Methylated Spirits Method
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Dust the gilt metal item with a soft brush.
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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.
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Use a swab moistened with saliva to rub the item, followed by a swab moistened with distilled water.
Egg White and Baking Soda Method
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Dust the gilt metal item with a soft brush.
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Beat together one ounce of baking soda and three egg whites.
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Wash the item with a sponge, using the baking soda and egg white mixture.
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Apply gold paint to touch up scrapes on the finish.
Oil of Turpentine Method
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Moisten a sponge with oil of turpentine. The sponge should be damp, not wet.
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Gently clean the item with the damp sponge.
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Allow the item to air dry. Air drying reduces the risk of damaging the gold finish.