How to clean tarnished gold plated jewelry?

There are many types of jewelry, and fancy jewelry, made from precious metals and stones, is some of the most valuable. Therefore, keeping them clean and well cared for is very important to keep them in perfect condition and not damage them.

If you want to know how to clean tarnished gold plated jewelry, pay attention to the following tricks. Discover the most appropriate methods and tips so that your jewelry always looks perfect.

There are a number of methods to clean gold costume jewelry that has become blackened or dirty. These pieces are usually created from cheaper stones and metals and can last less than fine jewelry. In this way, cleaning techniques must be gentle and careful if we do not damage our jewelry. The main methods to clean this type of jewelry are:

• Dry cleaning
• Soap cleaning
• Cleaning with nail polish remover

How to clean tarnished gold plated jewelry?

Dry cleaning is the safest method of cleaning costume jewelry, as it will ensure that no trace of detergent remains or that the use of harsh soaps damages the jewelry. To carry out the dry cleaning of your jewelry, you must follow these steps:

1. Find a well-lit area to better work with jewelry. Artificial lights or dark places often cast shadows, which is not recommended. Bet on a lamp that can illuminate the surface on which you are going to work directly.
2. Use a toothbrush or other soft brush to clean the surface of the jewel. In this way, you will be able to remove the dust that is on the surface.
3. Spray a can of compressed airé on the jewel. You should place the can 2 or 3 cm away. This way, you will be able to loosen the dust and dirt from the crevices.
4. With the help of a magnifying glass, see if there is still dirt in any corner of the jewel and use a wooden toothpick to remove it. Avoid metal toothpicks, as they could scratch the jewelry.
5. Finally, wipe with a soft and dry cloth to polish the jewel, remove surface marks or stains, and restore the shine to the piece.

How to clean jewelry with soap?

This is a non-aggressive method that aims to clean the costume jewelry more thoroughly. To carry out the technique, perform the following steps:

• Mix one part mild soap (without any chemicals) with three parts warm water.
• Dip a toothbrush or soft cedar brush into the solution.
• Before brushing the jewelry, remove the excess solution from the brush. The idea is to use as little of the mixture as possible. Then wipe it over the jewelry to clean it.
• Once brushed, rinse it off with lukewarm water. Try to do it quickly so as not to damage the jewel. Watch out! Do not leave the piece soaked or submerged for a long time.
• Dry it with a soft, dry cloth. Then, leave the piece on a paper towel and finish drying with the hairdryer, using the cold option, since the heat could damage the jewel. Finally, polish it again with a soft, dry cloth and… the jewelry will be sparkling!

How to clean jewelry with nail polish remover?

If none of the previous methods have worked for you, you will have to use other stronger resources. Of course, if you are not sure, you can always go to a jewelry store to have professionals polish and clean your costume jewelry. However, if you dare to clean the pieces yourself, we recommend using a stronger detergent: nail polish remover as a last resort. To do it correctly, follow these steps:

• Use an acetone-free nail polish remover or a mild jewelry cleaner. Make sure it is suitable for costume jewelry since if it contains alcohol or vinegar, it could damage the piece.
• Minimally soak a cotton ball with the nail polish remover or cleaner and wipe off the excess product before applying it to the jewelry.
• Gently rub the piece to clean it, avoiding, as far as possible, the areas where there are stones attached since the product could dissolve the glue.
• Once you’re done, quickly rinse the piece in warm water.
• Remove excess moisture with a soft, dry cloth. Afterward, let the jewel dry on a paper towel and finish the technique by applying cool air from a dryer.
• Finally, polish the piece by passing it, again, with a soft and dry cloth.

How NOT to clean a fancy gold jewel?

It has become very popular among networks to use products that are not or not suitable for cleaning this type of jewelry since, although it is believed otherwise, its use would damage the piece. Among these methods that you should never use, the following stand out:

1. Cleaning jewelry with baking soda
2. Cleaning jewelry with Coca Cola

Both products are very strong for this type of material, so if you want to recover gold jewelry, DO NOT use baking soda or Coca-Cola.

How to prevent jewelry from rusting?

Cleaning gold costume jewelry takes time, patience, and care. Some professional jewelers can help you with this task. However, you can apply the cleaning techniques discussed above at home. In this way, the best way to prevent gold jewelry from rusting is by taking care of it, making it frequent cleaning.

In addition, to maintain and preserve your jewelry, we recommend that you store them in cool and dry places. Each in a compartment or its own bag to prevent scratches or damage.

On the other hand, the jewel should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. In this way, you will avoid contact with chemicals or other products that can damage the piece.

As for water, you should avoid contact with your jewelry. Some metals can react and damage the part. For this reason, dry cleaning techniques are more recommended.