How to Clean Moissanite Jewelry?

Let’s get one thing straight:

Moissanite doesn't get cloudy.

If your stone looks dull, it's not the stone—it's the gunk. Oil, lotion, dead skin, and whatever else you've been through since you put it on.

At GLEEI, we see this all the time. A customer thinks their $2,000 VVS chain "lost its fire," but really, it just needs a bath.

The problem? Most guys either over-clean (ruin the finish) or under-clean (just move the dirt around).

Here’s the real way to clean Moissanite jewelry—the same method we recommend to every collector in the game.

First — Know What You're Cleaning

Moissanite is Silicon Carbide (SiC). It's 9.25 on the Mohs scale—harder than sapphire, second only to diamond.

You can't scratch it easily. But you canruin the metal it's set in.

Component	What to Watch For
Moissanite Stone	Extremely durable, oil-attracting surface
925 Sterling Silver	Soft, oxidizes (tarnishes) when exposed to sulfur/air
Rhodium Plating	Thin protective layer (shiny white finish) that wears over time
Prongs / Micro-Pave	Tiny metal claws holding stones—easy to snag or bend

Rule #1: If you wouldn't scrub your car's paint with a Brillo pad, don't scrub your jewelry with toothpaste.

For 90% of cases, this is all you need.

Mix Solution: Drop a few drops of soap into warm water. Let it sit 2–3 minutes.
Soak: Put your chain/pendant in. Let it soak for 5–10 minutes. This loosens the oil film.
Scrub Gently: Use the soft brush. Focus on the back of the stone (where oil builds up) and the crevices of the Cuban links.
Rinse: Rinse under lukewarm running water. Plug the drain. Seriously.
Dry Buff: Use the microfiber cloth to buffdry, not just wipe. Buffing restores the metal's shine.

If your silver is starting to turn yellow/brown (oxidation), you need a bit more power.

Option A: Baking Soda Paste (For Silver Only)

Option B: Silver Polishing Cloth

Use a dedicated anti-tarnish polishing cloth.
Do NOT use this on the stone itself—it leaves micro-scratches on Moissanite over time.

Option C: Ultrasonic Cleaners (Use with Caution)

Stop doing these immediately:

❌ Mistake	Why It's Bad
Toothpaste	Contains micro-abrasives that scratch Rhodium plating and soften prongs.
Bleach / Chlorine	Destroys 925 Silver instantly. Causes irreversible pitting.
Boiling Water	Can cause thermal shock in some stones; damages glued-in settings.
Paper Towels	Too rough; leaves micro-scratches on the metal finish.
Swimming / Hot Tub	Chlorine + heat = tarnish accelerator. Take it off.

Cleaning is useless if you store it wrong.

Anti-Tarnish Bags: Store your chains in anti-tarnish bags or a sealed jewelry box.
Separate: Don't let your Cuban rub against your rings. Metal-on-metal creates scratches.
Wear It: Funny enough, the oils from your skin protect 925 Silver. Jewelry that sits in a drawer oxidizes faster than jewelry worn daily.