How Often to Clean Gold-Plated Jewelry
It's a good idea to wipe down your jewelry with a soft cloth after each use to remove any sweat, residue from lotions, and smudges. Follow the steps below for a deep-clean whenever your gold-plated jewelry shows signs of tarnish or after exposure to chlorine, such as after taking a dip in the pool. (Hint: It's best to remove jewelry before going for a swim.)
What You'll Need:
- Soft cloth or jewelry cloth
- Small bowl
- Mild liquid soap
- Cotton swab or soft-bristled baby toothbrush
How Often to Clean Gold-Plated Jewelry?
- Wipe down after each wear. When you remove your jewelry for the day, get in the habit of giving it a quick wipe with a soft cloth or a jewelry cloth.
- Soak the jewelry. In a small bowl, combine warm water with a few drops of mild soap. Stir the soap into the water to create some suds. Add one piece of jewelry and allow it to soak for about five to 10 minutes.
- Remove dirt. If there is any dirt embedded in the crevices of the jewelry, use a cotton swab or a soft-bristled baby toothbrush to gently remove it. Then rinse the piece thoroughly.
- Dry thoroughly. Using a soft, lint-free cloth, dry the jewelry and buff the surface so it shines.
How to Clean Costume Jewelry With Gemstones
If your jewelry has precious or semi-precious stones in it, you're going to need to be a bit more careful. Avoiding soaking the jewelry and don't use water that's too warm, as both could loosen the glue that may be adhering the stones to the jewelry. Instead, use a soft cloth to wipe the pieces regularly. For a deep-clean, dampen a cotton swab in a solution of water and mild soap and use it to clear away any dirt or debris. Rinse and thoroughly dry the jewelry.