Skip to Content

What Can You Use To Clean Gold Rings?

Gold rings are more than just jewelry. They are statements about who we are and who we love. Rings that are worn every day become dirty, even dull. What can you use to clean gold rings?

You can use a variety of everyday household items to clean gold rings. Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide will clean and disinfect gold rings. Baking soda will remove tarnish from the gold, restoring its shine. Do not use alcohol to clean gold rings.

Close up view of gold ring

It is not always convenient to take our gold rings to a professional cleaner. Thankfully there are items you already have in your cupboard that you can use to successfully clean your gold jewelry at home, restoring that beautiful shine you love.

Can You Use Vinegar To Clean Gold Rings?

Vinegar cleaning solution with supplies

We use vinegar to disinfect and kill germs on everyday household items. Can you use vinegar to clean gold rings?

You can use vinegar to clean gold rings. The acidity in the vinegar will not only disinfect the rings but also break down the oils that have accumulated on the rings, causing them to look dull and dark. Do not use vinegar to clean gold jewelry that has pearls.

Any type of vinegar can be used to clean gold rings. White vinegar is the preferred choice because it is the most affordable vinegar but if you only have apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar in your cupboard, these will work too.

Step 1: Use a deep bowl or large jar that can hold enough liquid to cover the rings.

Step 2: Place the rings in the bowl or jar in a single layer.

Step 3: Pour enough vinegar over the rings to cover them completely.

Step 4: Let the rings sit in the vinegar for at least 10 minutes.

Step 5: While the rings are soaking in the vinegar, gently move the rings around in the vinegar. This will ensure the acidity in the vinegar keeps reacting with any dirt and oils still on the rings.

Step 6: After a few minutes, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or makeup brush to gently brush the rings, removing the grime that vinegar has loosened.

Step 7: Remove the rings and rinse them under running water to remove the vinegar and any loose dirt.

Step 8: Lay the jewelry in a single layer on a soft lint-free cloth to air dry completely before wearing or storing.

Can You Use Toothpaste To Clean Gold Rings?

Toothpaste and question mark

We use toothpaste every day to remove stains, food, and even plaque. Can you use toothpaste to clean gold rings?

You can use toothpaste to clean gold rings but it is not recommended. Toothpaste is abrasive so it should not be used often to clean gold rings. Do not use toothpaste that has added whiteners, sweeteners, or essential oils.

Do not use toothpaste on any gems or soft stones. The abrasiveness of toothpaste will further weaken these soft stones and can cause them to crack.

Use gentle pressure to rub the toothpaste onto the ring. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the toothpaste from the rings and then let them air dry completely.

Toothpaste will not disinfect your gold rings but it will remove dirt or oil that has accumulated on the ring, making it look dull in appearance.

[This article and its contents are owned by Wabi Sabi Group and was first published on 05/06/2022.]

Can You Use Baking Soda To Clean Gold Rings?

Porcelain container of baking soda

Baking soda has chemical properties that can break down hard and sticky substances and lift stains. Can you use baking soda to clean gold rings?

You can use baking soda to clean gold rings. Baking soda will break down dirt and oils that have caused the gold to look dull. The abrasiveness of baking soda will also work as a gentle scrub to remove the tarnish on the gold.

Because baking soda is abrasive, it should not be used to regularly clean gold rings. Only use baking soda when a deeper cleaning is needed.

Create a thick paste by combining baking soda and water. You want a consistency similar to that of toothpaste. Use a Q-tip to apply the paste to the ring.

If the gold ring was exceptionally dull or tarnished, gently rub the paste all over the ring. Let the paste sit on the ring for at least 5 minutes.

Rinse the ring under warm running water to remove all of the paste. If the ring still looks dull or dirty, repeat the process again.

If you feel the rings are in need of something stronger to clean them, you can combine vinegar and baking soda together for deeper cleaning. The fizzy reaction from combining vinegar and baking soda together will break down those stubborn spots on the ring.

Let the rings soak in the solution until the fizzy reaction stops. Rinse the rings in water and let them air dry completely.

Because vinegar and baking soda together are more powerful, do not use this combination to clean gold rings that have gems or soft stones.

Can You Use Coke To Clean Gold Rings?

Glass bottle of cola in bucket of ice

Coke can remove rust, grease, and even corrosion on battery cables. Can you use Coke to clean gold rings?

You can use Coke to clean gold rings, but only if there are no gems in the ring. Coke will dissolve dirt and oils on the gold but it could damage soft gems and stones. Do not soak gold rings in Coke.

Coke is very acidic. Soaking the gold rings in Coke will damage the gold. Coke should only be used occasionally to clean gold jewelry.

The safest way to use Coke when cleaning gold rings is by dipping a cloth or soft-bristled brush in the Coke and then gently wiping the rings.

Can You Use Alcohol To Clean Gold Rings?

Glass container of rubbing alcohol

Alcohol is extremely effective for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Can you use alcohol to clean gold rings?

You can use alcohol to clean gold rings, but it is not recommended. Alcohol will disinfect the gold rings but if used frequently, alcohol will tarnish the gold beyond repair. Alcohol dried quickly so the effects of using it on gold rings happen quickly.

Alcohol is present in many household items, including some shampoos. Remove jewelry before cleaning or showering to avoid even accidental exposure.

Another commonly overlooked item that contains alcohol is hand sanitizers. Hand sanitizers are at least 70% alcohol. Many also contain added skin conditioners or essential oils that can accumulate on gold rings, making them look dull.

Can You Use Windex To Clean Gold Rings?

Windex sprayed onto glass window

Windex cleans our windows, making them crystal clear and sparkle. Can you use Windex to clean gold rings?

You can use Windex to clean gold rings. Windex will clean gold rings, and remove dirt and oil, but it does not disinfect. Windex is safe to use on diamonds but should not be used on other gems and stones.

Windex contains ammonia. Ammonia is a strong cleaner that is effective at breaking down dirt and oils, making it effective in removing tarnish from gold rings.

Gold rings that do not have any stones can be soaked in ammonia. Let the rings soak for at least 5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly under running water.

If you are not sure which type of stones your gold ring has, use ammonia on a soft cloth to clean only the gold part of your ring.

This content is owned by Wabi Sabi Group and was first published on May 6, 2022..

[This article and its contents are owned by Wabi Sabi Group and was first published on 05/06/2022.]

Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Clean Gold Rings?

Container of hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is known for its bubbly reaction when disinfecting and killing bacteria. Can you use hydrogen peroxide to clean gold rings?

You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean gold jewelry. Hydrogen peroxide will lift dirt and oils from the gold, restoring the gold’s original shine. Hydrogen peroxide will also disinfect the rings.

These days we are all more germ-conscience than ever before. It is a good idea to regularly disinfect rings, especially if we have been in public places.

Hydrogen peroxide is safe to use on all types of gold. Soak the gold rings in hydrogen peroxide for at least 10 minutes and then rinse under warm running water.

How To Clean Gold Rings Properly

Gold ring and diamond

We often assume that gold is a strong metal because it is in jewelry that gets a lot of abuse – rings on our fingers, watches, and bracelets on our wrists. But gold is actually a very soft metal.

Pure gold, 24 karats, is soft and can become scratched or damaged easily. Gold that is predominately used in jewelry is mixed with other metals to make it stronger and more durable. This is why you see gold marked as 14 karats or 10 karats.

Gold jewelry that is worn against the skin will be affected by the natural oils in the skin. Over Time these oils will cause the gold to lose its shine and become darker. Regularly cleaning the gold jewelry will restore that original shine.

Care and caution need to be exercised when cleaning gold rings that have precious stones. Not all stones are hard and tough. Some are soft and porous and can become damaged when cleaned incorrectly.

Hard stones such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies can withstand stronger cleaning solutions. Emeralds, opals, and pearls are too soft and should only be cleaned with mild soap and water.

This article was first published on May 6, 2022 by Wabi Sabi Group..

To clean gold rings properly, use a solution that will break down oils and dirt, such as baking soda. Disinfect the rings with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Rinse the gold rings thoroughly under running water. Lay them on a soft, lint-free cloth to air dry before wearing or storing them.

Related Articles

What Can You Use To Clean Gold Jewelry?

What Can You Use to Clean Gold Chain?

What Can You Use to Clean Silver Coins?

What Can You Use To Clean Silver Jewelry?

WabiSabi Group is the owner of this article and was published on May 6, 2022 and last modified on .

What Can You Use to Clean Silver Rings?