How to Clean Gold Using Toothpaste

If your gold jewelry is tarnished and you don’t want to take it to a professional jeweler, here’s a quick and simple way to clean your gold at home, safely.

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What You’ll Need

1. Non-gel, white toothpaste – Avoid gel or abrasive varieties, which can damage the metal.
2. Soft-bristled toothbrush – To gently scrub the jewelry.
3. Small bowl of lukewarm water – For rinsing off toothpaste residue.
4. Soft microfiber or cotton cloth – For drying and polishing the jewelry.
5. Towel or mat – To protect your work surface and catch any small items.

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Precautions to Take Before Cleaning Gold with Toothpaste

• Use non-abrasive toothpaste: Look for a plain, white toothpaste with minimal abrasives to avoid scratching the gold. Whitening and tartar-control toothpastes may contain harsh ingredients that can damage gold jewelry.
• Be careful with gemstones: Toothpaste can damage delicate stones, so avoid this method if your gold jewelry includes soft or porous gemstones like opals, pearls, or emeralds. Only use this technique on plain gold pieces or those with durable stones, such as diamonds.
• Test on a small area: If it’s your first time using toothpaste on a particular piece, test it on an inconspicuous area to make sure it won’t damage the jewelry.

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Cleaning Gold with Toothpaste

Step 1: Apply Toothpaste to the Gold Jewelry

• Squeeze a small, pea-sized amount of non-gel toothpaste onto a soft-bristled toothbrush or your fingertip and mix it with a litte water.
• Gently dab the toothpaste solution onto the jewelry, covering the entire surface. If the piece has intricate details or designs, focus on those areas.

Step 2: Gently Scrub the Jewelry

• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the jewelry with small, circular motions. Be sure to work carefully and avoid pressing too hard, as excessive force can scratch the gold.
• Pay special attention to crevices and detailed areas where dirt and oils tend to accumulate.

Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly with Lukewarm Water

• Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the gold jewelry under lukewarm running water to remove all traces of toothpaste. Make sure to thoroughly wash off any residue, as leftover toothpaste can dull the metal over time.
• If rinsing over a sink, place a strainer or plug the drain to prevent small items from being lost.

Step 4: Dry and Polish the Jewelry

• Gently pat the jewelry dry with a soft microfiber or cotton cloth, then polish it using light, circular motions to bring back its shine.
• Avoid using paper towels or tissues, as these can scratch the surface of the gold.

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Tips and Tricks for Keeping Gold Jewelry Clean

1. Polish Regularly: Even without toothpaste, a soft cloth polish can help maintain your gold’s shine between cleanings.
2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Take off gold jewelry when swimming, showering, or using lotions and perfumes, as chemicals in these products can dull the gold.
3. Store Gold Separately: Keep gold jewelry in individual pouches or a lined jewelry box to prevent scratching.
4. Use Toothpaste Sparingly: Toothpaste is mildly abrasive, so use this cleaning method sparingly, especially on softer gold, to avoid wear over time.

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Conclusion

You can safely clean gold at home without professional help using toothpaste. If this helped you, be sure to share it with your friends!