7 Easy Ways to Restore White Gold That’s Turned Yellow

More and more people are adding white gold to their collections. The sleek, elegant white finish appeals to those of us who absolutely love the modern vibe of it. More durable than silver and more affordable than platinum, white gold is winning our hearts! 

But what if the white gold loses its signature white? Sadly, it can happen because white gold isn’t naturally white. It’s made white with its alloy composition and rhodium plating. So, how to clean white gold? No need to worry; it is easy, and the yellowing can be easily prevented or restored. 

In this guide, join us as we answer how to clean white gold that has turned yellow.

7 Easy Ways to Restore White Gold That’s Turned Yellow

How to clean white gold? There are many DIY hacks out there on the internet, but a lot of them may actually harm your white gold instead of helping. And then there are professional treatments. We are here to tell you the easy and correct methods of restoring white gold that’s turned yellow.

Home Cleaning

Home cleaning is best for surface-level dirt. They are useful to prevent dullness, but of course, they can’t restore rhodium. Nonetheless, home cleaning is necessary to keep that white gold jewellery shining!

1. Soak It in Warm Soapy Water

The safest, most gentle, and yet super effective method for removing everyday grime. You may think your jewellery has it easy, but the truth is, it withstands many things from day-to-day life, from your lotion to sweating.

This simple method helps clean up those build ups!

1. Heat some water to a lukewarm temperature.
2. Put the lukewarm water in a small bowl and add a few drops of mild dish soap.
3. Put your white gold pieces in the solution and let them soak for about 20 minutes.
4. Take a soft-bristle brush and scrub the jewellery. Be as gentle as possible. 
5. Take a cotton cloth (make sure it’s lint-free) to dry the jewellery to remove any water residue.

Here’s a pro tip: harsh soaps and scouring pads are a big fat no! As they will scratch the rhodium finish. Also, you shouldn’t air dry your white gold jewellery as it can lead to water spots and eventually tarnishing.

 2. Say “No” to Toothpaste & Vinegar

A lot of DIY hacks will tell you to use toothpaste and vinegar. Sure, they might sound clever, but they really aren’t.

Toothpaste is meant to clean your teeth, not your jewellery. When it comes to white gold, toothpaste can scratch both the rhodium plating and the gold alloy beneath. It is very abrasive.

Vinegar is acidic. It’s meant to cause a reaction, which may erode the surface and discolour the metal, making you lose the white gold you love.

We recommend sticking to mild dish soap, which is proven to be a gentle cleanser. When it comes to the shine of your white gold, don’t take shortcuts!

3. Try a Baking Soda Paste (Sparingly)

If you notice discolouration and stubborn grime that just won’t budge, you can try baking soda, but very carefully so.

• Add a few drops of water to a small amount of baking soda. The quantity should form a paste.
• Apply the paste gently to the jewellery using a soft cloth or brush.
• Rinse very thoroughly, and dry with a lint-free cotton cloth or a microfiber towel.

Baking soda is mildly abrasive. Only use it if you think mild dish soap isn’t cutting it. And make sure you don’t put excessive pressure when scrubbing.

4. Use a Recommended Jewellery-Specific Cleaning Solution

If you don’t want to risk it with baking soda and mild dish soap isn’t enough, you can ask your jeweller to recommend a jewellery-specific cleaning solution.

They are good for more delicate items and those with gemstones. Make sure it’s labelled safe for white gold and gemstones. Follow the product instructions to the letter. At the end, rinse and dry thoroughly.

We highly recommend not using ultrasonic cleaners except with a jeweller’s consultation. It is because stones and settings can come loose; you don’t want them to crack under intense vibration.

Also Read: White Gold or Platinum: Which Suits You Best?

Professional Cleaning

Home cleaning is great, but from time to time, you should opt for professional cleaning, especially if your white gold jewellery still looks yellow. It is also the best solution for getting a flawless finish. Don’t hesitate to turn to the pros!

5. Ultrasonic & Steam Cleaning

These high-tech methods are able to remove dirt from even the tiniest corners, places home cleaning can’t reach.

Ultrasonic cleaning uses vibration to dislodge the grime. Steam cleaning, on the other hand, blasts hot steam to remove build up, and you don’t have to worry about any abrasive chemicals.

These services are safe when performed by experts and are often offered free or at low cost if you bought the item from that jeweller.

6. Re-plate with Rhodium

If you want your white gold jewellery to look exactly like when you bought it, this is the only method that will fully restore the bright, white colour. Over time, rhodium coating can wash away, and it exposes the yellow alloy base underneath.

The jeweller will clean and polish your item. Then they will apply a new rhodium plating using the electroplating method. It typically costs between £20 and £60, and is needed every 1-3 years for items you wear daily, like an engagement ring.

7. Schedule Annual Polishing & Inspections

Doesn’t your car go through routine check ups? So should your white gold jewellery. Proper maintenance can go a long way, and before you know it, you can pass it down to your loved ones, still looking brand new.

A jeweller can buff out scratches, deep clean the piece, and also check for weak prongs or loose stones. The last one is really important cause you don’t want to lose stones in the middle of the day and find out when it’s too late.

Annual inspections will prevent problems before they even happen. A little upkeep saves a lot of money and hassle later.

Long-Term Tips: How do you keep white gold shiny?

Here are some tips you can follow to maintain the high-shine finish of your white gold.

Remove jewellery when performing certain activities like cleaning, cooking, swimming, or applying beauty products.

Wipe after each wear to clean any body oils and residue that may have collected during the day. Also, take off rings before you hit the gym or do some gardening. Physical stress can hasten the wear off of rhodium.

FAQs

What causes white gold to turn yellow?

White gold turns yellow as its rhodium coating wears off from daily friction, products, water, and even your skin, exposing the warm gold underneath

Can I replate white gold at home?

DIY kits exist, but the results aren’t worth it, especially with the risk of damaging the jewellery. Jewellers have special equipment, safety protocols and the required skill.

Can white gold be reversed to white again?

Yes, with rhodium re-plating.

How do I polish white gold at home?

You can use a microfiber towel, which acts as a soft polishing cloth and gently rub it in a circular motion.

Is white gold real gold?

Of course. It is genuine gold, typically 14K or 18K.

Does perfume damage white gold?

Sadly, yes. So do other body products like essential oils and lotions.

Conclusion

White gold can sometimes lose a bit of its shine as time goes on, but don’t worry, that doesn’t mean it’s beyond saving. Follow our tips on how to clean white gold that has turned yellow, and you're good to go!

The key is consistency and attention.

If you are looking to add more white gold jewellery to your collection, head over to Argent & Asher for pieces that are unique, personal and meant to last a lifetime.