A lot of us wear our favourite jewellery every day without ever thinking to clean it. You might throw on your gold chain after a shower, wear your silver ring while doing the dishes, or leave your diamond studs in all week—expecting them to stay shiny no matter what.
But over time, that sparkle starts to fade.
The good news? You don’t need fancy tools or an expert to bring your jewellery back to life. With a few simple steps, you can safely clean your gold, silver, and diamonds right at home—and make them look as good as new. Let’s show you how.
How to clean gold jewellery
Gold is classic and elegant, but it doesn’t take long for it to collect dirt, sweat, and natural oils from your skin. After a while, it can start to lose its shine. Here’s a safe and easy way to clean it:
What you’ll need:
- Warm (not hot) water
- A few drops of gentle dish soap
- A soft baby toothbrush or clean makeup brush
- A soft cloth
Steps:
- Fill a bowl with warm water and add a bit of dish soap.
- Drop your gold jewellery in and let it sit for about 10–15 minutes.
- Gently scrub any dirt using the soft brush—don’t press too hard, as gold can scratch.
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth (avoid tissue paper—it can leave bits behind).
Important tips:
Never use toothpaste—it’s too harsh. And never soak your gold in vinegar or bleach. Also, take off your gold before swimming, because chlorine can seriously damage it.
How to clean silver jewellery
Silver jewellery can tarnish over time, but don’t worry—it’s not ruined, just in need of some cleaning.
What you’ll need:
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- A soft cloth
- Baking soda (optional, but good for heavy tarnish)
Steps:
- Mix warm water with a little dish soap.
- Dip the cloth into the soapy water and gently rub your silver jewellery.
- For tough tarnish, make a paste with baking soda and a bit of water. Lightly rub it on the tarnish using your fingers or the cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry the piece completely.
What to avoid:
Don’t use lemon juice or harsh polish unless it’s made specifically for silver. Also, don’t soak silver for long periods to avoid water stains.
Bonus tip:
When you’re not wearing your silver, store it in zip-lock bags. It might not look glamorous, but it helps keep air from reacting with the metal and preserves its shine.
How to clean diamonds
Diamonds are known for their sparkle, but they can lose their shine when covered in oils, makeup, or dirt.
What you’ll need:
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- A soft toothbrush
- A bowl
Steps:
- Add a few drops of dish soap to warm water in a bowl.
- Let your diamond jewellery soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Use the toothbrush to gently clean around the stone, especially underneath where dirt tends to hide.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
Note:
If your diamond is set with softer stones like pearls or opals, avoid soaking it. Instead, gently wipe it with a cloth. If your diamond still looks cloudy after cleaning, you may need to have it professionally polished.