Your favourite jewellery should be worn, not permanently saved for a special occasion. Daily wear does, however, leave behind a little evidence: skincare, perfume, sweat, dust and natural oils can gradually soften the shine of a gold finish.
The good news is that most everyday residue is easy to remove. A gentle routine is usually all you need to keep PVD gold-plated jewellery looking polished without damaging the surface.
Quick answer: clean gold-plated jewellery with lukewarm water, a small amount of mild soap and a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive brushes, polishing compounds, alcohol, chlorine and strong household chemicals. Dry each piece completely before storing it.
What you need to clean gold-plated jewellery
Keep the routine simple. More products do not mean a better clean.
- A small bowl of lukewarm water
- A drop of mild, fragrance-free liquid soap
- A very soft cloth
- A second dry, lint-free cloth
- A soft cotton swab for small details, if needed
You do not need toothpaste, baking soda, metal polish or an abrasive jewellery cleaner. Those methods can be useful for certain solid metals, but they can be too aggressive for a plated finish.
How to clean gold-plated jewellery step by step
1. Check the piece first
Before cleaning, look at the clasp, stones, pearls and decorative details. If anything feels loose, avoid soaking or rubbing the piece and have it checked before wearing it again.
Natural pearls need separate care and should not be submerged. The steps below are intended for non-pearl PVD gold-plated stainless-steel jewellery.
2. Prepare mild soapy water
Fill a small bowl with lukewarm—not hot—water and add one small drop of mild soap. Mix gently. A strong concentration is unnecessary and can leave residue behind.
3. Wipe rather than scrub
Dampen a soft cloth in the water and wring it out. Gently wipe the surface of the jewellery. Pay attention to areas that sit directly against the skin, such as the inside of a ring, the back of an earring and the centre of a pendant.
For small grooves, use a damp cotton swab with almost no pressure. Avoid stiff toothbrushes and textured cloths, which can create fine surface scratches.
4. Rinse away soap residue
Use a second cloth dampened with clean water to remove any soap. Small earrings or rings can also be briefly rinsed under a gentle stream, provided the drain is securely closed.
5. Dry completely
Pat the jewellery dry with a lint-free cloth, then leave it on a clean towel until every clasp, link and opening is fully dry. Storing jewellery while damp can trap moisture and residue.
What not to use on gold-plated jewellery
Many viral cleaning hacks are designed to create an instant visual result, not to protect a finish over time. Avoid:
- Toothpaste: it contains fine abrasive particles that can scratch a plated surface.
- Baking soda: useful for some household cleaning, but too abrasive for delicate coatings.
- Metal polish: it may remove part of the finish while polishing.
- Alcohol and acetone: harsh solvents can affect coatings, adhesives and decorative elements.
- Bleach and household cleaners: these are far too aggressive for jewellery.
- Ultrasonic cleaners: vibration can be unsuitable for plated pieces, stones, pearls or delicate settings.
- Rough paper towels: use a soft cloth instead to reduce micro-scratching.
How often should you clean gold-plated jewellery?
There is no fixed schedule for every wearer. A quick wipe after a hot day, workout or evening out is often more useful than an intensive monthly clean.
As a practical guide:
- Wipe frequently worn pieces with a dry soft cloth once a week.
- Use mild soapy water when the jewellery looks dull or feels coated.
- Rinse waterproof pieces after exposure to pool water or the sea.
- Clean earrings more regularly around the post and closure for hygiene.
Cleaning should remain gentle. Repeated scrubbing can cause more wear than the residue you are trying to remove.
Can you clean PVD gold-plated jewellery differently?
PVD gold plating generally creates a more durable surface than very thin conventional plating, but the safest cleaning method remains the same: mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft cloth.
A stronger finish does not make abrasive products helpful. The aim is to remove oils and residue without unnecessarily stressing the coating.
For a deeper explanation of the finish, read our complete guide to PVD gold plating.
How to clean gold necklaces
Unclasp the necklace and lay it flat before cleaning. Wipe the chain link by link, supporting it with your other hand rather than pulling it through the cloth with force.
Pay extra attention to the clasp, extender and back of the pendant, where products and natural oils tend to collect. Dry the necklace flat and store it unclasped or hanging separately to prevent knots.
Explore delicate chains, pendants and layering pieces in our Necklaces collection.
How to clean gold rings
Rings experience more friction than most jewellery because they touch phones, desks, gym equipment, bags and other rings. Wipe the inside as carefully as the visible surface, as hand cream and soap can build up underneath the band.
Remove rings before using cleaning products or doing activities that involve direct impact. Even a durable coating cannot prevent dents or scratches caused by hard surfaces.
Browse our gold rings and use the Sizing & Fit FAQ when choosing your fit.
How to clean gold earrings
Use a soft damp cloth on the decorative front and back. Carefully clean the post, hinge or closure without forcing moving parts. Make sure all soap is removed and allow the earrings to dry completely before wearing them again.
For pierced ears, your personal hygiene routine and any medical aftercare instructions should always take priority. Jewellery cleaning is not a substitute for caring for a new or irritated piercing.
Find huggies, hoops and sculptural styles in our Earrings collection.
How to care for pearl jewellery
Pearls are more delicate than PVD-coated stainless steel. Do not soak natural pearls or treat them as waterproof. Instead:
- Wipe them gently with a barely damp, very soft cloth.
- Keep them away from perfume, hairspray and strong skincare products.
- Allow products to absorb before putting the necklace on.
- Store pearls separately from harder jewellery that could scratch them.
- Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner or abrasive polish.
Always check the individual product description and our Jewellery & Care FAQ for product-specific guidance.
How to store jewellery after cleaning
Once completely dry, store pieces separately in a soft pouch, lined jewellery box or divided tray. This limits tangling and reduces contact between hard surfaces.
Keep jewellery away from humid bathrooms and direct sunlight. For necklaces, close the clasp and leave a small section of chain outside the pouch if needed to prevent it from tangling. For earrings, fasten pairs together. For rings, avoid placing heavily textured styles directly against smooth polished bands.
A simple everyday care routine
The easiest care routine happens before jewellery looks dirty:
- Apply perfume, SPF, body lotion and hairspray first.
- Allow the products to settle.
- Put your jewellery on last.
- Wipe heavily worn pieces before storing them.
- Rinse after saltwater or chlorine exposure.
That is it. Jewellery made for real life should not require a laboratory-level ritual.
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean gold-plated jewellery with dish soap?
A tiny amount of mild, non-abrasive dish soap can be used with lukewarm water. Avoid formulas containing bleach, strong degreasers, exfoliating particles or heavy fragrance.
Can I use toothpaste to clean gold-plated jewellery?
No. Toothpaste is abrasive and can create fine scratches or gradually wear away a plated finish.
Can I soak gold-plated jewellery overnight?
No. A brief, gentle clean is enough. Long soaking is unnecessary and can be unsuitable for stones, pearls, adhesives or delicate components.
Why does my jewellery look dull after wearing it?
Skin oils, moisturiser, SPF, perfume and soap can create a film that softens the shine. A gentle clean usually removes this surface residue.
Can I use a jewellery polishing cloth?
Only use a very soft, non-abrasive cloth intended for plated jewellery. Some polishing cloths contain compounds designed to remove oxidation from solid metal and may also remove part of a plated finish.
Should I clean new earrings before wearing them?
It is sensible to wipe the post and closure with an appropriate clean cloth before first wear. For new piercings or known sensitivities, follow advice from a qualified piercer or healthcare professional.
Keep the shine, keep the routine easy
The safest way to clean gold-plated jewellery is also the simplest: be gentle, avoid harsh products and store each piece dry. A few calm minutes of care can keep your everyday jewellery feeling fresh without turning it into something too precious to wear.
Discover pieces designed to become part of your daily uniform in All Jewellery.
