Gold-plated jewelry is popular today because it offers the charm and beauty of solid gold at a more affordable price while maintaining the same appearance. However, due to the fact that it only has a layer of gold on the surface, it is very delicate and needs constant polish in order to make it shine. If you are thinking about how to wash gold plated jewelries without causing damage, you are at the right place. This article will discuss cleaning, maintenance and care tips for gold-plated products to ensure they always look as good as new as you had when you bought them.
What Is Gold-Plated Jewelry?
It is a material of fashion jewelry in which a coating of gold is applied on to a different metal including brass, copper or stainless steel. This is accomplished in a procedure referred to as electroplating. Gold plating is different from the hallmark "925" which indicates 92.5% pure silver content, and "750," which signifies 75% pure gold.
However, due to the micro thickness of the gold layer, it is extremely sensitive and requires utmost care to prevent it from wearing out. But the prestige of gold-plated jewelry is that it offers the appearance of actual gold without paying a lot of money for it. The drawback is that, with the passage of time, a layer of gold diminishes and if it is not wiped and cleaned regularly it starts fading very soon as compared to permanent jewelry. The question then arises how should the gold-plated jewelry be cleaned without damaging the piece?
How to Clean Gold-Plated Jewelry?
Gold-plated ornaments should be cleaned sparingly because the plating can be removed easily. Since the layer of gold is thin, it can easily be scratched or rubbed off. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean gold-plated jewelry safely:
Gather Supplies: For this, you’ll require warm water, a soft material (microfiber), gentle dish soap that is chemical-free, and a soft toothbrush.
Mix a Gentle Solution: Take a small dish and pour in some warm water and a few drops of gentle dishwashing soap. Stir gently to avoid creating unnecessary bubbles.
Soak the Jewelry: Soak your gold-plated items in the bath for up to two minutes. Leaving it there for too long would make the gold layer degrade or even make it loose.
Gently Clean: If your jewelry has been soaking for a while, then use a soft cloth or a toothbrush to brush it and remove the dirt, oil and other debris. For semi-complex designs, the toothbrush will work well in rinsing off the in-between areas that are almost invisible but do not press too hard.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse the jewelry under cold, warm or room temperature to remove the soap. When washing it ensure that it dries with a clean soft cloth. It should never be left to dry in the air as moisture will remove the gold layer and might reveal the metal.
Best Methods for Cleaning Gold-Plated Jewelry
Gold-plated jewelry can be cleaned with several procedures which do not involve the use of abrasive chemicals. These methods are gentle and safe for maintaining the look of your precious pieces:
Soap and Water: If this method is not convenient, washing it with mild dish soap and warm water is a safe practice when cleaning gold-plated jewelry. Do not use hot water on your wig as this will result in the gold layer chalking off.
Baking Soda Paste: Mineral deposits and other difficult-to-remove stains can be easily wiped with a very light solution of bicarbonate of soda dissolved in water. Rub the paste gently on a soft cloth and wash it off, after that do not use soap.
Professional Cleaning Cloths: Some jewelers have gold-polishing cloths exclusively for gold-plated jewelry and are safe to use. These cloths have been impregnated with mild cleaning agents and they will not damage the gold coating.
Ultrasonic Cleaners: Though ultrasonic cleaners are excellent for solid gold, they should not be used with plated gold pieces. Currently, high frequencies are capable of causing the thin film of the gold layer to peel off.
Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning Gold Plated Jewelry
There are several gentle methods to clean gold-plated jewelry that are unlikely to damage your pieces.
These techniques are safe for maintaining their appearance over time. However, there are some common misconceptions about cleaning gold-plated jewelry and what might harm your ornaments. By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure your jewelry lasts longer. It's also important to note the specific type of jewelry food handlers can wear, as this can influence the choices you make for both hygiene and style.
Avoid Abrasive Materials: Never scrub the jewelry using stiff bristles or a rough sponge, or clean it using the harshest solvents such as bleach or ammonia. These will remove the gold layer in a short time duration.
Don’t Over-Clean: It was also discovered that it is not advisable to wash your jewelry too often, as this will lead to early deterioration of the gold plating. Clean only when needed, that is when this looks dirty or when it has been used heavily.
Stay Away from Commercial Cleaners: Most commercial jewelry cleaners are harsh for gold-plated jewelry. Remember that wherever possible, choose between natural and mild solutions.
Avoid Excessive Water Exposure: Avoid soaking your jewellery for long because this could result to bleaching of the base metal and therefore reduces the lifetime of the jewellery.
How to Care for gold-plated Jewelry?
In addition to washing, there are very critical ways of handling your gold-plated pieces of jewelry to make them last long. Here are some tips on how to care for gold-plated jewelry Store Properly: Gold-plated jewelry must be much kept clean and dry; preferably stored in a jewelry organizer. This keeps it from being scratched by other jewelries and also it is protected from coming into contact with water.
Limit Exposure to Chemicals: Do not wear the gold plated jewelry at a time when you use lotion, perfume or hairspray as these are likely to cause the gold to wear out. Moreover, do not wear any jewelry when swimming or exercising.
Vary Your Jewelry Choices: While wearing gold-plated jewelry is good, since such jewelry tends to deteriorate easily, endeavour not to wear the same jewelry piece daily. Flipping some of your favourite items back and forth diminishes the amount of time you will be cleaning and therefore lessens the harm too.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Another disadvantage of gold plating is that when the item plated is exposed to the sun for a long time the gold plating will fade. A common rule of thumb is that when you are not wearing it, do not expose your jewelry to the sunlight.
Conclusion
Gold-plated jewelry is a great way to have the best of the gold without the gold belonging to you literally. But to maintain it in the best of conditions need a little extra effort and care compared to other jewelry. Now you read about how gold-plated jewelry should be cleaned and the provided tips can help you make your jewelry pieces last longer and stay shiny.
Applying only soft accessories while cleaning, properly storing items, and inability to use aggressive chemicals are the ways to maintain gold-plated jewelry. If well taken care, you should be able to fully appreciate your beautiful pieces in years to come.
FAQs -How to Clean Gold Plated Jewelry?
How often should I clean my gold-plated jewelry?
Gold plated jewellery should only be cleaned after they appear tarnished or have become very dirty. Cleaning can be very detrimental since it affects the gold layer often and it wears away easily.
Can I wear gold-plated jewelry while swimming?
Yes, it’s not advisable to put on any type of jewelry with gold plating especially for swimming. Chlorine and sea water can affect the gold plating by either fluxing it.
How do you clean gold-plated jewelry at home?
The only approved method of cleaning gold plated jewelry at home is by using warm water with a very little dish washing soap and a piece of clean cloth. Do not bleach or use strong solvents or other abrasive cleaners and do not scrub hard where gold is used on the ornament.