How to Clean Gold Plated Jewelry at Home?
Gold plated jewelry, far more affordable than solid gold items yet equally exquisite, holds a special place in many collections. If you're a proud owner of gold plated jewelry, ensuring its longevity and preserving its shine becomes paramount. Let's explore how to clean and care for your gold plated treasures, keeping them looking as radiant as ever.
Understanding the significance of cleaning gold plated jewelry is akin to maintaining solid gold pieces. Incorrect cleaning methods could lead to tarnishing or fading of its luster.
What You Need to Clean Gold Plated Jewelry:
Cleaning gold plated jewelry is a straightforward process. Here's what you'll need:
- Jewelry cloth or soft cloth
- Warm water
- A small bowl
- Mild dish soap
- Soft toothbrush
How to Clean Gold Plated Jewelry:
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Soak the jewelry for 10-15 minutes: Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap in a small bowl until it forms suds. Submerge the jewelry in this solution and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
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Gently rub with a soft toothbrush: Use a soft toothbrush to gently remove any built-up oil or dirt from the surface of the jewelry. Pay particular attention to areas where dirt tends to accumulate. Rinse the jewelry under running warm water thoroughly.
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Air-dry thoroughly: After rinsing, use a soft cloth to gently wipe the jewelry and allow it to air-dry completely.
Gold Plated Jewelry vs. Solid Gold Jewelry:
While there's no pure gold jewelry due to its softness, gold plated jewelry offers an affordable alternative. It consists of a thin layer of gold (10k, 14k, 18k, etc.) applied over a base metal such as stainless steel, brass, sterling silver, or copper. While gold plated items may eventually lose their color or tarnish, proper care can extend their lifespan significantly.
How often should you clean your gold plated jewelry?
The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you wear your jewelry. Aim to clean it at least once a week if it's worn frequently.
How to Care for Gold Plated Jewelry:
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Avoid chemicals: Lotions, perfumes, hair sprays, and makeup can harm gold plating. Remove your jewelry before applying any chemical products to preserve its shine.
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Keep away from beach or pool: Chlorine and other chemicals in pools can tarnish jewelry. Similarly, saltwater and sand at the beach can cause damage.
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Remove before workouts: Sweat can tarnish gold plated jewelry, so it's best to take it off before exercising.
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Store properly: Use a jewelry box or wrap your pieces in a soft cloth. For gold plated sterling silver jewelry, store them in a sealed plastic bag for added protection.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your gold plated jewelry retains its brilliance and beauty for years to come.
