24K/18k gold-plated jewelry adds color to the outfit with its charming luster, but daily wear is inevitably stained and worn. Only by mastering scientific cleaning and maintenance methods can it maintain a gorgeous texture for a long time. The following are all practical suggestions to help you take good care of your beloved jewelry.
1. Daily cleaning: Gently remove stains
After daily wear, the surface of gold-plated jewelry is prone to stains such as grease and dust, which need to be cleaned in a timely manner. Prepare a bowl of warm water at around 30 ℃, add a small amount of neutral and mild detergent, and stir evenly. Dip a soft small brush (such as a children's toothbrush) into diluted cleaning solution and gently scrub the gaps and surfaces of jewelry. Special attention should be paid to details such as carving and inlaying to avoid residual dirt. After brushing, rinse thoroughly with clean water to ensure there is no residue of cleaning solution, then gently dry with a clean soft cloth or let it air dry naturally. Never use rough tissues or towels to wipe, to avoid scratching the gold plating layer.
2. Avoid contact with chemical substances
The gold plating layer is relatively thin, and chemicals can easily corrode it. In daily use, it is necessary to avoid direct contact between jewelry and chemicals such as perfume, hair gel, cosmetics, detergent, etc. It is recommended to wait for a period of time after making up and spraying perfume, and wear gold-plated jewelry after these items are completely dry or volatilized. Similarly, when doing household chores, swimming, or soaking in hot springs, jewelry should be removed in advance to prevent damage from cleaning agents, chlorine water, minerals in the hot springs, etc. If you accidentally come into contact with chemicals, immediately rinse with clean water and wipe dry.
3. Proper storage: reduce wear and collision
Proper storage when not worn can effectively reduce the wear and oxidation of jewelry. Place each 24K gold-plated jewelry separately in a soft jewelry box or velvet bag to avoid friction and scratches between the jewelry. If there is no dedicated jewelry box, you can also wrap the jewelry in a clean soft cloth and store it. The storage environment should be kept dry. A small bag of desiccant can be placed in the storage area to prevent moisture from causing jewelry oxidation and discoloration. At the same time, try to store jewelry in a cool place and avoid direct sunlight, as high temperatures can accelerate the aging of the gold plating layer.
