Moissanite is one of the easiest fine gemstones to clean at home — it is chemically stable, heat resistant, and does not react to mild soap or warm water. A five-minute cleaning once a week keeps it looking as brilliant as the day it arrived. Here is the exact method.
What You Need
- Warm water (not hot)
- A few drops of mild dish soap (Dawn, Fairy, or similar — fragrance-free preferred)
- A soft-bristled toothbrush (dedicated to ring cleaning)
- A lint-free cloth or microfiber towel
- A small bowl
Step-by-Step Cleaning Method
- Fill the bowl with warm water. Add 2–3 drops of mild dish soap and stir gently to mix.
- Soak the ring for 20–30 minutes. This loosens built-up lotions, oils, soap residue, and everyday grime from the stone and setting. For heavily soiled rings, soak for up to an hour.
- Brush gently with the toothbrush. Pay particular attention to the underside of the stone (the pavilion) and any crevices in the setting where buildup accumulates. The goal is to dislodge — not scrub — the residue. Light pressure is sufficient.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water. Hold the ring securely or use a fine mesh strainer over the drain. Ensure all soap is rinsed away — soap residue left on the stone will reduce brilliance.
- Pat dry with the lint-free cloth. Do not rub vigorously. Pat the stone and setting dry, then leave the ring on the cloth for a few minutes to air dry completely before wearing.
How Often to Clean
For everyday wear: once per week is ideal. The primary cause of dullness in moissanite is not damage — it is oil and lotion buildup on the pavilion of the stone, which blocks light return. Weekly cleaning prevents this buildup from accumulating. A quick rinse under warm water between full cleanings also helps.
What to Avoid
- Ultrasonic cleaners: Generally safe for moissanite but not recommended for rings with pavé or micro-set stones — the vibration can loosen small stones over time. Check with us if you are unsure about your specific setting.
- Bleach, chlorine, or harsh chemicals: These will not damage the moissanite stone itself but can damage or discolor the metal setting, particularly gold alloys.
- Abrasive cleaners or toothpaste: These can scratch gold and silver settings. Avoid anything with a gritty texture.
- Steam cleaners at very high temperatures: While moissanite tolerates heat well, extreme temperature changes (hot steam directly onto a cold ring) are best avoided as a precaution.
- Jewelry cleaning cloths with embedded chemicals: Some pre-treated polishing cloths contain chemicals designed for silver or gold that are not appropriate for gemstones. Use plain lint-free cloths for the stone.
Professional Cleaning
Even with regular home cleaning, an annual professional clean and inspection is recommended. A jeweler can clean areas difficult to reach at home and inspect the prongs for any loosening that might put the stone at risk. See our guide on professional servicing for more detail.
Related reading:
How Often Should I Have My Ring Professionally Serviced?
How to Store Moissanite Jewelry Safely
Can Moissanite Be Repaired If Damaged?