How to Clean a Gold Chain Like a Pro (Without Harsh Chemicals)

Gold chains are one of the most popular pieces of jewelry, and their popularity never fades due to their unique beauty. However, with time even this gold may fade away owing to daily wear and tear or effects of sweat, perfume and pollution. There are still a number of people who do not clean their gold jewelry at home because they might ruin them.

This leaves them with boring chains which is not a good thing to happen especially when one wants to draw attention to their jewelry. Fortunately, restoring the sheen to your gold chain does not require chemicals that are toxic or going to the jeweler to clean it. Indeed, there are numerous mild, environmental approaches that are capable of cleaning gold jewelry without causing harm to them.

In this guide, we will walk through easy techniques for how to clean a gold chain like a pro at home. Whether you are dealing with tarnish, dullness or minor scratches, our guide has you covered.

Properties of Gold Chains

Gold purity is measured in karats, with 24k being pure gold. When gold is alloyed with other metals like copper or silver to create 18k gold, it becomes more durable due to the added strength of the alloys. The higher the karat, the softer the gold, making 24k gold more prone to scratches and bending compared to 18k gold.

If you lead an active lifestyle or plan to wear your gold chain often, opting for 18k gold would be a wise choice. The added alloys in 18k gold provide the durability needed to withstand daily wear and tear, making it less susceptible to scratches and damage. So, for a balance of elegance and durability, 18k gold is a practical choice for those who appreciate both style and longevity in their jewelry pieces.

If you have gold-plated jewelry, you must know how to clean a gold plated chain to keep up its glitter without removing the layer of gold.

How To Clean Gold Chain At Home Without Harsh Chemicals? 5 Simple Techniques

Do you know?

According to a study by Jewelers of America, 73% of individuals indicated their willingness to clean their jewelry at home without chemicals but don't exactly know the effective methods.

It is essential not to use chemicals when cleaning your gold chain at home since this may harm the gold and the skin. Instead, consider these five effective, chemical-free methods that use common household items to maintain the beauty of the gold.

Method No#1 - Soap and Warm Water Solution

The most simple and harmless method is to wash the gold chain with soapy, warm water. This mild detergent should be applied by diluting it in warm water in a sink or basin, with the amount of washing depending on the clothes to be washed.

Wash your gold chain in this solution for 15–20 minutes. Warm water softens the dirt, while soap dissolves the oil and grime. Once you've finished soaking, wash the chain using a brush or piece of cloth rubbed all over it, with more focus on the groves. Lastly, rinse it thoroughly with water and proceed to pat it dry with some material, such as a cloth.

Method No#2 - Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste

Another useful technique to clean a gold chain is the process that involves preparing a mixture containing baking soda and vinegar. Here’s how to do it:

• Stir 2 spoons of baking soda into a small amount of white vinegar to make a thick paste.
• Use a piece of cloth or a toothbrush to apply the paste to the gold chain.
• Gently scrub the chain to remove dirt and tarnish.
• Wash the chain with water to remove the paste.
• Wipe the chain with a clean cloth to restore its shine.

Method No#3 - Boiling Water Method

Using hot water is a powerful way to clean a gold chain thoroughly, especially if it is rusty. If you are wondering how to clean a gold necklace, then you need to follow the below steps:

• First step is to boil some water in a pot. Once the water boils, gradually turn off the heat and gradually pour the water into a heat-proof bowl.
• Put your necklace into the hot water bowl and leave it to soak for approximately 10 minutes.
• The heat assists in softening any accumulated dirt and deposits on the surface of the readily accessible parts.
• Then, with the help of a soft brush, clean the necklace, rubbing it with more pressure in areas that require additional cleaning.
• Wash the necklace with cold water and wipe it with a cloth that is slightly rough on the outside and softer on the inside.

Method No#4 - Toothpaste Cleaning

The first thing one would think of is toothpaste, which might be used to wash the gold necklace. This technique requires using a non-gel and, where possible, a non-whitening toothpaste.

• Put a small quantity of toothpaste on the bristle part of the soft toothbrush and then wash the gold necklace.
• By the tiny grains of the abrasives in the toothpaste, it functions in that it rubs off the tarnish and dirt particles that might be on the gold without scratching it.
• It is used when brushing or rinsing the teeth, and to compound it, wash off all the toothpaste with lukewarm water and air dry your necklace to regain its glow.

Method No#5 - Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

It is suitable for intense cleaning and is most recommended to everyone who wants to make their jewelry pieces as clean as possible. It is a myth to believe that all gold jewelry can be cleaned simply using jewelry cleaners and a soft brush. In that case, this operates employing high-frequency and clear sound waves that form bubbles in the cleaning solution, which cleans the jewelry without affecting the gold content.

• To clean jewelry with an ultrasonic cleaner, warm water along with a few drops of mild detergent or jewelry cleaner should be used.
• Place your gold necklace in a cleaner’s basket and activate the cleaner using the recommended protocol of the cleaner’s equipment.
• After cleaning, rinse the necklace underwater and dry it with a cloth.

5 Effective Tips on How to Clean a Gold Chain

Cleaning your gold chain is important, but it's only one part of maintaining its shine. Whether you're trying to figure out how to clean 14k gold chain or just want to keep your jewelry looking its best, here are some easy tips:

1. Store Properly

Your gold-plated pieces of jewelry should be stored in an appropriate place, like in a jewelry box. To avoid damage, store them in a safe place after they have been covered in a soft cloth. Anti-tarnish bags should be recommended, as they help to avoid the process of oxidation and, therefore, will not let the jewelry tarnish.

2. Avoid Lotions and Sunscreens

Always ensure that your hands are cleaned thoroughly, and you’ve not applied any hand creams, sunscreens, and any other product. These substances contain chemicals that may react with the gold, leading to tarnishing and discoloration. Therefore, if you want to know how to clean a gold chain, ensure you do not expose your jewels to these potential causal agents

3. Remove Before Exercise

Sweat can also hasten tarnishing, so you should always remove your jewelry when exercising or engaging in other activities that are likely to make you sweat.

4. Skip the Pool

One should always be mindful to remove any sort of jewelry before swimming in a pool with chlorine or in a hot tub. Chlorine can discolor and damage the metal, which can negatively affect the appearance and durability of your jewelry.

5. Travel Smart

When traveling, avoid packing all your jewelry in one bag. Use a jewelry travel case to keep each piece separated. This prevents them from rubbing against each other, which can cause scratches and make your gold chain and other jewelry look worn.

Conclusion: How to Clean a Gold Chain

Maintaining and cleaning your gold chain at home is both simple and cost-effective, and it doesn’t require harsh chemicals. You only need some household items and that’s it, your gold chain will stay beautiful and last longer.

We’ve also provided practical tips to help you protect and care for your jewelry, so it continues to shine for years to come. Remember that the more you care for your gold chain, the longer it will last and the shinier it will look.

If you seek to possess beautiful items to adorn you for the next hundred years, then Drivn is the place to be. We not only provide many elegant jewelry pieces but also the best maintenance for old jewelry. So, don’t forget to visit our website and look through our stunning collection today.