How to Clean Gold Plated Silverware

Clean your gold-plated silverware after each use.

Gold-plated silverware is among the most elegant flatware available. Typically used with your fine china when you have guests over for a meal, this is silverware that you expect to last a lifetime. When you care for the gold-plated silverware properly, you will preserve its flawless and attractive qualities. The key is to know which ingredients to use when cleaning, and also know which ingredients should be avoided.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Dish soap
• Cleaning rag
• Baking soda
• Lemon juice

Instructions

1. Fill your sink with one-half gallon of warm water and one squirt of dish soap.

2. Dip the flatware into the soapy water one piece at a time, and scrub gently with a washcloth.

3. Saturate the edge of a cloth with lemon juice and rub over hard-water spots or tough residue.

4. Sprinkle a dusting of baking soda over stains from heavy food buildup, and buff with a wet cleaning cloth. Repeat until all residue is removed.

5. Rinse each piece of silverware with warm water, and dry with a fresh cleaning cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash the gold-plated silverware after each use to prevent residue from drying onto the gold plating.

• Do not use wire brushes, wire scouring pads or steel wool on the silverware, as it will scratch off the gold plating.

References

• American Gold Plating: Silverware
• Gold Plated Flatware: Cleaning Guide
• Finishing: Gold Plated Silverware