Jewellery Cleaning Guide

RB Matrix

How to Clean Jewellery at Home Safely

Simple steps, safe supplies, and when to skip the DIY approach.

Most fine jewellery can be cleaned at home with gentle soap, warm water, and a soft brush — if the piece is structurally sound and the gemstones are safe to get wet. This guide gives a safe step-by-step routine, plus a quick decision system for when not to soak a piece.

Quick Answer

Basic routine: Soak in warm water + mild dish soap for 10–15 minutes, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Safe for most: Gold, platinum, diamonds, sapphires, rubies — these can handle warm soapy water.

Do NOT soak: Pearls, opals, emeralds, turquoise, or any piece with loose stones, damaged prongs, or glued components.

When in doubt: Use a damp cloth only or take it to a professional jeweller for ultrasonic cleaning.

What You'll Need

Safe Supplies List

You don't need expensive jewellery cleaners — most of what you need is already in your kitchen. Here's the safe, effective toolkit for at-home jewellery cleaning.

Mild dish soap (unscented, no moisturizers)
Warm water (not hot)
Small bowl (glass or ceramic)
Soft-bristled toothbrush (new, unused)
Lint-free cloth (microfiber)
Strainer or mesh screen
Why these work: Mild dish soap breaks down oils and dirt without harsh chemicals. A soft toothbrush reaches crevices without scratching. Microfiber dries without leaving lint or residue. The strainer prevents accidental loss down the drain.
Cleaning Process

Step-by-Step Cleaning (with Safety Checks)

Before you start cleaning, always inspect the piece for damage. This 60-second check prevents turning a dirty ring into a broken one.

Safety Gate — Check Before Cleaning

Inspect your jewellery first. Do NOT proceed if you notice:

  • Loose stones (wiggle test: gently press each stone — it shouldn't move)
  • Bent or damaged prongs
  • Visible glue or adhesive holding stones in place
  • Cracked or chipped gemstones
  • Damaged clasps or hinges
  • Antique or heirloom pieces (consult a jeweller first)

If any of these apply, skip the soak and use a damp cloth only, or take the piece to a professional jeweller.

Once you've confirmed the piece is structurally sound:

Prepare the cleaning solution. Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and add 2–3 drops of mild dish soap. Swirl gently to mix. The water should feel comfortably warm to the touch — never hot, which can shock certain gemstones or loosen settings.
Soak the jewellery. Place the piece in the soapy water and let it soak for 10–15 minutes. This loosens dirt, oils, and buildup without scrubbing. For heavily soiled pieces, soak up to 20 minutes — but no longer, especially for porous stones.
Gently brush. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to lightly scrub around stones, under settings, and along chain links. Focus on crevices where dirt accumulates. Use gentle circular motions — never scrub hard, especially near prongs or delicate details.
Rinse thoroughly. Place a strainer or mesh screen over the sink drain (critical step!). Rinse the jewellery under lukewarm running water to remove all soap residue. Soap left behind can dull stones and attract more dirt.
Dry completely. Pat the piece dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth. For intricate designs or chain bracelets, let air dry for 15–20 minutes on a clean towel before storing. Moisture trapped in settings can lead to tarnish or weaken adhesives.
Pro tip: Clean over a white towel on a flat surface, not over the sink. This prevents accidental drops and makes it easier to spot any stones that might come loose during cleaning.
Common Mistakes

What Not to Use

Some household cleaners and methods seem harmless but can permanently damage jewellery. Avoid these common mistakes that can scratch metal, cloud stones, or weaken settings.

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    Toothpaste. Despite old-school advice, toothpaste is abrasive and will scratch softer metals (gold, silver) and gemstones (pearls, opals). The "whitening" agents can also cloud certain stones.
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    Baking soda. While effective as a cleaner, baking soda is too abrasive for most jewellery. It can scratch gold, dull gemstone surfaces, and wear down rhodium plating on white gold.
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    Vinegar or lemon juice. Acids can damage porous stones (pearls, turquoise, coral), dissolve certain gem treatments, and corrode metal over time — especially on antique pieces with patina.
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    Bleach or ammonia. Extremely harsh chemicals that can discolour gold, pit platinum, and permanently damage gemstones. Ammonia weakens the adhesive used in doublets and composite stones.
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    Ultrasonic cleaners (at home). Professional ultrasonic machines are calibrated for specific materials. DIY versions can shake loose stones, crack emeralds or opals, and damage treated gemstones. Only use in a jewellery store.
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    Hot water. Sudden temperature changes can crack gemstones (especially opals, emeralds, tanzanite) and cause thermal shock. Always use warm, not hot, water.
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    Paper towels. Too rough and can leave lint. They can also catch on prongs and loosen stones. Always use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth.
Rule of thumb: If you wouldn't use it on your skin, don't use it on your jewellery. Stick to mild soap and water — it's gentler and just as effective.
Material-Specific Rules

Cleaning by Material (Gold / Silver / Platinum + Gemstone Rules)

Different metals and gemstones have different tolerances. Here's how to clean each type safely without damaging the material.

Gold (Yellow, White, Rose)

Safe to Soak

Cleaning method: Warm soapy water + soft brush. Gold is durable and non-reactive, so the standard cleaning routine works perfectly.

Special note for white gold: White gold is often rhodium-plated for brightness. Over time, this plating wears off. Harsh scrubbing accelerates wear. Clean gently and have it re-plated by a jeweller every 1–2 years if it starts looking yellowish.

Avoid: Chlorine (pools, hot tubs) weakens gold alloys and can cause pitting. Remove gold jewellery before swimming.

Silver (Sterling Silver)

Safe to Soak — Tarnish Care

Cleaning method: Warm soapy water works for routine cleaning. For tarnish removal, use a silver polishing cloth (not liquid polish, which can damage gemstones).

Preventing tarnish: Store silver in anti-tarnish pouches or with anti-tarnish strips. Wear it often — contact with skin oils actually slows tarnish. Avoid exposure to sulfur (hot springs, rubber bands, certain foods).

Deep tarnish: If heavily tarnished, take to a jeweller. DIY tarnish removers can damage stones and remove intentional oxidized/antiqued finishes.

Platinum

Safe to Soak

Cleaning method: Warm soapy water + soft brush. Platinum is the most durable and chemically inert precious metal — it won't tarnish or react to most household chemicals.

Scratches: Platinum develops a patina (soft matte finish) over time from micro-scratches. Some people love this aged look; others prefer high polish. A jeweller can re-polish if you want to restore shine.

Diamonds

Safe to Soak

Cleaning method: Warm soapy water + soft brush. Diamonds are extremely hard and can handle normal cleaning. Use the toothbrush to clean the pavilion (underside) — this is where oils and dirt accumulate and dull brilliance.

Note: Even though diamonds are tough, check prongs regularly. A clean diamond in a damaged setting is still at risk of loss.

Sapphires & Rubies (Corundum)

Safe to Soak

Cleaning method: Warm soapy water + soft brush. Sapphires and rubies are second only to diamonds in hardness (9 on Mohs scale) and very durable.

Fracture-filled stones: Some lower-quality sapphires/rubies are fracture-filled to improve clarity. These should NOT be soaked in hot water or ultrasonic cleaners. If unsure, ask your jeweller.

Emeralds

⚠ Do Not Soak

Cleaning method: Damp cloth only. Never soak emeralds — most are treated with oils or resins to fill fractures and improve clarity. Water and soap can dissolve these treatments, causing the stone to look cloudy or develop visible cracks.

Professional cleaning only: If your emerald needs deep cleaning, take it to a jeweller who specializes in emeralds. They use specific techniques and re-oil if needed.

Pearls

⚠ Do Not Soak

Cleaning method: Wipe gently with a damp, soft cloth after each wear. Never submerge pearls in water or use soap — their nacre (surface) is porous and delicate.

Care: Put pearls on last (after perfume, lotion, hairspray) and take them off first. Store flat in a soft pouch — don't hang pearl necklaces, as the string stretches. Restring every 1–2 years if worn frequently.

Opals

⚠ Do Not Soak

Cleaning method: Damp cloth only. Opals contain water and are porous — soaking can cause them to absorb soap or chemicals, leading to cloudiness or cracking (crazing).

Avoid: Sudden temperature changes, prolonged water exposure, and ultrasonic cleaners. Store opals in a slightly humid environment (wrap in a damp cloth inside a sealed bag if in very dry climates).

Turquoise, Coral, Amber, Lapis

⚠ Do Not Soak

Cleaning method: Dry or barely-damp soft cloth. These are all porous, organic, or soft materials that can be damaged by water, soap, acids, or prolonged exposure to moisture.

Special care: Turquoise can change colour if exposed to oils or chemicals. Coral and amber are very soft (easily scratched). Lapis can lose its polish. Store separately from harder gemstones.

When in doubt: If you don't know what stone is in your jewellery or how it was treated, assume it's delicate and use only a damp cloth. Better safe than sorry.
Professional Care

When to See a Jeweller

Some situations call for professional help. Here's when to skip the DIY and bring your jewellery to an expert.

Antique or Heirloom Pieces

Old jewellery may have fragile settings, outdated adhesives, or hidden damage. A jeweller can assess condition before cleaning and use methods that won't harm historical value.

Loose Stones or Damaged Prongs

Never clean jewellery with loose stones yourself — the vibration and water pressure can dislodge them. A jeweller will tighten or replace prongs before cleaning.

Heavy Tarnish or Buildup

If your silver is black or your gold has thick grime, a jeweller can use ultrasonic cleaners and steamers that are too powerful for home use but safe in professional hands.

Unknown Gemstones or Treatments

If you're unsure what stone you have or if it's been treated (filled, heated, dyed), a jeweller can identify it and recommend the safest cleaning method.

Watch Bracelets or Complex Mechanisms

Watches with moving parts should only be cleaned by watchmakers or jewellers. Water can damage movements even in "water-resistant" watches if seals are worn.

Annual Inspection

Even if you clean at home, bring jewellery to a jeweller once a year for inspection. They'll check prongs, clasps, and settings for wear — catching problems before stones are lost.

Professional cleaning is usually free or low-cost if you purchased the jewellery from that store. Many jewellers offer complimentary cleaning and inspection for the life of the piece.
Common Questions

Jewellery Cleaning FAQs

Yes — mild, unscented dish soap is one of the safest and most effective jewellery cleaners. Use brands like Dawn (original blue), Seventh Generation, or any gentle dish soap without added moisturizers, degreasers, or antibacterial agents. These additives can leave residue on gemstones or react with certain metals. Mix 2–3 drops in warm water and you have a solution that breaks down oils and dirt without harsh chemicals. Avoid soaps marketed as "heavy-duty" or "grease-cutting" — these are too strong. And skip hand soaps with lotions, which will coat your jewellery instead of cleaning it.

Yes, but only a soft-bristled toothbrush that's brand new and unused. Old toothbrushes may have toothpaste residue (which is abrasive) or harbor bacteria. Use the softest bristles you can find — baby toothbrushes work great. The brush is perfect for getting into settings, under stones, and between chain links where dirt accumulates. However, use very gentle pressure — you're not scrubbing grout. Let the soap do the work; the brush is just for agitation. Never use medium or hard bristles, and avoid electric toothbrushes, which can be too aggressive for delicate settings.

Do NOT submerge these stones in water: Pearls (nacre is porous and delicate), Opals (contain water; can crack or craze), Emeralds (usually fracture-filled with oils that water can dissolve), Turquoise (very porous; absorbs water and chemicals), Amber (organic; can cloud), Coral (organic; can discolour), Lapis Lazuli (can lose polish and colour), Malachite (soft and porous), Tanzanite (can crack from thermal shock), and Kunzite (can fade). Also avoid soaking any piece with glued-in stones, doublets, triplets, or composite gems — water can dissolve the adhesive. When in doubt, use a damp cloth only and consult your jeweller. Hard, durable stones like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are safe to soak (unless fracture-filled).

RB Matrix  ·  Jewellery Cleaning Guide  ·  For professional cleaning, visit our store or contact our team.