How to Clean 24K Gold

24K gold is pure gold.

The purity of gold is measured in karats, or K. Most types of gold are mixed with metals to strengthen it and the amount of metal mixed in with the gold determines whether it is 10K, 14K or 18K gold. 24 karat gold is pure gold and not mixed with any metal, making it the most yellow in color than all other golds. It's also soft, since it has not been mixed with metals and needs to be properly cared for and cleaned to avoid damage.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl or cup
• Liquid soap or jewelry cleaner
• Towel
• Soft-bristled brush
• Cloth
• Lint-free cloth

Instructions

1. Fill a small bowl or cup with warm water. Add either a squirt of a mild, liquid soap, such as a mild hand soap or dish soap or a capful of jewelry cleaner to the water.

2. Lay a towel over a flat surface. Place the 24K gold item on the towel.

3. Dip a small, soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush into the soapy water. Gently brush the cleaning solution onto the 24K object. Rotate the object as needed to clean the entire surface and reach all crevices.

4. Dampen a soft cloth in cool water. Wring the cloth to remove excess water. Wipe down the 24K object to remove soap residue.

5. Dry the object with a lint-free cloth.

References

• Shallow Jewelers: Frequently Asked Jewelry Questions
• Borsheims: About Precious Metals