How to Clean Gold-Plated Jewellery at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
Gold-plated jewellery is among the luxurious pieces of jewellery that are everybody’s most preferred type of jewellery for any occasion. However, when you wear it regularly, it becomes important to understand how to clean gold-plated jewellery at home to maintain a shiny and elegant appearance. Apart from this, there are bracelets and necklaces that are gold-plated pieces that require regular cleaning to prevent tarnish and preserve their beauty for a longer time. In this blog, we shall provide step-by-step instructions on how do I clean gold-plated jewelry or how do you clean up gold-plated jewelry safely and effectively.
How to take care of gold-plated jewelry?
When it comes to how to clean up gold-plated jewelry, understanding the need for cleaning and the frequency of cleaning is good to know. Every gold-plated jewellery features a thin layer of gold, and any base metal like brass, copper, or silver undergoes an amalgamation in the jewellery-making process. Although the gold-platting gives a perfect finish, it is still vulnerable to daily wear and tear. This happens only when it is exposed to moisture, oils, and environmental factors regularly. Regular cleaning and proper care make sure that the shine of jewellery is maintained and doesn’t lose its lustre. Understanding how to take care of gold-plated jewelry properly is important to maintain its shine for a longer time.
How do I clean gold-plated jewelry?
Step 1: Start by preparing the cleaning solution from scratch.
The first step towards how to clean up gold-plated jewelry at home process is to create a simple cleaning solution. You will require the following items:
● Mild dish soap (liquid)
● Warm water
● A soft cloth or microfiber towel
● A soft bristle toothbrush
● A bowl
Now, mix a few drops of the dish soap with warm water in a bowl. This gentle solution proves to be effective in cleaning without damaging the gold-plated layer. Avoid using harsh chemicals as much as possible, as it will rip off the gold pleating. Stick to the mild soap cleaning process to be on the safer side in the process for how to wash gold-plated jewelry.
Step 2: Submerge the jewellery and clean it.
Now, as the cleaning solution is ready for use, the next step is to clean the jewellery with it. Start by submerging your gold-plated jewellery, including a kada, custom name jewellery, or silver bracelet, into the soapy solution. Soak the jewellery in the solution for the next five minutes. Soaking will release dirt and oils that have accumulated on the surface.
Once the jewellery has soaked, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to softly scrub any leftovers first, especially in the interior areas. These soft bristles won’t cause any damage to the delicate piece of gold jewellery. When understanding the process of how to wash gold-pleated jewelry it’s good to be gentle to not remove the gold coating.
Step 3: Rinse and let dry
After thoroughly cleaning your gold-plated jewellery, the next step in how do you clean gold pleated jewellery is to rinse the jewellery under lukewarm water to remove any remaining soap. It’s important to remove the remaining soap entirely from the jewellery so that the soap may not cloud the surface. Once it is rinsed completely, use a microfibre or a soft cloth to gently pat dry the jewellery. Be sure to remove any excessive water accumulated to form any strains in the gold-plated jewellery or even name necklace or bracelet for that matter.
For an extra shine, lightly buff the jewellery with a soft cloth to regain its lustre like before. This is the most important step in knowing how to clean gold-plated jewellery.
Step 4: Regular maintenance is most important.
Now, as the gold-plated jewellery is clean, regular care or maintenance is present in the picture. Here are some tips on how to take care of gold-plated jewellery:
● Avoid direct contact with crude chemicals: The first step towards how to clean gold-plated jewellery at home is to remove any perfumes, lotion or chemicals from the jewellery to avoid damaging the the gold layer.
● Store it neatly: Keep every piece of gold-plated piece in a separate pouch or compartment to avoid scratches in the gold plating. Store your jewellery in a cool, dry place without exposing it to direct sunlight.
● Remove when performing any physical activities: Lastly, in the process of how to clean up gold- plated jewellery, it is advised to remove the same while exercising, swimming, or sleeping to avoid unnecessary wear.
Step 5: How to clean gold-plated jewellery with stubborn stains
Sometimes, gold-plated jewellery tends to accumulate stubborn stains that don’t go away with a simple cleaning. In this case, it is best to make a paste using baking soda and water. After making the paste, slowly apply the paste to the tarnished areas using a soft cloth. Don’t scrub too hard, as this could affect the gold plating. After cleaning, the jewellery was well and pat dry. This cleaning method will help you understand how to clean up plated jewellery in a better way with tough stains without causing any damage.
Methods to maintain the beauty of gold-plated jewelry
Gold-plated jewellery can last long if maintained properly. Apart from regular cleaning, here are some tips on how to I clean gold-plated jewellery.
1. Limit Exposure to Water: Water, when chlorinated, can cause severe tarnishing to the gold-plated jewellery. Before showering or swimming, remove the jewellery to preserve its shine.
2. Avoid Physical Contact: Keep your gold-plated jewellery away from surfaces that could cause potential scratches, such as rough fabrics or metal objects.
3. Polish Occasionally: Use a soft cloth to clean your jewellery on a regular basis once every few weeks or months. This will make the jewellery look fresh.
By following these steps, you will gradually understand how do you clean gold-plated jewellery and extend the life of these precious jewellery pieces.
Reasons to clean gold-plated jewellery professionally
While cleaning the jewellery at home, you might want to occasionally take it to a professional for deep clean. Professional jewellers are well-versed and experienced in how to wash gold-plated jewelry. They can help restore the shine of the heavily tarnished gold-plated pieces and offer re-plating services if required. For precious items like personalized kada, it is better to consider a professional cleaning to restore their original lustre.
Reasons to choose gold-plated jewellery?
Gold-plated jewellery is an elegant piece of jewellery that is an affordable alternative to solid gold pieces. With other exclusive products like a bracelet for women or personalised jewellery, you can enjoy the shimmer of gold without spending too much. Gold-plated jewellery gives more variety with numerous designs available as per the occasion.
With this, it is important to understand how to take care of gold-plated jewelry, especially when it comes to retaining its shine and radiance for years. This applies to bracelets as well. With proper care, you can preserve the elegance of gold-plated jewellery.
How to extend the lifespan of the jewellery?
Lastly, in the process of how to clean gold-plated jewellery at home, the most important process is to understand the ways to extend the lifespan of the gold-plated jewellery. It is better to store the pieces properly by keeping them in a cool or dry place, away from direct sunlight. Going further towards understanding how do you clean gold-plated jewelry? Use a soft cloth to clean the oil, dirt and perfumes accumulated at the surface. It’s also important to avoid wearing gold-plated jewellery when engaging in any physical activities. Also, do not expose the jewellery to any harsh chemicals or even water for that matter. When you're not wearing it, consider keeping your jewellery and other delicate pieces in separate pouches to prevent scratches and damage. Lastly, when understanding how do I clean gold-plated jewelry, avoid wearing gold-plated jewellery when exercising or swimming to avoid unnecessary creasing. Take these precautions to make sure the gold-plated jewellery remains beautiful for years to come.
FAQ
Does perfume or lotion adversely affect the gold plating in the jewelry?
Yes, perfume, lotion, and other cosmetics contain chemicals that can tarnish the gold plating in no time. It is better to apply these products to your skin first, let them absorb into your skin completely and then wear the jewellery.
What happens if there are scratches in my gold-plated jewelry?
If your jewellery gets scratched, don’t go for DIY fixes, as this can worsen the damage. Visit a professional jeweller for a perfect re-plating or finishing to regain its original appearance.
What should be the frequency for cleaning my gold-plated jewellery?
Clean your gold-plated jewellery in every two weeks if in case you wear it regularly. If there is a jewellery piece you wear occasionally, cleaning it once a month is enough to maintain its sparkle.
Is it possible to replate the gold-plated jewellery when it fades?
Yes, a professional jeweller can replate gold-plated jewellery to restore the originality of the jewellery.