Moissanite is one of the most durable gemstones available, but durability does not mean it stays clean on its own. Skin oils, lotion, soap residue, and dust accumulate on the stone surface and in the setting over time, creating a film that dulls the brilliance moissanite is known for. A stone that looks slightly flat or less sparkly than it did when new is almost always a cleaning issue, not a quality issue.

The good news: cleaning moissanite takes five minutes and requires nothing more than dish soap and a soft toothbrush. The challenge is knowing how often to do it based on how you wear the piece.Shop featured jewelry from Luvymia

Why Moissanite Gets Dirty

Moissanite's high refractive index means it reflects light with exceptional efficiency — but this requires a clean surface. Even a thin film of skin oil reduces the amount of light entering and leaving the stone, visibly dimming its brilliance.

The main sources of buildup on moissanite jewelry:

• Skin oils: Natural oils from your skin transfer to the stone every time the jewelry touches skin. This is unavoidable and is the primary cause of gradual dulling.
• Lotion and moisturizer: Lotion residue builds up quickly in the underside of settings and between prongs, where it is not visible but reduces light entry into the stone.
• Soap and shampoo: Counterintuitively, soap leaves residue. The surfactants in soap create a filmy layer on stone surfaces when not fully rinsed.
• Hairspray and perfume: Both leave chemical residue that dulls metal and stone surfaces. For pieces worn near the face and hair, these are significant contributors to buildup.

Cleaning Frequency by Wear Pattern

The Standard Home Cleaning Method

This method works for moissanite in sterling silver, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold settings:

1. Fill a small bowl with warm water — not hot, not cold. Extreme temperatures can stress certain settings.
2. Add two to three drops of mild dish soap. The soap should be plain and unscented — avoid formulas with moisturizers or antibacterial additives.
3. Place the jewelry in the solution and let it soak for two to three minutes. This loosens buildup without requiring scrubbing.
4. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush — a baby toothbrush or a dedicated jewelry brush — to gently scrub the stone surface and, importantly, the underside of the setting where buildup concentrates.
5. Rinse thoroughly under warm running water. Hold the jewelry over a bowl rather than directly over a drain — the risk of a small piece slipping down is real.
6. Pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth. Do not rub — patting prevents micro-scratches on the metal surface.
7. Allow to air dry completely in an upright position before storing or wearing.

Signs Your Moissanite Needs Cleaning Right Now

• The stone looks hazy or milky rather than bright and clear
• Rainbow flashes seem reduced or less vivid than usual
• You can see a visible film on the stone surface when examined closely
• The underside of the setting looks grey or cloudy when viewed from below
• The piece has been stored for an extended period without use

What Not to Do

• Do not use toothpaste: Toothpaste contains abrasive particles that can scratch sterling silver and gold plating even though they will not affect the moissanite stone itself.
• Do not use bleach or chlorine: Both damage metal settings and can weaken prongs over time.
• Do not use ultrasonic cleaners frequently: Safe for the stone, but the vibration can gradually loosen prong settings with repeated use. Professional ultrasonic cleaning once or twice a year is fine; home machines used weekly are not recommended.
• Do not use paper towels to dry: Paper towels contain wood fibers that can leave fine scratches on metal surfaces. Use soft fabric cloths only.
• Do not wear while applying beauty products: Put jewelry on after perfume, hairspray, and moisturizer have dried. This is the most effective prevention measure.

Professional Cleaning: When and How Often

Home cleaning maintains appearance between professional services. A local jeweler can provide:

• Ultrasonic cleaning that removes buildup from areas a toothbrush cannot reach
• Steam cleaning that dissolves residue without chemical contact
• Prong inspection to confirm all settings are secure — important for pieces worn daily
• Replating for white gold or rhodium-plated pieces that have worn through

For daily-wear rings, a professional service once a year is appropriate. For pendants and earrings worn occasionally, every two years is sufficient.

You may also like to read:How to Choose a Moissanite Ring Style for Your Hand Shape

Frequently Asked Questions

Will cleaning moissanite too often damage it?

No. Gentle home cleaning with dish soap and a soft brush can be done as frequently as weekly without any risk to the stone. The stone itself is unaffected by this method. The only risk from frequent cleaning is to the metal setting if abrasive materials are used — which is why soft brushes and mild soap are essential.

My moissanite looks dull even after cleaning. What is wrong?

If the stone remains dull after thorough cleaning, the issue may be a film that requires longer soaking or more detailed brushing of the setting underside. If dullness persists after multiple cleaning attempts, have the piece professionally cleaned — ultrasonic cleaning often removes residue that home methods cannot reach.

Can I use jewelry cleaning solution from a store?

Yes, if the solution specifies it is safe for silver and gold-plated pieces. Avoid solutions containing ammonia for gold-plated items — ammonia can accelerate wear through gold plating over time. Plain dish soap is effective and safe for all settings.

How do I clean moissanite jewelry with small accent stones?

The same method applies. Be thorough with the brush around all stone settings, including small accent stones, where buildup is most concentrated. Ensure thorough rinsing to remove soap from all settings.

Does moissanite need special cleaning products?

No. Mild dish soap and warm water clean moissanite as effectively as any commercial jewelry cleaner at a fraction of the cost. The key is the method — soaking, gentle brushing of the setting underside, thorough rinsing — not the specific product.

All Luvymia moissanite pieces ship with a care card covering cleaning instructions. Browse our moissanite jewelry collection — hand-set pieces with GRA certification built for long-term wear.