How to Clean Tarnished Gold Plated Jewellery at Home

No matter what you do - if you've worn them everyday for a year, or left them neatly in a box, most jewellery is always going to tarnish. Whether it’s your favourite pair of gold huggie hoops, a cherished silver bracelet, or chunky hoop earrings that bring the wow factor, keeping your pieces clean and well-cared-for will help them shine just like the day you got them.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to clean your gold, gold plated and silver jewellery, all at home with some simple tips to keep them looking fabulous!

Tarnish free jewellery: How to fix tarnished jewellery:

To keep your jewellery tarnish free - keep in mind that all jewellery pieces, especially earrings, can pick up grime surprisingly quickly—from makeup and natural oils to dust and humidity. Cleaning not only helps prevent bacteria build-up (essential for earrings and other body jewellery) but also keeps each piece in prime condition and stops them from tarnishing quicker. If you’re not already giving your jewellery a regular clean, here’s why it’s worth getting into the habit.

How often should you clean your tarnished gold jewellery?

For tarnished earrings, it’s ideal to give them a good clean weekly—especially if you wear them every day. Hoop and stud earrings sit close to the skin and inside of our bodies, and things like skin cells and dirt can build up, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Other jewellery pieces, like non-pierced cuff earrings, dainty rings, gold pendant necklaces, or gold charm bracelets, can be cleaned once every two weeks to a month, depending on how frequently you wear them. If your jewellery is waterproof, and you're wearing them all the time - you may already be cleaning your gold rings and bracelets each time you wash your hands!

Different types of jewellery - how to clean gold plated jewellery at home

Cleaning tarnished gold plated earrings

Your gold plated huggie hoops or favourite pair of gold chunky hoop earrings deserve some TLC! Are you wondering 'does gold tarnish?' Well, unfortunately, yes - and whilst gold is generally resistant to tarnish, it can still dull over time, especially with daily wear and improper care. Here's my 3 top tips to cleaning your tarnished gold and gold plated jewellery:

Soak in a saline or baking soda solution: remove your tarnished gold plated earrings and place them in a weak mix cleaning solution.
Gently wipe with a soft cloth: use a gentle cloth to remove any dirt or oils.
Store in a dry place: make sure to dry them thoroughly and keep them in a jewellery pouch or box - keeping the water away from them will prolong their life!

How to clean tarnish gold jewellery at home

Different types of jewellery - how to clean silver and silver plated jewellery at home

Cleaning tarnished silver plated earrings

Sterling silver, whether it’s a silver chain necklace or a thick silver bracelet, has a habit of tarnishing over time, due to a reaction with the oxygen in the air - and often your silver charms can turn black, so they need special attention. Here's my top 3 tips to cleaning your tarnished silver and silver plated jewellery:

Use a silver dip: silver dip is a quick way to bring back the shine and stop silver from turning black - especially chains that are tricky to clean with just a cloth.
Finish with a polishing cloth: once you’ve dipped and rinsed, use a polishing cloth to make your silver jewellery look new again.
Store carefully: to prevent your jewellery from turning black and tarnishing, keep your silver in an airtight pouch or box when not in use - this will prevent the silver being exposed to the oxygen in the air and changing colour.

Note: Avoid using silver dip on jewellery with gemstones or any intentional patina, as it can cause damage.

Our top tips for tarnished jewellery and gold cleaning care tips at home

Beyond regular cleaning, there are a few extra steps you can take to keep your jewellery looking its best and prevent it from tarnishing. Here are my top ten tips to extend the life of your favourite pieces:

Check your tarnished jewellery regularly: it’s easy to forget how much dirt jewellery picks up. Make it a habit to check each piece to spot any grime, scratches, or damage early on.
Give it a wash: for a quick and easy clean at home, use warm water with a gentle, fragrance-free soap. A soft cloth or soft bristled brush can help reach any intricate areas. Be sure to dry everything thoroughly before storing it and don't use any abrasive or sharp cleaning equipment.
Use an ultrasonic cleaner (sometimes): ultrasonic cleaners are handy for removing dust from hard-to-reach spots in pieces without gemstones or soft finishes. Just be cautious, as this method isn’t suitable for softer gems like pearls, turquoise, or lapis lazuli - or small stones, secured with glue, or tiny prongs, that may fall out.
Avoid harsh chemicals: steer clear of household cleaners and abrasive methods like harsh toothpaste on jewellery—these can wear down finishes and even scratch delicate metals like gold and silver. For silver that has turned black from tarnish, stick to a proper silver polish or dip.
Handle with care: be gentle with pieces that have more delicate finishes, such as gold vermeil or gold or silver plated items, as well as tiny gemstones. Too much force can damage softer, or smaller stones and wear down gold and silver plating over time.
Don’t skip polishing cloths: polishing cloths are a must-have for gold and silver. They’re especially effective for blackened or tarnished silver and will give your precious metals a beautiful shine.
Know when to avoid water: while tarnish-free and waterproof and even water-resistant jewellery is great for everyday wear, and is often referred to as lifeproof jewellery, and sweat proof jewellery - certain metals and gemstones don’t always respond well to long exposure. Remove any delicate pieces before swimming or showering to be on the safe side and stick to more secure waterproof jewellery such as solid silver, or stainless steel that are free from small gemstones or delicate areas.
Avoid humidity: storing your gold jewellery in a humid place, like a bathroom, speeds up tarnishing. If you live in a humid area, consider investing in anti-tarnish strips for your jewellery box.
Store individually: to prevent scratching, store each piece separately and ideally in their own soft cloth bags. Metal rubbing against metal can cause damage, and chains and pendants can get tangled.
Take care with silk threads: silk-thread necklaces or bracelets can be gently washed in soapy water if needed. Lay them flat to dry or use an iron on a low setting to smooth out any kinks.

Keep your jewellery tarnish free and looking like new

A little regular maintenance goes a long way! If you make it a habit to check, clean, and store your jewellery with care, your favourite gold huggie hoops, silver bracelets, and every other piece in your collection will stay sparkling and beautiful. With these tips, your jewellery will keep turning heads and hold up beautifully for years to come.