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Pavé huggie hoop earrings in 18K gold plating being cared for — Anti-Tarnish Waterproof Jewellery | House of Zena

How to Clean Gold Plated Jewellery at Home

Clean gold plated jewellery with warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft cloth. Never use toothpaste, baking soda, vinegar or silver dip — all are abrasive or acidic and strip plating permanently rather than cleaning it.

The method

  1. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into warm — not hot — water.
  2. Dip a soft cloth and wipe gently. Do not soak for long periods.
  3. For crevices, use a very soft brush with almost no pressure.
  4. Rinse with clean water and dry completely with a soft cloth.
  5. Let it air-dry fully before storing. Trapped moisture is the enemy.

What never to use — and why

Method Commonly recommended? What it does to plating
Toothpaste Very Abrasive — physically sands off the layer
Baking soda Very Abrasive, and chemically harsh
Vinegar or lemon Often Acidic — attacks plating
Silver dip Sometimes Formulated to strip surface layers
Ultrasonic cleaner Sometimes Vibration loosens plating and stone settings
Warm water and mild soap Rarely Safe and sufficient

Almost every "jewellery cleaning hack" circulating online was written for solid metal. Applied to plated jewellery, those same methods remove the very thing you are trying to preserve.

Preventing the need to clean

Most dullness is film from cosmetics rather than damage. Applying perfume, sunscreen and hairspray before putting jewellery on prevents the majority of it. See how long waterproof jewellery actually lasts for the full ranking of what causes wear.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use toothpaste on gold plated jewellery?

No. Toothpaste is a mild abrasive designed to scrub. On plated jewellery it removes the gold layer.

How often should I clean gold plated jewellery?

A quick wipe after wear is enough for most pieces. A proper clean every few weeks is plenty for daily-wear items.

What if my jewellery has lost its shine?

Usually it is film from soap, lotion or sweat rather than lost plating. A gentle clean with warm water and mild soap typically restores it.

Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner?

Not on plated jewellery. The vibration loosens plating and can dislodge stone settings.

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