How to Clean Gold Chains
All gold jewelry, including chains, develops a grimy buildup over time and becomes discolored. If you notice your chain has discoloration or dullness, cleaning it can restore its shine. Regularly cleaning your chains keeps them in good condition and protects them against corrosion. Learn how to clean your gold chain at home with these cleaning tips.
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Clean Your Chains with Soap and Water
The best way to clean your gold chains is also the simplest. A few drops of dish soap in warm (not hot) water is the ideal cleaning solution for your jewelry. Use a container that holds your chains but leaves enough room for a couple of inches of water on top of them.
Follow these simple steps to clean your 14k gold chain:
- Submerge your jewelry in the warm, soapy water. Let your chains sit in the water for 5-10 minutes.
- Use an extra-soft toothbrush, like a baby toothbrush, or a soft cloth to gently scrub the chain. The bristles of a toothbrush help get into smaller crevices, such as around the clasp and between links. Clean the entire length of each gold chain.
- Rinse your gold chains by placing them in another container filled with warm, clean water.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth or towel to dry off your gold jewelry gently. Be careful not to snag the fabric with your chain and, to avoid scratching the gold, never use an abrasive cloth.
- You can use a jewelry polishing cloth to buff it after the chain dries, increasing its shine.
Frost NYC Offers Rope, Figaro, and Cuban Link Chains
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Using an Ultrasonic Cleaner
Ultrasonic cleaners are machines that use high-frequency sound waves to clean your jewelry. The sound waves are transmitted through a solvent poured into the machine’s central tank. These sound waves cause microscopic bubbles to form around the gold chain, which implodes with such force that the bubbles dislodge any built-up grime from the surface.
To clean your gold chain, simply place it inside the machine. Follow the machine’s directions to clean your gold chains. You can use a dish detergent and water solution or add a specialty gold cleaner. The small and fast-moving vibrations clean your chains in just a few minutes.
Ultrasonic cleaners are great at removing layers of dirt and grime. The cleaning solution gets into even the smallest crevices, making it an excellent cleaner for Cuban link chains and other chains with tight weaves. Ultrasonic cleaners work best on thicker chains without added embellishments like gemstones.
Check Out Frost NYC’s 14k Gold Chains
Get Your Jewelry Professionally Cleaned
If your gold chains are extremely soiled or tarnished, you may need a professional jeweler to clean them for you. Experts recommend taking your jewelry for a professional clean at least once a year if you wear the piece frequently.
A jeweler has the tools and knowledge to give your gold chains a thorough clean without damaging any of the links, clasps, or settings. They typically start by putting the chain in a high-powered ultrasonic cleaner with a jewelry-grade solvent. Then they polish the chain using a high-speed buffing wheel, which removes any surface scratches. Finally, they steam clean the chain to eliminate any residue left from the cleaning and polishing processes.
Frost NYC offers free periodic cleaning and maintenance for any pieces purchased from our store or online shop.
Cleaning Methods to Avoid
To protect your gold chain from damage while cleaning, there are some cleaners and methods to avoid.
Only Use Dish Soap
Never use shower gel, body wash, or other soaps or cleansers to clean your gold chain. Only use dish soaps like Dawn of Palmolive mixed with water. Other soaps can leave a film on your jewelry.
Never Use Chlorine
Chlorine can damage or discolor your gold chain, so never add chlorine products like bleach to your cleaning solutions. Chlorine has more damaging effects on gold in warm and hot waters, and you may want to avoid wearing your gold chain in hot tubs.
Be Careful of Gemstones
Plain gold chains are safe to clean at home, but, if your chain has added gemstones, don’t try at-home cleanings. Many gemstones require specific care from your jeweler. Only diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are safe to clean at home.
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Frost NYC Polishes Gold Chains
Preserve the appearance and value of your gold chains with regular cleanings. You can choose from simple at-home cleanings and purchasing an ultrasonic cleaner or bring your chains into your jeweler for a professional cleaning.
Frost NYC sells high-quality gold chains, pendants, rings, and bracelets, and all our jewelry comes with a lifetime warranty that includes polishing. Visit our online store today for your next gold chain.