by Jesús Zabala - 4 min read

How to Clean a Gold Plated Chain

Everyone wants their jewelry to look nice and clean for a long time. Cleaning your gold plated jewelry regularly is fundamental to making your pieces look like fine jewelry. Unlike silver or copper, gold plating can wear off with time and lose its shine, becoming dull and tarnished. That is why you should often clean the dirt and oil build-up.

In the following, you’ll get to learn how to clean a gold plated chain and maintain its shine

How to Clean Gold Plated Chain

Learning how to clean gold plated jewelry is as important as caring for solid gold jewelry because it can easily tarnish and the colored coat may fade away. Whether you wear your gold plated necklace every day or only on special occasions, caring properly for your gold plated jewelry will help you avoid expensive repairs.

If you wonder how to clean 18K gold plated chain, remember there is no difference between cleaning 18K gold-plated chains and any other chain. Follow our guide to learn how to care for these jewelry pieces.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: New Africa

How to clean gold plated necklace step by step

1. Gather supplies

Before starting the cleaning process, gather all the necessary supplies. You will need

Mild dish soap
Warm water
A soft, lint-free cloth
A small bowl
A soft-bristle toothbrush
Jewelry cleaning solution (specifically for gold-plated jewelry)
A towel

These supplies are readily available and ensure the cleaning process is safe for your gold plated necklace.

2. Prepare the cleaning solution

For the cleaning solution, fill a small bowl with warm water. You should avoid using hot water as it can damage the gold plating. Add a few drops of mild dish soap to the water. Stir the mixture gently to create a soapy solution. You can also use a jewelry cleaning solution for gold plated jewelry. We recommend following the instructions for correct dilution and use.

3. Soak the chain

Soaking the gold plated necklace helps loosen dirt and grime, making it easier to clean. Place the necklace in the bowl of soapy water and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This allows the mild dish soap to break down any oils, dirt, or residue on the necklace.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Veja

4. Clean the chain

After soaking, it is time to clean the necklace carefully. First, you need to remove the necklace from the soapy water. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to scrub the chain gently. Pay attention to areas where dirt is more likely to accumulate, like the clasp and links. We advise you to be gentle and avoid scrubbing off the gold plating. Use light, circular motions to clean the necklace thoroughly.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Veja

5. Rinse and dry

If you rinse and dry the necklace properly, no soap residue will remain. This is important because soap may tarnish the gold plating. So, we recommend rinsing the necklace under lukewarm running water. Then, pat the necklace dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid rubbing the necklace, as this can wear down the gold plating. At the end, lay the necklace on a towel and let it dry completely before wearing or storing it.

Additional Tips

Cleaning a gold-plated chain requires extra care, so here are additional recommendations that might help you.

Avoid abrasive materials and harsh chemicals

Remember that the gold plating is a thin layer that can easily wear off if it gets in touch with abrasive materials and harsh chemicals. So, instead of using baking soda, toothpaste, or rough cloth, use a mild dish soap and a lint-free or microfiber cloth to wipe the chain.

Regular gentle cleaning

Prepare a mix of lukewarm water and mild dish soap for regular cleaning. Leave the chain in the solution for a few minutes, then gently rub it with your fingers. At the end, rinse it with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Avoid moisture and harsh conditions

Remove the gold plated chain before swimming, showering, or engaging in activities that expose it to harsh chemicals, moisture, or abrasion. Chlorine, saltwater, and even sweat can cause the gold plating to decay faster.

Proper storage

Store the chain in a clean, dry place when not in use. To minimize the risk of scratching and tarnishing, keep it in a separate jewelry box. You might also use anti-tarnish strips in your storage container for added protection.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: New Africa

Conclusion

When learning how to clean a gold plated chain, the above-mentioned methods will help you keep your necklaces clean and well-kept for a long time.

To recap, for the cleaning process, you’ll need to gather several supplies, such as mild dish soap, a soft, lint-free cloth, a small bowl, and a towel. Prepare the cleaning solution by filling the bowl with water and adding a few drops of soap. Submerge your necklace and leave it for around 10 minutes. Once you gently clean the necklace with a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinse it with clean water, wipe it with a towel, and let it dry.

Keep in mind to perform this procedure regularly to maintain your chain in good condition.