Are you getting ready for a night out or just finished one? Are your diamond earrings looking a little dull and lackluster? Don’t fret, in this article, I’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need to know to properly clean diamond jewelry using toothpaste – something I’ve been doing for more than two decades now.
As someone who really cares about my accessories, I know that maintaining the quality of diamond earrings (or any jewelry for that matter) is crucial to their longevity. That’s why I’m here to share all of my secret hacks for cleaning diamond earrings with toothpaste. Better yet, this method works well for lab-created diamond earrings and natural diamond earrings.
Not only is this technique effective, but it’s also cost-efficient compared to professional cleaning services which can run as high as $200 in some areas. With just a few simple steps, you can easily clean your diamond earrings at home and keep them looking stunning for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- Cleaning diamond earrings at home with toothpaste is an easy, effective, and affordable way to maintain their sparkle. It can be done in less than 10 minutes
- Before you begin cleaning, it’s important to assess the condition of the earrings and check for any loose diamonds. In some cases consider a professional cleaning
- Soak the earrings, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm running water to gently scrub the earrings with about a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
- Store your diamond earrings in a clean, dry place like a jewelry box to minimize the number of times you need to clean them
Materials Needed
Now that you know the recommended frequency for cleaning diamond earrings, let’s talk about what materials you’ll need. Don’t worry, it’s nothing fancy – all you need is toothpaste, a soft-bristled toothbrush, lukewarm water, and a clean lint-free cloth.
Toothpaste To Use
While any non-whitening natural toothpaste that is non-gel. If it is gel it won’t be coarse enough actually to clean the diamond. Sensodyne toothpaste is a great option as well as Boka.
Other Materials
It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals while cleaning the precious stones on your diamond earrings as they can cause damage to your jewelry – both the diamond and any other materials. Instead, opt for mild soap or toothpaste. You’ll also need a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away any dirt or grime from the diamonds. Make sure it’s not too firm as this could scratch the metal of your earrings.
A clean, soft cloth like a microfiber cloth will come in handy to dry them off after rinsing with warm water. If you want to create a gentle cleaning solution with toothpaste, mix a small amount with water and soak your earrings in the solution before using your soft brush to gently scrub them clean. And remember, always assess the condition of your diamond earrings before using any cleaning method on them. If they are already cracked or damaged you do NOT want to use this method.
With these simple materials at hand, we can move on to the next step – the inspection process.
Assessing The Condition of Your Earrings
You may need to take a closer look at the state of your favorite diamond studs or earrings to ensure they’re in good condition. Before cleaning your diamond earrings, it’s important to carefully assess them – otherwise, these cleaning steps may damage your earrings rather than clean them.
- Check for any loose diamonds or damaged prongs that may cause harm during the cleaning process.
- Inspect your earrings in bright light in front of a dark background
- Rotate your earrings, looking at every nook and cranny to see if there are any blemishes like scratches or if they are chipped
Diamond Cleaning Process | How to Clean Diamond Earrings at Home
1. Soak Your Diamond Earrings
To start the cleaning process, I always make sure to soak my diamond earrings in warm water (not hot water) for 10 minutes. Make sure you use water with pH as close to 7 and never use any PH less than 3.5, or greater than 10.
2. Gently Scrub
After they soak, I squeeze a pea-sized amount of NON-whitening toothpaste onto each earring and gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush. It’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the gem or any other part of the earrings.
Tip: Never hold your diamonds above a sink. Instead, they should be held and cleaned above a large bowl so you don’t lose them.
3. Rinse
After scrubbing, I rinse my earrings thoroughly with warm water and dry them with a clean, soft cloth or paper towel. Emphasis on soft. However, I will say this is the best way to clean diamond earrings at home. But, if your earrings are still dull or lack shine after cleaning, they may need to have your earrings professionally cleaned or polished.
In the next section about assessing condition, we’ll discuss what to do if your earrings are severely damaged or particularly dirty even after multiple rounds of the cleaning process.
Proper Storage
Make sure your precious gems are kept safe and sound by storing them in a jewelry box or pouch on a flat surface. This will act as a protective shield against harmful elements that could tarnish their shine like rust on iron.
Here are some additional tips for proper storage:
- Use a soft or microfiber cloth to gently wipe down earrings or studs for women before putting them away.
- Keep earrings separate from other jewelry pieces to avoid scratching or tangling – trust me, this one is important
- Consider investing in a jewelry cleaning kit, which includes specialized cleaning solutions and tools to keep your diamonds looking their best. They’re pretty cheap on Amazon
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning or storing diamond earrings. Don’t use vinegar or lemon juice, for example
- If you don’t have a jewelry box or pouch you need to buy one. Seriously, they are diamond earrings for fricking sake.
By taking care to store your earrings correctly, you can keep them looking like new for years to come.
In the next section, we’ll go over some extra tips for keeping your diamonds shining bright.
Additional Tips on Using Toothpaste to Clean Diamonds
Maintaining the sparkle of your precious gems is easy with these helpful tips. In addition to proper storage, there are a few extra tips to keep in mind when cleaning diamond earrings with toothpaste.
Firstly, always use a soft toothbrush when scrubbing the earrings. This will help prevent any scratches on the metal or damage to the diamonds themselves. Additionally, if you want to create a gentle cleaning solution with toothpaste, simply mix a small amount with water and soak the earrings in the solution before gently scrubbing them clean.
If your earrings are smelly or particularly dirty because they have not been cleaned in a while, it may be necessary to sterilize your earrings and repeat the cleaning process multiple times. However, if you find that your diamond earrings still appear dull after using toothpaste as a cleaner, consider taking them to a professional jeweler for polishing or try using mild dish soap instead.
While toothpaste is an effective and affordable option for cleaning diamond earrings at home, there are other ways to ensure they maintain their quality over time. Let’s explore some alternative methods next.
Other Ways to Clean Diamond Earrings
Like there is more than one way to skin a cat there is more than one way to clean your diamond earrings at home. In fact, below are two other acceptable ways to regularly clean your earrings at home without damaging them.
Below, we’ll quickly review 2 other DIY at-home methods.
1. Use Dish Soap & Water Cleaning Method
Another option to clean diamond earrings with toothpaste is to use the dish soap and water cleaning method. This method is ideal for those who want a gentler alternative to using toothpaste or for those who have sensitive skin. I like using Dawn dish soap, especially if there is a lot of grease or fingermarks. However, most dish soap will do.
2. Use Windex
Looking to restore the original sparkle of your earrings? Try cleaning your diamond earrings with Windex, a household cleaner that can work wonders on cleaning diamond jewelry. It’s cheap, accessible, and unlike harsher chemicals found in some jewelry cleaners, Windex is gentle enough to use on delicate diamonds without damaging them. Just like it does to windows, Windex will have your diamonds looking very shiny.
FAQs – Cleaning Jewelry with Toothpaste
Can we use toothpaste on other types of earrings, such as gold or silver?
Yes, toothpaste can be used to clean gold earrings and silver earrings. However, it is important to assess the condition of the jewelry before cleaning and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure to use a moderate PH water as close to 7 as possible.
Is there a specific type of toothpaste that should be used for cleaning diamond earrings?
I recommend using non-gel toothpaste for cleaning diamond earrings. Look for a brand without harsh abrasives or chemicals such as Sensodyne. Always assess the condition of the earrings before cleaning and consider professional cleaning for heavily damaged pieces. Avoid using whitening toothpaste as they have harsher chemicals.
How long should diamond earrings soak in the toothpaste and water solution before scrubbing with a toothbrush?
I usually let my diamond earrings soak in a toothpaste and warm water solution for about 5 to 10 minutes before gently scrubbing them with a soft toothbrush. This helps to loosen any dirt or grime before cleaning.
Can a hairdryer be used to dry diamond earrings after cleaning?
Do not use a hairdryer to dry diamond earrings after you finish cleaning as it may weaken the jewelry. It’s best to let your earrings air-dry or gently pat them dry with a soft cloth. Excessive heat can damage the stones or metal settings. Be patient with your jewelry if you want it to last as long as possible.
What should be done if a diamond falls out during the cleaning process?
If a diamond falls out during cleaning, stop and carefully search for it. This can easily happen which is why I previously mentioned to only clean your diamonds over a large bowl (ideally one that IS NOT clear). When you find it, take it to a reputable diamond jeweler for repair because diamonds are very easy to lose when they are no longer set.
How to clean other diamond jewelry
Not all diamond jewelry is the same. Check out this guide to learn how to clean other types of diamond jewelry. You can also visit this guide to learn how often to clean diamond rings.
Is it OK to clean diamonds with toothpaste?
Yes, but use caution. While toothpaste is not specifically formulated for jewelry cleaning, it can remove dirt and grime from diamonds. However, it’s essential to be gentle and avoid scratching the metal or gemstones. Consider using a specialized jewelry cleaner for better results.
Does rubbing alcohol clean diamond earrings?
No, rubbing alcohol should not be used to disinfect earrings or any other diamond jewelry. While it may be a common cleaning agent for some household items, it can actually dull gemstones, including diamonds. Avoid using rubbing alcohol as a method for cleaning your precious diamond jewelry.
Why does my diamond look cloudy after cleaning?
If your diamond appears cloudy after cleaning, it’s likely due to accumulated dirt and grime on the jewelry over time. Even if your diamond has a perfect cut, no fluorescence, and no inclusions, the buildup of dirt can make it look milky. In such cases, a thorough cleaning is required to restore its brilliance.
Final Thoughts on Cleaning Diamonds with Toothpaste
In conclusion, cleaning diamond earrings with toothpaste is an easy and cost-effective way to maintain their sparkle and quality as a DIY solution. With just a few simple steps, you can bring new life to your favorite pair of earrings without visiting a jeweler. Just remember, it’s still recommended to take your diamonds for a professional cleaning anywhere from once a year to once every 5, depending on how often you wear your diamond jewelry and how dirty they get.
By properly maintaining your diamonds they can stay strong and shiny for years to come as mine have. I have one set of diamond earrings from my great-grandmother that are still in superb condition.