Cleaning Jewellery at Home

A cautious step-by-step guide to cleaning suitable jewellery without damaging stones, settings or finishes.

Before You Start: Identify the Jewellery

Do not clean purely by metal colour. First consider the metal, gemstones, pearl or organic components, plating, glued sections, age, previous repairs and condition of the settings.

Generally lower-risk for gentle home cleaning	Use extra caution / seek advice first
Plain robust gold, silver or platinum	Pearls, opals, turquoise, coral or amber
Secure diamond jewellery without delicate components	Unknown gemstones or unknown treatments
Robust items with known water-safe stones	Loose stones, worn claws or damaged settings
Unplated pieces suitable for mild soap	Heavily plated, antiqued or deliberately oxidised finishes
Modern secure construction	Antique, glued or fragile jewellery

Gentle Cleaning Method for Suitable Jewellery

Place a small bowl on a stable surface. Do not clean valuable jewellery directly over an open sink.
Add lukewarm water and a small amount of mild washing-up liquid.
Clean gently using a very soft brush where appropriate. Do not force bristles under weakened settings.
Rinse carefully in clean water.
Dry thoroughly with a soft lint-free cloth and allow hidden areas to dry before storage.

What Not to Use

Bleach or chlorine-based cleaners.
Toothpaste or abrasive powders.
Strong acids or alkalis.
Boiling water or sudden temperature changes.
Unverified chemical dips.
Steam or ultrasonic cleaning unless the entire item has been confirmed suitable.

Gold Factory Cleaning Products

Gold Factory sells jewellery cleaning solutions in store and online. Use only a product that is suitable for the specific metal, stone and finish, and follow the instructions supplied with that product.

If in doubt, stop

Professional cleaning is much cheaper than repairing avoidable damage to a gemstone, pearl, setting or surface finish. If the item is valuable, sentimental, antique or unknown, ask before experimenting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clean jewellery with toothpaste?

We do not recommend it. Toothpaste can be abrasive and may scratch metal, stones or surface coatings.

Is washing-up liquid safe for all jewellery?

No. A small amount of mild washing-up liquid in lukewarm water is suitable for many robust pieces, but not every stone, coating, glue or construction.

Can I use boiling water to clean gold?

We recommend against it. Heat and sudden temperature changes can damage some stones and treatments and are unnecessary for routine cleaning.

Should I use an ultrasonic cleaner at home?

Only when you know the complete piece is suitable. Some gemstones, settings, repairs and glued components can be damaged by ultrasonic cleaning.

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