How to Clean Plated Jewelry

how-to-clean-plated-jewelry-275154-1587585297229-main

(Image credit: Szymon Brzoska/The Style Stalker)

It's inevitable for plated jewelry to get dirty—or at least lose its coveted luster and shine. After days of exposure to dirt and oils from our lotions or perfumes, both silver- and gold-plated pieces start to look, in a word, dull. That's why giving them a proper clean every now and then is necessary. While it may sound like an additional task that'll take up a lot of time, cleaning plated jewelry is actually very simple and doesn't require any special, expensive materials. In fact, you likely already own everything you need to get back your piece's luster and shine. Ahead, how to clean both silver- and gold-plated jewelry in just a few no-fuss steps.

GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY

how-to-clean-plated-jewelry-275154-1587592976429-main

(Image credit: Szymon Brzoska/The Style Stalker)

1. Wipe after every wear

Just as you should with your pearls, wipe down your gold-plated jewelry after every wear. Use either a cotton ball of a lint-free cloth to remove excess oil it collects from everyday use.

2. Restore shine with a jewelry cloth

If your gold-plated jewelry is starting to look a bit dull, restore its shine by simply rubbing the surface with a soft jewelry cloth.

3. If it's really dirty, make a water-soap solution

If you notice that a simple wipe down or polish doesn't get rid of the dirt, then it's time to really clean it. The first step? Make a water-soap solution using lukewarm water and a gentle soap (Note: Stay away from harsh jewelery cleaners or antibacterial soap).

4. Soak it in the solution, then clean with a soft brush

This step is fairly simple. Soak the jewelry in the solution, using a soft brush and gentle scrubbing motion to polish away a dirt and restore shine.

SILVER-PLATED JEWELRY

how-to-clean-plated-jewelry-275154-1587592990623-main

(Image credit: Stocksy)

1. Make a water solution

Mix lukewarm water and a mild dish soap to create a foamy solution.

2. Soak the silver-plated jewelry

Once you've mixed your solution, soak the piece for a few minutes to soften the dirt.

3. Use a lint-free cloth to polish

After the piece has been submerged, lightly rub it to remove all the dirt, making sure to get to all the groves, too.

4. Rinse and dry

Rinse off the jewelry under warm water and dry with a fresh, lint-free cloth.

Shop our picks

Next up, how to clean diamond earrings.

This story was published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.

Eva Thomas
Contributor