How to Clean Your Rhodium-plated Jewelry
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1 hours
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Beginner
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- 1-20
Because rhodium is a fragile metal in the platinum family, rhodium-plated jewelry requires careful handling and maintenance. This material is used to coat white gold and sterling silver to create a shiny, sparkling finish. In addition, it’s hypoallergenic and doesn’t corrode. Eventually, rhodium plating will fade and need to be replaced. To extend its life and maintain its shine, you should follow the cleaning process provided below.
Disclaimer: Never use harsh chemicals on rhodium-plated jewelry. The chemicals will damage the plating. In addition, do not use jewelry-cleaning chemicals or sonic-cleaning systems. Most sonic systems will cause the jewelry to bounce, and this could potentially damage the jewelry.
Step 1 – Soaking the Jewelry
Combining Cleaning Ingredients
In a bowl, combine 1/3 cup of a mild liquid detergent with 1 cup of warm water. Then, soak your rhodium-plated items in the solution. Leave the items in the soapy water for about 10 minutes, but don't let the jewelry sit any longer than 15 minutes. The extra time could cause damage.
Rubbing the Jewelry
Next, use your fingers to gently rub all areas of the items in the bowl. Take your soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub the finer parts of the jewelry.
Step 2 – Rinsing off Your Jewelry
Filling the Sink With Water
Place your sink stopper securely over the drain and run your sink water at a lukewarm temperature.
Rinsing Your Jewelry
Do not use your tap water if you have hard water, as it will create spots, just like it does on your shower door. Instead, use bottled or distilled water. Then, rinse your jewelry under your chosen water source to remove all of the soapy water.
Step 3 – Drying the Jewelry
Place your rhodium-plated jewelry on a soft, clean towel, and gently pat the excess moisture off of the items. If possible, use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting possible to dry the jewelry. If you do not have a dryer, leave the jewelry to sit and air-dry overnight.
Step 4 – Storing Your Jewelry
Place your rhodium-plated items on tissue paper. Gently wrap each in a separate piece of paper. The tissue will protect the jewelry and prevent it from rubbing against anything that could accidentally scratch it.
Step 5 – Caring For Your Jewelry
Remove your jewelry when using household cleaners, hand cream, and perfume to prolong the life of rhodium plating. Always use the above process to clean your jewelry, and stay away from harsh chemical cleaners.
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![Laura Bloomfield]()
As an educator and professional freelance writer, Laurie Bloomfield holds a Master's Degree in Language Education. Her publication portfolio contains hundreds of articles on a variety of subjects including home improvement, do it yourself projects and landscaping, as well as finance, parenting and education. She provides high quality articles ranging from traditional to contemporary topics in both print and digital formats.![Lindani Chirambadare]()
With over 20 years of professional home cleaning experience, Lindani has extensive knowledge about best practices, space management, and cleaning solutions. Lindani especially loves researching natural, non-harmful ways to clean. She holds an LLBS from the University of Zimbabwe, and is a lifelong learner who always seeks to improve the world around her.
