How To Clean a Gold Chain at Home: Our Recommendations

How To Clean Gold Chains at Home

A french bull dog wearing a green jacket and gold chain in front of a green backdrop.

You have a gold chain you treasure throughout the years, but it seems to have lost its luster a while ago. Your chain should shine, glow, and sparkle to show off its authentic quality, but it’s as dull as a fake necklace from a cheap retail store. Does this scenario seem relatable? Look no further; Naturalcare Cleaning Service is here to help. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about how to clean a gold chain at home.

Disclaimer

If you are looking into how to clean gold chain at home, we assume you cannot access an experienced jeweler or cleaner. This could be due to financial reasons or perhaps location. Whatever the reason, we would recommend only cleaning your gold chain at home if you have no other option. A professional will always know what the best solution and process is based on the type of gold chains you have. Avoid using harsh chemicals or materials that could damage your chain, especially if it is only gold-plated instead of solid gold. Now, if you’re still following along, you understand that you are risking damaging your gold chain and plan to proceed with caution. That being said, we have compiled information that could help guide you through the process of cleaning your gold chain if you’d still prefer to try it at home.

Methods For Cleaning Gold Chains

Various textures and sizes of gold chain on display.

To clean a gold chain at home, you can use various methods and household items. Remember to always dry the gold chain thoroughly after cleaning it. Here are some common ways to clean a gold chain:

1. Baking Soda and Dish Soap

Create a mixture of warm water, baking soda, and mild dish soap. Soak the gold chain in the solution, then gently scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Ensure that the toothbrush is free of dirt, toothpaste, or cleaning chemicals before using it to clean the gold chain. Rinse with cold water.

2. Boiling Water

Boiling water can be used to clean gold chains. Simply pour the boiling water over the gold chain to remove buildup or dirt. The heat from the water loosens grim without using chemicals, so if it is a simple clean up job this may do the trick.

3. Soap and Water

You can also clean your gold chain with a mixture of club soda or seltzer water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Make sure the soap you choose is not a harsh detergent or another type of soap. Simple dishwashing liquid is perfect. Soak the chain for a few minutes, then gently brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse with warm water.

4. Professional Cleaning Solution

If the above methods don’t work, you can purchase a specialty gold cleaning solution from a jeweler or a jewelry site online.

How To Clean 14k Gold Chain At Home

This tutorial by WikiHow also demonstrates how to clean gold chains at home.

Cleaning a 14k gold chain is not significantly different from cleaning other gold chains. The cleaning methods for gold chains, including 14k gold, typically involve using solutions mentioned above, such as baking soda and dish soap, ammonia, or professional cleaning solutions. These methods generally aim to remove dirt, grime, and buildup from the gold chain. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals and to dry the chain thoroughly after cleaning. If the gold chain has gemstones, it’s essential to be cautious, as some cleaning methods may harm them. If unsure, consulting a professional jeweler for advice is recommended.

How To Clean White Gold at Home

Three gold chain bracelets lay on a white backdrop The one in the middlle is white gold, the one on the right is yellow gold, the one on the left is mixed.

If you’re wondering how to clean a white gold chain at home, we’ve got you covered. The process of cleaning white gold differs from yellow gold due to the rhodium plating on white gold. White gold is often coated with rhodium to enhance its appearance, while yellow gold does not require this coating. As a result, white gold may require more maintenance, including occasional re-plating to maintain its luster, as the rhodium plating may wear down over time. This means that cleaning white gold may involve more caution to avoid damaging the rhodium plating, and occasional re-plating may be necessary to maintain its white, lustrous finish. 

On the other hand, yellow gold is more low-maintenance, typically requiring only regular cleaning and polishing to retain its luster. Therefore, when cleaning white gold, it’s important to be mindful of the rhodium plating and use suitable cleaning methods to preserve its appearance. This is something you should confirm before attempting to clean it yourself since you should first understand what kind of solution is best for the jewelry’s current state. 

If you’re going to clean white gold at home, do not use ammonia or rubbing alcohol (as many other guides suggest using to clean gold chains). Instead, stick to only gentle soap and water or just water. Wash lightly and more regularly instead of attempting a deep clean. Also, use a soft microfibre cloth when drying it.

How To Clean Gold Rope Chain at Home

Two gold rope chains on display above a white backdrop. They are thin and intricate.

Cleaning a gold rope chain may require a slightly different approach than cleaning a regular gold chain due to its intricate design and the potential for dirt and grime to accumulate within the rope pattern. Here are some tips for cleaning a gold rope chain:

1. Baking Soda and Dish Soap

Create a paste of water, baking soda, and dish soap. Gently apply the paste to the gold rope chain, ensuring it gets into the crevices of the rope pattern. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then carefully scrub the chain with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth

2. Vinegar Bath

Another method is to place the gold rope chain in a bowl of vinegar for 10 to 15 minutes, turning it every few minutes. Afterward, use a soft toothbrush or cloth to remove any remaining dirt and rinse the chain with water

3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Ultrasonic Cleaners

It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, and refrain from using ultrasonic cleaners, as these may not be suitable for the intricate design of a gold rope chain

When cleaning a gold rope chain, it’s essential to be thorough in reaching the crevices of the rope pattern to remove any stubborn dirt or buildup. Additionally, it’s important to avoid using any cleaning methods that could potentially damage the intricate design of the chain.

Now You Know How To Clean Your Gold Chain at Home

A french bull dog wearing a green jacket and gold chain in front of a green backdrop. It looks like the dog is smiling.

In conclusion, reviving the radiance of your cherished gold chain is within reach with our comprehensive guide on how to clean gold chain at home. We’ve covered various methods, cautioning against harsh chemicals and suggesting household items like baking soda, dish soap, and boiling water. Whether it’s a 14k gold chain, white gold with rhodium plating, or an intricate gold rope chain, we’ve provided tailored tips for each. 

While our guide empowers you to restore your gold’s luster, we emphasize caution and recommend professional assistance if uncertain. Preserve the authenticity of your gold chains with proper care, ensuring they shine and sparkle for years to come.
We are Naturalcare Cleaning Service, serving Houston, Texas, and surrounding areas. If there’s one thing we understand, it’s cleaning. Having your home cleaned by professionals is a great way to treat yourself and much more affordable than some may think. If you’d like help with apartment cleaning, deep house cleaning, or maid services, we are happy to assist you however possible. We hope you found our advice helpful. Enjoy your shiny clean gold chains!