Centrifugation is an easily accessible bench-top approach limited by the relatively small mass differences between the species involved. The relative centrifugation force (RCF) and the number of washing steps (WS) are the most apparent degrees of freedom for centrifugation. We applied three different RCFs (600 g, 1200 g, and 1900 g) for one, two, and three washing steps, respectively. The separation success was measured by UV/Vis extinction spectroscopy, as illustrated in Figure . While we aim to decrease the intensity of the monomer peak (525 nm), the intensity of the coupling peak (641 nm) should be preserved. For 600 g, we observed a significant decrease of both unbound AuNP and C/S particles, as experimentally documented by decreased intensities of both peaks. With centrifugation at 1900 g, C/S particles are well preserved, but the amount of monomeric AuNP is hardly changed. The best compromise between preserving C/S particles and removing monomeric AuNP was achieved after 3 WS at 1200 g. SEM images of the freshly synthesized and the optimally washed C/S particles confirm the above results. Furthermore, the degree of aggregation was reduced, most likely due to the redispersion and sonification of samples after each washing step. In summary, centrifugation under optimized conditions (3 WS at 1200 g) allows for acceptable but improvable separation of AuNP and C/S particles. Next, we assess how removing monomeric AuNP from C/S particles affects the SERS intensity of the colloid.