How to Clean Gold Chains? 10k, 14k, White Gold & Gold-plated

Published: 04 Mar 2025

Gold Chains add a fifth star to a person’s personality and look.

They’re more than just accessories—they’re statements of style, elegance, and confidence.

But over time, even the most stunning gold chains can lose their shine due to dirt, oils, and daily wear.

So what will we need to do? We will need to clean them properly to restore their shine.

That’s said.

Once we clean out our gold chains, they’ll shine again, right?

So how do you clean your gold chains at home? Will you need some special chemicals and cleaners? Is it possible to clean your gold chain with zero expense?

So guys, what are you waiting for here? Let’s dive into a deep guide on how to clean gold chains at home with zero expense.

It doesn’t matter which type of gold chain you use, whether it’s a pure gold chain, white gold chain, or just gold-plated, this guide is valid for cleaning all types of gold chain.

Table of Content

How to Clean Gold Chains?
How to Keep Your Gold Chain Safe for the Future?
Hey My Champs.
More Queries.

How to Clean Gold Chains?

Guys, before we step into cleaning steps, first let me tell you some facts.

To clean your gold chain, you don’t need,

High-priced cleaners that often contain chemicals.
You don’t need online hacks that mostly have rubber alcohol
I’ll also not recommend cleaning solutions that only have baking soda and dish soap, as these are the types of solutions you can make at home by just mixing mild soap with warm water.

So now let’s see what materials you will need to clean your gold chains.

What materials will you need when cleaning gold chains?

Mild Dish Soap – A gentle soap that won’t harm the gold.
Warm Water – Not too hot, as hot water can damage the chain over time.
Soft-Bristled Toothbrush – For gently scrubbing dirt and grime.
Small Bowl – To mix the cleaning solution.
Lint-Free Cloth – For drying and polishing the chain.

Quick Tip
Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, toothpaste, or baking soda, as they can harm your gold chain.

So to clean any gold chain, you just need to perform a few steps. These steps are

First, prepare a solution by mixing warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl, then soak the gold chain for 15–20 minutes to loosen dirt.
Gently scrub the chain with a soft-bristled toothbrush, focusing on the links and hard-to-reach spots.
Rinse the chain under lukewarm water to remove all soap residue.
And at last, dry and polish the chain with a lint-free cloth to restore its shine.

That’s said!

Guys if you have any other type of gold chain and want to learn separately how to clean them, so let’s come and understand their cleaning process and relevant risks.

How to Clean Gold-plated Chain?

Gold-plated chains are more prone to tarnishing if not properly cared for.

Gold-plated items are not completely gold but just contain a thin layer of gold over a base metal, usually brass and copper.

The gold layer is highly thin, usually ranging from 0.17 microns to 2.5 microns.

So guys, now you can think how thin the gold layer is in gold-plated chains, and that’s the reason why it requires frequent cleaning.

Here is how to clean gold-plated chains.

First of all, mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, then soak the gold-plated chain for 5–10 minutes.
Gently clean the chain with a soft cloth or a very soft toothbrush. Make sure to avoid harsh scrubbing as it can cause damage.
Now rinse the chain quickly under lukewarm water to remove soap, being careful not to soak it too long.
And at last, pat the chain dry with a soft, lint-free cloth, avoiding rough rubbing to protect the plating.

How to Clean 14k and 10k Gold Chains?

10k and 14k are both alloys of gold and are usually made by mixing pure gold with some other metals like silver, copper, zinc, and sometimes even other metals.

As these types of gold contain other metals, they can chemically react with other materials and can tarnish over time if not properly cared for.

They can rust and lose their actual shine. So here are some steps on how to cleanly restore the shine of 10k and 14k gold.

Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl, then soak the gold chain for 15–20 minutes to loosen dirt and oils.
Gently scrub the chain with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying attention to the links and crevices where dirt collects.
Rinse the chain thoroughly under lukewarm water to remove all soap residue.
At last dry the chain with a soft, lint-free cloth and buff it gently to restore its shine.

How to Clean White Gold Necklaces?

White Gold is also an alloy made by mixing pure gold with silver, palladium, and platinum. It may also sometimes contain other metals like nickel and zinc.

As it contains some reactive metals, it’s also prone to oxidation reactions and rusting over time if its upper rhodium plating wears off.

So to clean your white gold necklace

First, mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap in a small bowl.
Soak the white gold necklace in the solution for 15–20 minutes to loosen dirt and oils.
Gently scrub the necklace with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Try to focus on hard-to-reach areas.
Now rinse it under lukewarm water, then dry and polish it with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Guys, if your white gold necklace has already lost its shine, now cleaning it doesn’t show any difference; this means your white gold’s rhodium plating has worn off.

So what should you do now to restore its previous shine?

Simply go to your nearby jeweler and tell him to re-plate your white gold necklace with a rhodium plate.

That’s said.

Your jewelry will shine again.

How to Keep Your Gold Chain Safe for the Future?

Here are some tips that will help you keep your gold jewelry safe for years.

Avoid Exposure to Chemicals: Remove your gold chain before swimming, as chlorine in pools can react and damage the metal. Avoid contact with cleaning products, lotions, and perfumes, as they often contain alcohol and some other chemicals that can react with your chain, causing discoloration or weakening the metal over time.
Clean Your Gold Chain Regularly: Clean your chain every few weeks using mild dish soap and warm water to remove dirt, oils, and grime. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush and dry with a lint-free cloth to maintain its shine.
Store Your Gold Chain Properly: Keep your gold chain in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box to prevent scratches and tangling. Store it separately from other jewelry to avoid friction and damage.
Get Professional Maintenance: Take your gold chain to a professional jeweler once a year for deep cleaning and inspection. A jeweler can check for weak links, polish the chain, and ensure it stays in perfect condition.

Hey My Champs.

So today, we’ve discussed how you clean your gold chains, whether it’s gold-plated, white gold, 10k, or 14k gold chains.

With just a few simple steps and the right care, you can keep your gold jewelry looking shiny and new for years to come.

Remember, regular cleaning and proper storage are key to maintaining its beauty.

Now it’s your turn—grab your supplies and give your gold chains the love they deserve. Shine on!

More Queries.

Now let’s see what questions people often ask related to this topic.

Can I use vinegar to clean my gold chain?

Yes, you can use vinegar to clean your gold chain, but only for solid gold (not gold-plated). Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, soak the chain for 15–20 minutes, then rinse and dry. Avoid using vinegar too often, as it can weaken the metal over time. Always test on a small area first.

How do I clean a gold chain with gemstones?

For gold chains with gemstones, use a soft cloth dipped in mild soapy water to gently wipe the chain and stones. Avoid soaking the chain, as water can damage some gemstones. Dry it immediately with a soft cloth. For delicate stones, consult a jeweler for professional cleaning.

Can I use toothpaste to clean my gold chain?

No, toothpaste is too abrasive and can scratch your gold chain. Stick to mild dish soap and warm water for safe cleaning. Harsh cleaners like toothpaste can damage the surface and dull the shine of your gold.

How do I prevent my gold chain from tangling?

Store your gold chain flat in a jewelry box or hang it on a jewelry stand to prevent tangling. You can also thread it through a straw or use a small plastic bag to keep it straight. Avoid tossing it loosely in a drawer.