How to Clean Waterproof Gold Jewelry (Without Damaging It)
By Louise Carter · Updated July 9, 2026
To clean waterproof gold jewelry, wipe it with a soft cloth, then if needed wash gently with a drop of mild dish soap in lukewarm water, and pat dry. Avoid ammonia, bleach, ultrasonic cleaners, and abrasive polishes — these can dull PVD coatings. A soft cloth handles routine cleaning; soapy water handles buildup.
Waterproof jewelry is built for constant wear, which means it collects the same things your skin does — lotion, sunscreen, natural oils, and sweat. The good news: cleaning it is quick, and the biggest mistake people make is using cleaners that are too harsh. Here's the safe method.
The 3-step cleaning routine
- Wipe with a soft cloth. For everyday care, a soft, lint-free cloth (or a microfiber cloth) removes oils and restores shine. This handles most cleaning.
- Wash gently when needed. For buildup, add a single drop of mild dish soap to a bowl of lukewarm water. Swish the piece, then use your fingers or a soft cloth to wipe it clean. Don't scrub.
- Rinse and pat dry. Rinse under lukewarm water, then pat completely dry with a soft cloth. Don't let it air-dry with water spots, and make sure it's fully dry before storing.
That's it — two minutes, no special products.
What to avoid
Waterproof jewelry is coated, so treat it more gently than solid gold or silver:
- Ammonia, bleach, and jewelry "dips." These are formulated for solid precious metals and can dull PVD.
- Ultrasonic cleaners. The intense vibration is designed for solid stones and metals and can be too aggressive for coated pieces.
- Polishing cloths with compound / abrasive pastes. These physically remove a micro-layer of surface — fine for solid gold, not for a coating.
- Toothpaste and baking soda. Popular internet "hacks," but both are mildly abrasive and can scratch the finish.
After the pool or ocean
Chlorine and salt won't damage quality PVD, but it's still smart to rinse with fresh water and pat dry after swimming. This removes any residue that could sit on the surface, and keeps clasps and chains moving smoothly.
Storing it right
- Keep pieces dry and separated so they don't rub together.
- A soft pouch or a lined jewelry box works well.
- You don't need anti-tarnish strips (waterproof PVD doesn't tarnish), but they won't hurt.
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you clean waterproof gold jewelry?
- Wipe it with a soft cloth for daily care. For buildup, wash gently with a drop of mild dish soap in lukewarm water, rinse, and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners.
- Can you use jewelry cleaner on PVD gold?
- Avoid commercial jewelry dips, ammonia-based cleaners, and ultrasonic machines on PVD gold — they're formulated for solid metals and can dull or damage the coating. Mild dish soap and water is safer and works well.
- How often should you clean waterproof jewelry?
- A quick wipe with a soft cloth every few days keeps it looking new. A gentle soapy-water wash is only needed occasionally, when lotion or oils build up, or after swimming in the ocean or a chlorinated pool.
Related guides
Shop waterproof 18K gold jewelry
Shower, swim, sweat — never take it off. Lifetime color guarantee.
Build your bundle — 7 for $85