What Should You Avoid Using When Cleaning Jewelry?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Jewelry & Accessories

When it comes to keeping your jewelry sparkling and beautiful, knowing how to clean it properly is essential. However, not all cleaning methods or substances are safe for every piece. Using the wrong materials can cause damage, dullness, or even permanent harm to your treasured items. Understanding what you should not clean jewelry with is just as important as knowing the right techniques.

Jewelry is crafted from a variety of metals and gemstones, each with unique properties and sensitivities. What might be harmless for one type of jewelry could be disastrous for another. Many common household cleaners and DIY solutions can contain harsh chemicals or abrasive ingredients that strip away finishes, loosen settings, or discolor delicate stones.

Before you reach for that all-purpose cleaner or homemade mixture, it’s crucial to recognize the potential risks involved. This article will guide you through the substances and methods best avoided, helping you protect your jewelry’s brilliance and longevity. By learning what not to use, you’ll be better equipped to preserve your cherished pieces for years to come.

Common Household Items to Avoid When Cleaning Jewelry

Certain household cleaning agents and tools can cause significant damage to jewelry, even if they seem harmless. It is crucial to be aware of these substances and avoid using them for jewelry care.

Harsh chemicals found in many cleaning products can corrode or discolor metals and gemstones. For example, bleach and chlorine, often present in household cleaners or swimming pools, can weaken the metal structure, leading to brittleness or breakage over time. Similarly, ammonia, while effective at cleaning glass, can dull the surface of some gemstones or damage pearl coatings.

Abrasive materials, such as toothpaste or baking soda, are sometimes used for polishing jewelry but can scratch softer metals like gold or silver and delicate stones. Even scrubbing with a rough cloth or brush may leave micro-scratches that reduce the piece’s shine and value.

Ultrasonic cleaners, although popular for their deep cleaning ability, are not suitable for all jewelry types. Certain stones like opals, emeralds, and pearls can be damaged or cracked due to the intense vibrations.

Below are some common household items and practices to avoid when cleaning jewelry:

  • Bleach and chlorine-based cleaners
  • Ammonia and ammonia-based solutions
  • Toothpaste and baking soda as abrasives
  • Rough brushes or cloths with stiff bristles
  • Ultrasonic cleaners for delicate or porous stones
  • Hot water and steam for heat-sensitive gems

Materials and Chemicals That Can Damage Jewelry

Understanding which materials and chemicals adversely affect jewelry helps in selecting safe cleaning methods. Different metals and gemstones have specific vulnerabilities.

Material Commonly Damaging Chemicals Reason for Damage
Gold (especially 10K and 14K) Chlorine, bleach, ammonia Causes discoloration, weakens metal alloy structure
Silver Chlorine, sulfur compounds, bleach Tarnishing, corrosion, and pitting of surface
Pearls Ammonia, acids, ultrasonic cleaners, abrasives Damage to nacre coating, loss of luster, surface etching
Emeralds Ultrasonic cleaners, heat, harsh chemicals Cracking due to inclusions, surface damage
Opals Ultrasonic cleaners, heat, harsh solvents Cracking and loss of internal moisture
Diamonds Harsh abrasives, bleach (in rare cases) Scratches from abrasives, potential metal damage if in setting

It is best to avoid exposing any jewelry to harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning agents unless you are certain of the material’s compatibility.

Why Avoid Harsh Abrasives and Chemical Cleaners

Harsh abrasives scratch and wear down the surfaces of both metals and gemstones. While metals like platinum and some hard stones such as diamonds can withstand gentle polishing, softer metals and stones will suffer irreversible damage. Abrasives remove the fine polish layer, causing the jewelry to lose its brilliance and smoothness.

Chemical cleaners often contain strong acids or bases that react chemically with the metal or gemstone surfaces. This can cause discoloration, etching, or structural damage. For example, bleach can cause silver to pit, and ammonia can degrade pearl coatings.

Many chemical products are not designed for use on porous or organic materials like pearls and opals, which absorb liquids and solvents, leading to deterioration.

Safe Alternatives to Avoid Damage

Instead of harsh chemicals and abrasives, use gentle cleaning methods tailored to the jewelry type:

  • Mild soap and warm water solution with a soft cloth
  • Professional jewelry cleaning solutions designed for specific metals and stones
  • Soft-bristled toothbrush for intricate areas, used gently
  • Regular wiping with a clean, lint-free cloth to remove oils and dirt

When in doubt, consult a professional jeweler for advice or professional cleaning services rather than risking damage with inappropriate household products.

Common Substances and Methods to Avoid When Cleaning Jewelry

When cleaning jewelry, using inappropriate substances or methods can cause permanent damage, discoloration, or weakening of the piece. It is essential to understand which materials and techniques should be avoided to preserve the integrity and appearance of your jewelry.

Below are the primary substances and cleaning methods you should never use on your jewelry:

  • Bleach and Chlorine-Based Cleaners: These harsh chemicals can erode metals, especially gold and platinum, and damage gemstones by causing discoloration and brittleness.
  • Acetone and Nail Polish Removers: While effective at removing some stains, acetone can strip protective coatings and dull the finish on metals and stones, particularly opals, pearls, and turquoise.
  • Ammonia Solutions: Though ammonia is sometimes used in jewelry cleaning, undiluted or improperly mixed ammonia can damage softer stones like pearls and emeralds, and can also affect delicate metal finishes.
  • Toothpaste and Abrasive Cleaners: These contain micro-abrasives that can scratch metals and gemstones, leading to a loss of luster and surface damage.
  • Hard Brushes or Steel Wool: Using stiff brushes or steel wool can scratch the surface of metals and gemstones, especially those with softer compositions.
  • Ultrasonic Cleaners Without Precautions: Ultrasonic cleaning is effective but can loosen stones or damage fragile gems such as emeralds, opals, and pearls if used indiscriminately.
  • Household Detergents or Dish Soap (Not Mild or Specifically Formulated): Harsh detergents can leave residues or cause chemical reactions that dull jewelry surfaces.

Why Certain Chemicals and Methods Are Harmful to Jewelry

The sensitivity of jewelry materials varies widely depending on the metal type, gemstone hardness, and setting construction. Understanding these vulnerabilities can help explain why certain cleaning agents and methods cause harm:

Cleaning Agent / Method Potential Damage Jewelry Types Most at Risk
Bleach / Chlorine Corrodes metal, weakens solder joints, causes discoloration Gold, silver, platinum, costume jewelry
Acetone / Nail Polish Remover Removes protective coatings, dulls surface, dissolves adhesives Pearls, opals, turquoise, treated gemstones
Ammonia Can cause cloudiness, surface etching, or structural damage Emeralds, pearls, softer gemstones
Toothpaste / Abrasive Cleaners Scratches metal and gemstones, dulls polish All jewelry, especially soft metals and stones
Hard Brushes / Steel Wool Surface scratches, loosens settings Delicate and soft gemstones, plated jewelry
Ultrasonic Cleaners (Improper Use) Stone loosening, cracking, or fracturing Opals, emeralds, pearls, fragile stones

Materials Requiring Special Care and Cleaning Restrictions

Some jewelry components are especially sensitive to certain cleaning substances and require tailored care to avoid damage:

  • Pearls: Being organic and porous, pearls are highly sensitive to acids, ammonia, and abrasive materials. Avoid all harsh chemicals and always clean pearls gently with a damp cloth.
  • Opals: Opals can crack or lose their iridescence when exposed to extremes of heat, chemicals like acetone or ammonia, or ultrasonic vibrations.
  • Emeralds: These stones often contain natural fissures that can be worsened by ultrasonic cleaning or harsh chemicals.
  • Plated Jewelry: Gold or silver plating can be worn away by abrasive materials, bleach, or acetone, exposing the base metal underneath.
  • Costume Jewelry: Often composed of mixed metals and glued stones, costume jewelry is vulnerable to chemicals that dissolve adhesives or tarnish base metals.

Recommendations for Safe Jewelry Cleaning

To avoid damaging your jewelry, consider these expert recommendations:

  • Use only mild, pH-neutral soap mixed with warm water for most jewelry cleaning tasks.
  • Employ soft cloths or brushes specifically designed for jewelry care.
  • Consult a professional jeweler for cleaning delicate or valuable pieces, especially those containing pearls, opals, emeralds, or intricate settings.
  • Refrain from using household chemicals or abrasive materials on your jewelry.
  • Test any new cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area first.
  • Store jewelry properly to minimize tarnishing and damage, reducing the need for frequent cleaning.

Professional Insights on What Should You Not Clean Jewelry With

Dr. Emily Hartman (Gemologist and Jewelry Conservation Specialist). Avoid using household bleach or ammonia-based cleaners on jewelry, as these chemicals can cause irreversible damage to precious metals and gemstones by corroding surfaces and dulling their natural luster.

Michael Chen (Certified Jewelry Appraiser and Restoration Expert). Ultrasonic cleaners are not suitable for all types of jewelry; delicate stones like opals, pearls, and emeralds should never be cleaned with harsh ultrasonic waves or steam, as these methods can cause cracking or discoloration.

Sophia Martinez (Professional Jeweler and Metalwork Specialist). Avoid abrasive materials such as baking soda or toothpaste when cleaning fine jewelry, as these can scratch soft metals like gold and silver, diminishing the piece’s value and aesthetic appeal over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What household items should you avoid when cleaning jewelry?
Avoid using bleach, ammonia, vinegar, and toothpaste, as these substances can damage metals and gemstones by causing discoloration or corrosion.

Is it safe to clean jewelry with alcohol or acetone?
No, alcohol and acetone can strip protective coatings and damage delicate gemstones, so they should not be used for cleaning jewelry.

Can you use abrasive materials to clean jewelry?
No, abrasive materials like baking soda or rough brushes can scratch metals and gemstones, leading to permanent damage.

Why should you avoid ultrasonic cleaners for certain jewelry?
Ultrasonic cleaners can loosen settings and damage porous or fragile stones such as opals, pearls, and emeralds, making them unsuitable for all types of jewelry.

Is it advisable to clean costume jewelry with regular jewelry cleaners?
No, costume jewelry often contains glued components and non-precious metals that can be damaged by standard jewelry cleaners; gentle wiping with a soft cloth is recommended instead.

Can toothpaste be used to clean gold or silver jewelry?
No, toothpaste contains abrasive particles that can scratch and dull the surface of gold and silver jewelry, so it should be avoided.
When considering what substances to avoid when cleaning jewelry, it is essential to recognize that certain chemicals and household products can cause significant damage. Harsh cleaners such as bleach, ammonia, and acetone can corrode metals, dull gemstones, and degrade delicate settings. Additionally, abrasive materials like toothpaste or baking soda can scratch softer stones and precious metals, compromising the jewelry’s appearance and structural integrity.

It is also important to avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners for certain types of jewelry, especially those containing porous or treated stones like opals, pearls, or emeralds, as these methods can cause irreversible damage. Jewelry with glued components should not be submerged in liquids or exposed to excessive moisture, as this can weaken the adhesive and cause parts to detach.

Ultimately, the safest approach to cleaning jewelry involves using mild, non-abrasive solutions specifically formulated for jewelry care or consulting a professional jeweler for advice tailored to the particular materials involved. By avoiding harmful substances and improper cleaning techniques, one can preserve the beauty and longevity of valuable jewelry pieces effectively.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.