Introduction

The best alternative to impress and feel fancy at the same time is gold plated jewelry. It has a thin layer of real gold underneath which makes it as shiny as pure solid gold, but is, however, way cheaper. That is what makes it liked by so many of us.

When it goes dull and dirty it is not so much fun to wear. This is why the issue of how to clean jewelry with a gold finish should be studied in more detail. After learning to clean it to yourself, your favorite pieces come beautiful and shiny just as they were the first time you got them.

What Is Gold Plated Jewelry?

What is gold plated jewelry? First of all, it is important to discuss what gold plated jewelry is. It is not solid gold; it is of another metal (generally copper or silver), with a very thin layer of pure gold on top of it. This skinny film provides you with the appearance minus the cost.

The same gold layer is easily worn out sooner than other normal pieces of gold jewelry since it is thin. Gold is easily scratched and damaged and you may also find it scratching off when you are not careful polishing it up and it may appear worn out or old fashioned. I am familiar with the proper way of cleaning it, which makes it beautiful longer.

Why Does It Need Special Care?

Not every jewelry is easily cleaned. Gold is solid and therefore you can get scratches on it slightly. Gold-plated however require very delicate care. Excessive cleaning with the wrong stuff may scratch or bleach off the gold coverage.

Gold plated jewelry needs to be cleaned in a safe way. All you need is a soft cloth and some a little water. Hard cleaners or brushes are not to be used. Aggressive objects are capable of damaging the jewelry. Never go fast and hard.

Importance of Gentle Cleaning

Polishing gold plated items is done discreetly as the piece will last longer. The gold finish is not going to chip or wear off. It will continue to shine and have a new look. This would be an added downside only incase you wear the jewelry very often or it isa gift of a special person.

For those wondering how to clean gold plated jewelry at home, the answer is simple: warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth are your best friends. There is no requirement of expensive gadgets. All you have to do is to be patient, and handle each with care. That is the key to preserving your jewelry and making it gorgeous.

What You’ll Need to Clean Gold Plated Jewelry

It is simple and enjoyable to clean jewelry at home which are gold plated. What is required is safety equip page 1 and a soft touch. This rule tells you what to apply–and what not to apply–in order that your pieces may appear bright and clear.

You need not purchase expensive solutions in case you prefer cleaning gold plated jewelry at home. Most likely you already have everything you require in your kitchen or in the bathroom.

Safe and Simple Tools

Following are the top recommended tools to be used in cleaning the gold-plated items. These instruments are soft, safe and gentle. They will not leave scratches and stretch your jewelry.

1. Mild Soap

Take a very little amount of liquid soap which is without any foul odor or color. Baby soap or Dish soap is ideal. It has to be mild and not the one that is meant to handle hard stains or grease. Mild soap will assist you to remove the dirt off your jewel without damaging the gold layer.

2. Warm Water

Hot, but rather warm water. Gold plating can also be loosened or to decrease faster by hot water. Soap combined with warm water will do well to dissolve dirt and oils in your skin.

3. Soft Cloth

It is one of the most significant tools. A damp cloth should be preferably microfiber or cotton. It aids you to clean your jewelry without it developing scratches. It may appear that the tissues or paper towels are the softest things, but instead they may scratch sensitive surfaces.

4. Small Bowl

Pour your soap and water in a small clean bowl. A transparent bowl will enable you to view your jewelry when left to soak.

5. Optional: Jewelry Polishing Cloth

When you clean it, jewelry cloth can be useful in making your jewels shine when you have one. Be careful that it is done in gold-plated items and not rough.

What to Avoid

There are of course things you should be aware not to use as well. These factors may destroy the gold and make your jewelry appear old fashioned or even utilized.

1. Harsh Chemicals

Avoid bleach, alcohol or cleaning spray. They can cause peeling of the gold layer or it can change color. Gold plating is not safe to use harsh chemicals.

2. Rough Brushes

The toothbrushes and the scrub brushes are too harsh on the gold plated items. Although they may feel smooth, the small bristle is able to scratch the surface. That is why it is better to use soft cloths.

3. Toothpaste

Toothpaste is another way which many people believe can be used to clean their jewelry yet, unfortunately, it cannot be used in any way on gold plating. It contains minute particles that are capable of abrading the gold.

Step 1: Prepare Your Cleaning Space

The correct way of cleaning your jewelry begins with preparing. It is not a difficult step but quite significant. Clean place and appropriate equipment help you to clean with safety and without the mess effect.

Gather What You Need

First get a small bowl. This bowl shall be used to contain water and soap. Wash it up to make it free of other chemicals and food remnants. Any bowl, whether it is plastic or glass, is alright. It must be big to accommodate the piece you are going to clean.

Then take a clean towel. Before and after cleaning you will place your jewelry on this towel. Take a soft towel such as a hand towel or a baby towel. It does not allow your jewelry to slip or scratch around when you are working. Patterns or printers on towel are fine, but the towel has to be clean.

Add Lukewarm Water

Pour about half of the lukewarm water in the bowl. The water should be warmed only enough not to be really warm and cold. Put your finger in it. It is just fine as long as it feels good.

Hot water may appear to be a good technique; however, it damages gold plating. Glue, which secures stones, may be easily melted by heat, the gold lining may wear out more quickly. That is why warm is the best.

Add Just One Drop of Soap

Once your bowl is full, put a drop of mild soap. Any hygienic soap, which is soft on your skin, is good. Use babies wash or normal dish wash. Avoid soaps that have color added to them, ones with strong smells and ones containing harmful chemicals.

With your finger or with a spoon, lightly mix up the water. Keep on stirring till the soap is stirred in evenly. You do not need your jewelry to be full of bubbles; you want it clean.

Why This Step Matters

The significance of this step is because this step shows that service is done with compassion and care to ensure that the client has a positive experience.

The first step of cleaning 18k gold plated jewelry matters because it sets a safe, clean stage for everything that follows. You can start being cautious to save your jewelry and, in that way, it will be simpler to clean.

You are also ensuring that the tools and the workspace you use does not destroy your jewelry. Once you have those basics taken care of you are now ready to go the next step which is, soak and clean with love and care.

Step 2: Gently Soak the Jewelry

You are now ready to take the first giant step, which is soaking your jewelry, once you have prepared your cleaning space. It is a simple and useful step. Soaking helps loosen the dirt, sweat and oils that get accumulated due to you wearing your jewels. The secret is to treat it lightly and to let it soak at most about 20 minutes.

When you thoroughly soak gold plated jewelry it is so easy to clean it next time. It takes only a few minutes, is safe and easy.

What is the Time Duration to Soak?

When you get a bowlful of warm soapy water that you put into your little bowl (as we put soapy water into ours in Step 1), put your jewelry in place in the bowl. Be sure to have all of the pieces immersed under the water. You do not have to swirl it or shake it. Leave it alone.

How long then should it soak? It should be soaked in the best way in approximately 5 to10 mins. This allows the soap to do its thing and remove the dirt. You would not want to marinade it too much. Leaving it in too long though can be bad because the water can begin to erode the thin layer of gold over it.

10 minutes is ideal when your jewelry is quite dirty or is old. 5 minutes ought to be enough when it is only a bit dusty and/or with some fingerprints.

Why Soaking Helps So Much

Why soak your gold plated jewelry? Why then can you not just wipe it with a piece of cloth? Wetting penetrates into small crannies and crevices that clothes or hands would never get into. That is why soaking is so helpful when you clean gold plated jewelry at home.

Immersion loosens dirt and mud, which are attached on the jewelry. With wiping, there is hardly any scrubbing. The gold is capable of being scratched by hard scrubbing. Give your favorites an easy soak in a bid to make them easy to clean, and safe.

The mixture of warm water and a lightly fitted soap substance is not harsh to cleanse without getting the shine deteriorated. It does not damage whatever metal is hidden or small stones which could be stuck on with glue.

Soaking Tips:

• Ensure that the water is not hot.
• Not all can be soaked: soak one or two X one or two pieces at a time. They are able to grate against one another and to scratch.
• Your jewelry less should be in motion during its soaking. There is no requirement of stirring or motion.

Step 3: Wipe Carefully with a Soft Cloth

After soaking your accessories in warm soapy water, dry it carefully. This may seem simple but this is where the focus should be. The reason picking a proper cloth and a proper movement will make your item sparkly and looking new is because these two choices are key to making your item bright.

Learn the safe way to wipe gold plated jewelry without scratching.

How to Rub Gently Without Scratching

Remove the jewelry off the bowl. Wash hands so you do not apply more dirt or oil on it. Put it slowly on a soft cloth or towel. Make no dragging or pulling it over the surface, but the merely dropping anywhere.

Take a fluffy cloth. The most important tool is this. Soft cotton cloths or micro fiber cloths are best. They are velvet and soft to touch and will not cause any scratches that are small.

Now start rubbing the jewelry. No hard pressure is required. Wipe away the remaining dirt using soft circles that are small in size. In case the object has small edges or patterns, make sure you fold your cloth and twist that end in order to reach into those small spaces.

It is always to be done gradually. Hurrying or being over-pressure could take away the thin gold top. Remember, when it comes to wiping gold plated jewelry, being gentle is the smartest way to go.

Why Using a Soft Cloth Protects the Finish

You may be tempted to clean gold plated jewelry with a paper towel or old cloth, but that can strip off the thin gold layer. Just a single little scratch may ruin your piece making it look run-of-the-mill or even used up.

As such, the most appropriate ones will be the soft cloths. They maintain the finish safe and creamy. The fence is to ensure that there will be cleaning without damage so only soft materials can do that effectively.

When learning gold plated jewelry how to clean, many people make the mistake of scrubbing too hard. Gold plating does not intend to be used as a heavy scrub solution. The light wipe suffices without causing damage on the surface.

The other secret will be not to wipe in straight scathing lines. Instead use small circles. This will assist in maintaining the smoothness and levelness of shine.

Additional Hints on Best Results

• A clean cloth should be used always. Scratches may be caused by dirt that clings on your cloth.
• In case you intend to reuse the cloth; wash it after use.
• Do not ever dry your jewelry on a tissue or paper towels because they are too rough.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry Properly

It is time of final stage of handling your gold plated jewelry: rinsing and drying. This might appear to be easy, but it is highly crucial. In the event that you miss this step, or do it sloppily, your jewelry may lose its sparkle or worse still get damaged.

Stroll through your steps in washing and drying your jewelry to make it shine and look glamorous.

How to Rinse Safely

The rinsing helps in the removal of any remaining soap or dirt that may still remain on the jewelry. Doing it needs care, however.

Begin by place your jewelry on a set sink surface. Ensure that the drain is closed or use a strainer in case something would slip. You do not (read: you do not) want your ring or earring down the drain!

Run the water till it is a lukewarm. Hot water should not be used, because it will destroy the gold coating. Cold water would suffice but warm would be better as it would be easier to clear the soap.

Wash the jewelry in the running water, and do it gently. Waft it about gradually making sure that every side is washed. There is no scrubbing necessary. All you have to do is to make the water work. This will be the safest method of rinsing off any soapy residue such that it does not damage the gold surface.

When it comes to cleaning a mere necklace or to cleaning 24k gold- plated jewelry, simple rinsing is always the best option.

Drying Tips to Keep It Shiny and New

Your jewelry would be wet and slimy after having been rinsed. Shaking it or applying blow dryer is unacceptable. It could be harmful to that. Rather, keep your jewelry in a flat position on a clean towel (preferably soft).

Take a dry soft cloth and pat it dry. Do not apply any rubbing. It is possible to leave little dots when rubbed or rub off the gold layer. All you have to do is to press them down and leave the cloth to absorb the water.

In case your jewelry has little corners or forms, then you can just simply fold cloth and press them into these spaces. Be sure that you do not leave any water. When water remains in smaller areas, it may create dots or oxidation with time.

Have your jewelry air dry, which roughly takes 1015 minutes. This is preferably not worn or kept when it is still wet. It can be worn/stored after it becomes perfectly dry.

Bonus Tip: It is All About Storage Too

When your jewelry is dry, put this in a pouch that is soft or a lined jewelry box. Protecting against air, dust and scratches will help it last longer and not get flat. It also prevents the gold diminishing or wearing off.

Step 5: Polish for a Gentle Shine

Polishing is that final step in making your gold plated jewelry shine after you have washed and dried them. It is a simple albeit strong step. Light polish refreshens your jewelry and makes it appear clean bright and ready to go. Nevertheless, go very easy and slow.

That is the way you can polish, without damaging the gold layer.

Pick the Jewelry Polishing Cloth The first thing that you will need is a jewelry polishing cloth. This material is gentle and is used in polishing smooth things such as jewelry gold plated. It is more preferable than ordinary wardrobe since it is smooth, without lint, and it does not scratch the surface.

The cloths which are jewelry can be found at most craft or jewelry shops. Others are in two layers one is used in cleaning and the other in shiny. A soft microfiber cloth will also do although it might not polish as well as a genuine jewelry cloth.

First of all, take your jewelry in one of your hands and polish it with the polishing cloth by making small and soft circles. Start in one direction, and go round. Do not be hard, you do not need to apply pressure.

This should assist in eliminating any residual smudge or water marks caused by previous procedures. It also attaches some soft glowing-like glory to your jewelry.

Avoid Over-Polishing

Polishing is a good appearance though done overboard destroy the gold-plated ones. The jewelry with gold plating layers is placed on another metal, and only a thin layer of an actual gold is depicted. rub too long or too strongly, and you will grind that gold off.

Just polish as and when necessary. To check whether you need to polish or not, wash your jewelry and leave it to dry up, if it looks shiny at this stage, this might not need polishing. Apply this step when the metal is a little faded or might use a light touch.

Cleaning 18k gold plated jewelry the right way means knowing when to stop. The end result will be long-term care. Soft polishing prevents the gold form shedding preventing your jewelry having a long life as it stays pretty.

Additional safe polishing advice:

• a clean cloth must be used at all times
• do not apply any strong chemicals or polishing creams
• jewelry set with glued-in stones should not be rubbed too hard: they may be dislodged
• keep your polishing cloth in a dry, clean spot so it is soft and held at-the-ready

After you have rubbed your jewelry softly, then you are ready. You have gone through all the processes in order to be able to clean your gold-plated pieces safely and properly. Now your jewelry should be all sparkly and shiny just like new.

Good job! You are aware of how to maintain your most desired pieces fresh, pretty, and lasting. Next step: the last set of tips and care suggestions.

Extra Tips for Long-Lasting Jewelry

Congratulations, you have already cleaned-up your gold plated jewelry. Almost equally important is that you should continue to clean it daily. This will allow it to remain elegant, powerful, and brilliant years after years.

These are some of its basic everyday things that you can do in order to extend its life:

Do not wear it during shower and swimming.

The water by itself seems to not cause any harm but it can corrode your jewelry and cause the gold layer to wear out. Jewelry, soakers and swimmers are to be removed first.

Sea and pool water is even rougher. There is chlorine in pool waters and salt in ocean waters. The two of them can corrode or alter the color of your jewelry. This is the reason why you need to leave it at a safe place as you go swimming.

 Store in a Clean, Dry Place

When you remove your jewelry ensure that it is kept in safety. Putting it in a drawer or dropping it on the countertop can cause it to be rumbled or lost.

It dries in the best place, where there is plenty of cleanliness. It can be a soft pouch or a small jewelry box and even a towel that has been folded. Find a place that is not humid; wet areas may cause the metal under the gold to tarnish.

The ideal situation is that you have a small box or small bag or some small container that your jewelry came in when you purchased it. As much as possible avoid rubbing pieces against one another. Gold plating is extremely thin and may end up wearing off especially when in constant contact with other metals.

These small habits protect your favorite Gold Plated Jewelry and keep it shining and strong.

Seven Habits That are More Helpful

These are some of the few easy tasks you may like to perform:

• Apply jewelry on when you have sprayed perfume or put on lotion.
• Clean your jewelry using a soft cloth once you take it off to get rid of sweats and oils.
• Do Not wear jewelry to sleep- it may be bent or scratched.

Gold plated jewelry does not have to become a chore. These small pointers can take you quite far in making your pieces look good and durable. In case you do all these steps daily, your jewelry will last many years and it will look beautiful.

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Special Care for Different Types

The jewelry that are made of gold-plating are of various forms. There are some bright and other works are light and soft. It is a color which depends on the quantity of gold as well as the thickness of the gold mixture. In order to make your jewelry look good, knowledge of the type you are wearing and the way to treat them properly will be of a much help.

There are two popular types 18k gold plated jewelry and24k gold plated jewelry. They both require a bit of special attention, and are both nice to clean up so long as taken with care.

How to Clean 18k Gold Plated Jewelry Safely

The jewelry made of 18k gold plated presents a golden color that is rich and warm. It is slightly paler yellow than 24k, but still it is really bright. The gold plating of the 18kjewelry is rather thin and, with time, may become dislodged, particularly when clean too vigorously.

So, how to clean 18k gold plated jewelry without hurting it? The reply, very carefully!

Begin with wetting the piece in warm water to which a pinch of weak soap is added. Leave it to rest between 5 and 10 minutes. When it has been soaked, wipe the jewelry with a soft cloth. Austerity Do not rub over-hard. Allow it to air dry using a towel and then patting it off using a dry soft cloth. Do not scrubble up with harsh brushes or robust cleaners.

This soft approach does not destroy the gold layer but cleans your skin of its dirt and oils. It is terrific to clean your jewelry without removing any of the gold.

How to Clean 24k Gold Plated Jewelry Without Damage

Jewelries made of 24k gold-plated are the ones that have most of the gold content and they are literally glowing with a very bright and yellow color. It is so soft also because it is so pure. It is softer to scratch and also damage so you are to be more careful when cleaning it.

1. Wash 24k gold plated jewelry in warm water mixed with a drop of soap. Rub your fingers on the jewelry so that it swirls.
2. Get rid of it and wash clean water. Wipe with a clean soft cloth, and not hard.
3. Strong cleaning sprays and dips should never be used. They are able to take away the gold layer that is thin and to spoil the appearance.
4. It is recession. Once in a while is sufficient to retain the shine.

Tips:

• Before clean that jewelry check whether its 18k plated or 24k plated.
• Gentle hands should be administered and both should be done using soft clothes and warm water.
• Never keep your jewelry away before it has completely dried.

Special attention to various kinds of the gold-plated jewelry will make them look bright and gorgeous. Be it 18k or 24k, a pinch of love is good!

What Not To Do When Cleaning Gold Plated Jewelry

At home, gold plated jewelry can be cleaned easily and in a rather amusing way (as long as you do not damage it, of course). When you employ the inappropriate products or gadgets, you will be able to spoil your exquisite items. At this section, we will talk about what you are not supposed to do and why these contraventions will hurt your jewelry.

The following are the don ts that you can put in your mind to guard your jewelry without necessarily cleaning it.

No baking soda or toothpaste.

Others recommend using baking soda or toothpaste and these can clean silver or stainless steel. The gold plated jewelry does not work well with them. Gold-plated objects contain raw gold on top of another metal, and in case you are not very careful, you will manage to scratch or rub off this layer, which is basically undesirable. Baking soda is coarse and toothpaste is coarse. They contain minute particles which perform like sandpaper. Rubbing them over the gold plated jewelry may result in scraping of the gold coat. This would make your jewelry appear worn out, discolored or even spoilt.

Therefore, do not put baking soda or toothpaste no matter how dirty your jewelry appears. It can be cleaned in a safer manner and better- it can be done by the means of soft soap and water (as we have shown to an extent previously).

Why Strong Cleaners Can Ruin Your Jewelry

One of the greatest errors is using harsh cleaners on gold-plated products. These are glass cleaner, bleach, alcohol, and ammonia. Their use is ideal in cleaning windows or sinks but not suitable in cleansing jewelry, which has a thin layer of gold.

These cleaners have chemicals that will dissolve the top layer of gold. They not only clean off, but disintegrate the same layer by which your jewels are gold. They can make your piece even look uglier than before. The gold may become faded, peeling or color changing.

That’s why, if you’re wondering how to clean gold plated jewelry, the answer is always: go gentle. You do not require expensive items or powerful chemicals. All it takes to bring your jewel back to its original shine is a bit of warm water, soft soap and a soft cloth.

Additional Things not to Do

• Do not brush your jewelry (even a soft brush). Cloth is less dangerous.
• Do not boil clean or steam clean your jewelry-heat may soften the gold.
• Avoid putting on your jewelry when cleaning your house using sprays or bleach.

Safe Practices Only

In the case of gold plated jewelry, the less the better. The secret to having bright and new jewelry is avoiding harsh cleaning agents and coarse products. Be nice to your pieces and they will glow forever!

Now that you know what not to do, you’re ready for the final part of this guide—wrapping it all up with a clean, shining finish!

Conclusion: Keep Your Jewelry Sparkling with Simple Care

It does not require much effort to maintain the shine, brightness and beauty of your gold plated jewelry. Do this in the following simple steps.

1. Get ready: Put a new towel on a counter. Take a small bowl and pour some lukewarm water in it and add only one drop of mild soaps. The water should be lukewarm and not too hot, neither too cold.
2. Soak gently: Place your jewelry into the bowl and then soak it to 5 to 10 minutes. The water cleans the dirt and removes the oil without interfering with the gold layer.
3. Clean carefully: Wipe it with a soft cloth, a rough one would not do. Wipe gradually to eliminate every residue dirt. Treat your jewels finely and they will remain beautiful more.
4. Wash dry: Clean the jewelry with warm and clean water. After that dry it by patting with a soft cloth and let it air dry on a towel. Avoid rubbing or bringing out paper towels.
5. Shine up Polish: In case the jewelry still does not shine enough, clean it by using a jewelry polishing cloth. polish lightly; –all it takes to make it shine is a light touch.

Consider the daily habits as well. With good habits you make your jewelry last long and remain shiny.

• Remove all your jewelry before you get into the water or in the shower.
• Do not spray perfume or lotion which is on.
• Keep soft cloths and jewelry box in which to store your jewelry.
• The rubbing it with a soft cloth after every use.

You have no scratches and no damages by being kind and clever. Your gold plated jewelry will be grateful to you because it will last being bright and beautiful long enough.

Why Regular Cleaning Is Important

Cleaning of your gold plated jewelry can be done in your home. You need not wait until it will be dull or dirty. Its appearance is maintained by a periodic scrubbing every few weeks.

To start with, take a soft cloth, soap and water. Clean the jewelry by using water. Take a piece of cloth and a bit to a piece of soap and rub the jewelry. Rinse again. wipe, with a soft cloth.

The more you maintain your jewelry by cleaning it, the more comfortable it once feels and will continue to feel.

You are now good to go! As you now understand, cleaning your jewelry is quite easy to do correctly indeed, starting with the initial cleaning and ending with the polishing. Be it your favorite necklace or a special gift, these easy steps will maintain the necklace shiny like the first day.

Be gentle. Be patient. And wash good-naturedly.

Your jewelry with a gold plating- will have a great time ahead to be cheerful!