How often should you clean gold jewelry?

Monthly for pieces worn daily. Less often for occasionally worn pieces. More if you notice dulling.

Pure gold (24K) doesn't tarnish. 14K and 18K gold can develop slight dulling from the alloy metals mixed in.

Can you clean gold jewelry with vinegar?

White vinegar is safe for solid gold. Soak for 15 minutes, brush gently, rinse. Avoid on gold-plated items.

The soap and water soak method is safe for most gemstones. Avoid soaking pearls, opals, emeralds, and turquoise.

Jewelry

Your gold jewelry will sparkle like the day you got them with the right cleaning technique. Here's the safe way that jewelers recommend.

1
Soak in soapy water
Mix a few drops of Lemon Glow Dish Soap in a bowl of warm (not hot) water. Soak gold jewelry for 15-30 minutes.
2
Gently brush
Use a very soft toothbrush to gently brush around settings, behind stones, and in any engraved details where grime accumulates.
3
Rinse under warm water
Rinse each piece under warm running water. Close the drain or work over a bowl to avoid losing small pieces.
4
Dry and buff
Pat dry with a lint-free cloth and buff gently to restore shine.

TIPThis simple soap and water method is the safest and most effective way to clean gold. You don't need specialized gold cleaners.
TIPClean gold jewelry monthly if worn daily. Lotions, perfumes, and skin oils dull gold over time.
TIPRemove gold rings before cooking, cleaning, or exercising. Chemicals and sweat accelerate dulling.

XUsing chlorine bleach, which breaks down the alloy metals mixed with gold, weakening the piece.
XUsing abrasive cleaners or brushes, which scratch gold (even 14K and 18K are relatively soft metals).
XSoaking gold-plated jewelry for long periods, which can lift the gold layer from the base metal.

Not recommended. Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch the gold surface. Soap and water works better and safer.