You take your gold chain out of your jewelry box and, to your disappointment, it's lost its shine. It's dull, grayish, sometimes even a little blackened. Don't panic, it's perfectly normal!
Over time, creams, perfumes, perspiration, and even dust form a thin film that traps light. The good news? Gold, especially 18-karat gold , is a noble and unalterable metal. It doesn't rust. It just gets... dirty. And dirty jewelry is very easy to clean.
In this guide, we share the methods we use in the workshop to restore jewelry, without expensive chemicals.
⚡ Quick Summary: How to clean a gold chain?
If you're in a hurry, here's the foolproof method:
Soak : 15 minutes in a bowl of lukewarm water + a few drops of dish soap.
Brush : Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Rinse : Rinse under clean (warm) water.
Dry Dab with a soft microfiber cloth.
Tip: For heavily tarnished gold, use a baking soda paste.
The Gentle (and Infallible) Method: Soapy Water
This is the universal method. It's simple, but it's the most effective way to degrease gold without damaging it.
The Necessary Equipment
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A bowl of lukewarm water (not boiling!)
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Degreasing dishwashing liquid (or Marseille soap)
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A soft-bristled toothbrush (new or one specifically for jewelry)
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A soft cloth (microfiber)
The Step-by-Step Process
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Prepare the bath: Mix warm water and dish soap in a bowl.
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Let it soak: Dip your chain 15 to 20 minutes . The soap will soften and loosen greasy residues (sebum, creams).
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Brush gently: Using the soft toothbrush, gently scrub each link. Don't press too hard; let the bristles reach into the crevices.
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Rinse: Rinse the chain under clean water to remove any traces of soap.
⚠️ Warning: Close the sink drain or use a container to avoid losing the jewelry! -
Dry: Dab with the soft cloth and let it air dry. For a mirror finish, buff with a chamois cloth once dry.
The Deep Method: Baking Soda
Is your chain really dirty or has it just been sitting in a drawer for a long time? Is soapy water not enough? The Southern Girl 's tip: Use baking soda.
The Process
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The Dough: In a small container, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a tiny bit of water to obtain a thick paste (like toothpaste).
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The Application: Apply this paste to the chain with your fingers or a toothbrush.
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Friction: Rub gently. Baking soda has a slightly abrasive action that will polish the gold and remove stubborn dirt without scratching it.
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Rinse and Dry: As with the previous method, rinse thoroughly and dry.
⚠️ Precautions: If your chain contains fragile gemstones (pearls, emeralds, opals), avoid bicarbonate and stick to soapy water.
Bad Ideas: What You Should NEVER Do
The internet is full of tips that can be dangerous for your precious jewelry. As jewelers, we strongly advise against the following methods:
❌ Mistake #1: Toothpaste
We see it everywhere, and yet... Toothpaste contains very hard microbeads (for tooth enamel). On gold, which is a soft metal, they create... micro-scratches irreversible damage that will dull the jewelry and cause it to lose its "mirror" shine.
❌ Mistake #2: Bleach or Chlorine
It's gold's worst enemy. Chlorine attacks the molecular structure of 18-karat gold. The result? Gold becomes brittle. A chain soaked in bleach can literally break in your hands a few weeks later.
❌ Mistake #3: Boiling Water
Water at 100°C can cause the metal to expand too rapidly, weakening the solder joints or dislodging stones if your chain has a pendant. Warm water (30-40°C) is perfectly sufficient.
My Gold Chain Has Turned Black: Why and What Can I Do?
Are you noticing dark areas on your channel? Here's the explanation.
18-carat gold does not oxidize naturally.
If your chain is 18k gold (hallmarked with an eagle's head or 750), this "black" is probably a very dense layer of dirt. A good cleaning with baking soda should solve the problem.
Whether it's 9-carat gold or plated...
Nine-karat gold contains a lot of copper and silver, which oxidize. If cleaning isn't enough, use a impregnated chamois (special jewelry cloth) to remove oxidation by rubbing.
To understand the difference, consult our guide on How to recognize 18k gold .
Bonus: How to Untangle a Fine Gold Chain?
It's a classic: before cleaning it, you have to untie the knot! Here's our workshop tip to avoid breaking the links.
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Lay the chain flat on a well-lit table.
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Place a drop of olive oil (or talc) on the knot to lubricate.
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Use Two sewing needles . Insert the points into the center of the knot and gently pull them apart.
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Patience and gentleness: never pull on the ends!
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Once untangled, clean with soapy water to remove the oil.
Conclusion: Gold is Made to Last
As you've probably gathered, gold is easy to care for. That's the huge advantage of choosing jewelry made of gold. 18-carat gold : it is a noble, stable metal that withstands the test of time without changing.
With a quick 15-minute cleaning every 3 months, your chain will keep its original shine forever.
At the house of La Fille du Sud , our chains are made to last a lifetime. Noble metal, artisanal craftsmanship and easy maintenance: that's true luxury.
Is your chain too damaged or do you just want something new?
💎 Discover our luminous gold chains, crafted with passion in our French workshop >
FAQ: Your Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean my chain with white vinegar?
Yes, but it's not necessary. Soapy water is gentler (neutral pH) and just as effective at degreasing.
Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner?
Yes, that's what we use in jewelry making! If you have a household one, it's perfect for cleaning hard-to-reach links without scrubbing.
My chain is white gold, is it the same method?
Absolutely. White gold and rose gold are cleaned in exactly the same way as yellow gold. Just avoid using harsh abrasives on white gold to preserve its rhodium plating.
Does perfume damage gold?
It doesn't break it, but it dulls it very quickly. Our advice: apply your perfume, let it dry for 2 minutes, Then Put on your chain.