Ammonia is the traditional method for cleaning gilt, but it has a damaging effect. Repeated cleaning with the ammonia results in the destruction of the gold finish. To preserve the original look of the gilded piece; cleaning with ammonia, commercial polishing products, harsh abrasives and acids, should be avoided. To properly clean and polish gilt, the piece should be treated the same way as gold.

1

Methylated spirits method

Dust the gilt metal item with a soft brush.

  • Dust the gilt metal item with a soft brush.

Moisten a swab with methylated spirits and gently rub the item. Methylated spirits, also called denatured alcohol, can be purchased in supermarkets and hardware stores.

  • Dust the gilt metal item with a soft brush.
  • Moisten a swab with methylated spirits and gently rub the item.

Use a swab moistened with saliva to rub the item, followed by a swab moistened with distilled water.

2

Egg white and baking soda method

Dust the gilt metal item with a soft brush.

  • Dust the gilt metal item with a soft brush.

Beat together 30 g of baking soda and three egg whites.

Wash the item with a sponge, using the baking soda and egg white mixture.

Apply gold paint to touch up scrapes on the finish.

3

Oil of turpentine method

Moisten a sponge with oil of turpentine. The sponge should be damp, not wet.

  • Moisten a sponge with oil of turpentine.

Gently clean the item with the damp sponge.

Allow the item to air dry. Air drying reduces the risk of damaging the gold finish.