How to Clean Gold Plated Flatware

Gold plated flatware is a set of eating utensils that are coated with real gold. Because of the plating there is a risk of chipping when cleaning the flatware, so it can be hard to maintain. You probably spent way too much money on your gold plated flatware to allow it to rust and oxidize with time, so it's best to get an idea of the correct way to get it clean. There is a specific process for cleaning gold plated forks, spoons, knives and other utensils that will help to keep them shining and glimmering every time you use them at classy affairs.

Things You'll Need

• Mild soap Baking soda Lemon juice or vinegar

Instructions

1. Clean excess dirt and grime from the gold plated flatware with a soft cloth, mild soap and lukewarm water. Soak the flatware in warm to hot soapy water to loosen up difficult food deposits, but not for too long---just long enough for the dirt to lift off the surface. Be sure to get in between the rungs of the forks, and to wash the entire surface of each piece of flatware right down to the handles.

2. For stubborn spots, add a little lemon juice to your cloth and buff the flatware until the stains come out, but be sure to rinse off the flatware immediately with hot water and soap as the acid can eat through the gold plating if left on too long. Vinegar also works for this purpose.

3. Put a bit of baking soda on a damp, soft cloth and lightly rub each gold plated utensil until it is shiny and good as new. Do not scrub or rub because the baking soda is strong enough to remove the gold plating if it is worked in too much.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash your gold plated flatware immediately after use. Don't leave food and other items on the surfaces as they can eat away at the gold.

• Though some gold plated items are described as "dishwasher safe," it is not suggested that you put gold plated flatware through a dishwasher because the wash is too rough for the delicate surface. Wash the utensils by hand if you want them to last for a very long time. Never use a Brillo pad or steel wool on gold plated flatware, as this can scratch the gold plating.

Resources

• The Gold Plating Process
• Gold Plated Flatware