know you're in the right zone when your water looks slightly cloudy, not like the bubbling bay of the bubble bath commercial. If it smells nice, like they used to advertise, you have made it too strong.
Step 2: Soaking Time
Next, put your necklace into the bowl with the water and soap for 15-20 minutes. Think of it as your necklace getting "unwound" in warm water after its long day with your skin oils and city air.
Step 3: Gently Scrub
Now, grab your toothbrush or soft makeup brush and delicately scrub the necklace chain. Work on those hard-to-reach places—inside gloves, nestled among tiny links... this is where the gunk likes to hang out.
You won't need to press hard. As in, you're not cleaning grout. Just gently rub in a circular motion to lift off the grime.
Step 4: Rinse It Off
Hold the necklace under lukewarm water. Make sure to wash away all the soap. Leftover soap will attract dirt like a magnet. One more time: drain plug. Really can’t say it too many times.
Step 5: Pat, Don’t Rub
Pat the necklace dry with a microfiber cloth or soft towel. Rubbing is okay if you’re careful, but gold scratches easily, especially if it’s 22k or softer—maybe. If the necklace still feels damp, just lay it out flat and let it air dry.
Also Check: Our blog post on How to Clean Diamond Earrings
What If the Necklace Still Looks Dull?
Let’s say that you did all of that, and the necklace still looks “blah.” That doesn’t mean you didn’t clean it—sometimes gold just needs a polishing cloth. Polishing cloths are very inexpensive and almost always come pre-soaked in a polish that is safe for gold. You can find them online or at a local jewelry store.
Bonus tip: Avoid using baking soda, toothpaste, or vinegar if you don’t want to ruin your jewelry. There are a lot of do-it-yourself hacks out there, but you can easily damage your necklace—especially if it is gold plated or if it has any precious or semi-precious gems.
How to Clean a Gold Necklace With Natural Solutions
If you are not a fan of dish soap or you want to stay as natural as possible, there are a couple of solutions:
Baking Soda Paste: Mix a small amount of baking soda with your water to create a paste. Dab the baking soda paste on the gold and use a brush to wipe the surface, then rinse. It's a gentle process that removes dirt.
White Vinegar: Soak your necklace in a small bowl of white vinegar for 10–15 minutes, then brush and rinse. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, but it's not recommended for gold-plated jewelry or jewelry with glued-in stones.
Note: natural doesn't mean better for all types of jewelry. For solid gold jewelry, these methods are safe. However, for anything with glued settings or stones that are not stable, use the mild soap method.
Also Check: Our blog post on How to Clean Silver Ring
How Often Should You Clean a Gold Necklace?
If you wear it regularly (3–4 times a week), a full clean every 1–2 weeks is a good schedule. If you only wear it occasionally, a full clean monthly is just fine. In addition, wiping it down with a microfiber cloth following wear time will help reduce buildup, affecting cleaning frequency.
Why Everyone's Suddenly Cleaning Jewelry from Home
If you're Googling "how to clean a gold necklace," you aren't alone. DIY jewelry cleaning has exploded. Google Trends reports that searches for "how to clean jewelry at home" are up 40% the past year. You can thank TikTok, perhaps. Or maybe people are just waking up to the idea that you don't need to go to a jeweler every time a necklace gets lackluster.
Conclusion!
If your gold necklace has stones, pearls, or detail, the DIY route probably isn't for you. Some stones are highly sensitive to soap or water. In that case, it would be worth taking it to a professional jeweler. Better safe than sorry.
But what if it's a chain with nothing on it or a plain gold pendant? Now you know how to clean a gold necklace at home like a pro—and not wreck it in the process.
Happy cleaning! May your gold shine!
Quick Recap
- Use a mixture of warm water + mild dish soap.
- Soak for 15–20 minutes and scrub with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Stay away from harsh chemicals, baking soda, and abrasive tools.
- If you wear your necklace often, clean it every 2 weeks.
- Always store your necklace separately to prevent scratches.
