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How can I clean gold plated wheels or wire spokes?

Hello

I have a very nice set of 4 Gold pated Wire Wheels on my classic car. Yet I have hard water in my home and I have noticed white deposits covering the gold making it dull. I would like to find a way to properly clean the deposits off without removing or damaging the gold plating. The wire spokes are 24 K gold plated. Since these are car wheels there also is a considerable amount of brake dust and or tar deposits on the inside of the rims and spokes. If anyone has suggestions or experience with this I would appreciate your comments.

David Feingold
hobbyist - Orangeburg, New York
2006

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2006

David,

Be careful with any kind of abrasive on there. The gold plating is not very thick most likely. Any serious rubbing or buffing could leave some thin spots you might see. You might want to try a little vinegar [in bulk on eBay or Amazon] or lemon juice on the water deposits. Most any mild acid should work. Unless they have been clearcoated most any solvent should get rid of the other stuff. Go to your local auto supply store and ask them. They probably have something on the shelf.

Trent Kaufman
electroplater - Galva, Illinois