How Can I Clean Cloudy Diamonds at Home?

Diamonds are often referred to as the hardest natural substance on Earth and are prized for their brilliance and sparkle. However, over time, even the most stunning diamond can appear cloudy or dull due to the build-up of oils, lotions, dirt, and other residues.

While professional cleaning is always an option, there are effective and safe do-it-yourself (DIY) methods to clean diamonds at home using common household products.

Understanding Why Diamonds Become Cloudy

Before delving into cleaning methods, it’s essential to understand why diamonds become cloudy. The main reasons include:

  • Oil and Grease: Diamonds attract oils from your skin, lotions, and other beauty products, which can build up and dull their sparkle.
  • Dirt and Dust: Everyday wear exposes diamonds to dust and dirt, which can adhere to the surface and between the facets.
  • Residue from Cleaning Products: Some household cleaning products can leave a film on diamonds, reducing their brilliance.

DIY Methods to Clean Cloudy Diamonds

Here are several effective DIY methods to clean diamonds using safe household products:

1. Warm Water and Dish Soap

This is one of the simplest and most effective methods for cleaning diamonds at home.

Materials Needed:

  • Mild dish soap
  • Warm water
  • Soft-bristle toothbrush
  • Soft cloth or microfiber towel
  • Small bowl

Steps:

  1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Mix until you have a soapy solution.
  2. Soak the Diamond: Place your diamond jewelry in the bowl and let it soak for about 20-30 minutes. This helps to loosen any dirt or oils.
  3. Brush Gently: After soaking, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently scrub the diamond. Pay attention to the back of the diamond where dirt can accumulate. Be gentle to avoid scratching the metal settings.
  4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the jewelry under warm running water. Make sure to close the sink drain to avoid any mishaps.
  5. Dry and Polish: Pat the diamond dry with a soft cloth or microfiber towel. Avoid using paper towels as they can scratch the metal.

2. Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can effectively clean diamonds without damaging them.

Materials Needed:

  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • Soft-bristle toothbrush
  • Soft cloth or microfiber towel
  • Small bowl

Steps:

  1. Make the Paste: In a small bowl, mix baking soda with a few drops of water to create a thick paste.
  2. Apply the Paste: Use the soft-bristle toothbrush to apply the paste to the diamond. Gently scrub all surfaces of the diamond.
  3. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the diamond under warm running water to remove all traces of the baking soda paste.
  4. Dry and Polish: Pat dry with a soft cloth or microfiber towel.

3. Ammonia Solution

Ammonia can help dissolve stubborn grease and grime, but it should be used sparingly and with caution.

Materials Needed:

  • Ammonia
  • Warm water
  • Soft-bristle toothbrush
  • Soft cloth or microfiber towel
  • Small bowl

Steps:

  1. Prepare the Solution: Mix one part ammonia with six parts warm water in a small bowl.
  2. Soak the Diamond: Place your diamond jewelry in the solution and let it soak for no more than 15 minutes.
  3. Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently scrub the diamond.
  4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse under warm running water.
  5. Dry and Polish: Pat dry with a soft cloth or microfiber towel.

4. Vinegar and Baking Soda

This method combines the gentle abrasiveness of baking soda with the natural cleaning power of vinegar.

Materials Needed:

  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Soft-bristle toothbrush
  • Soft cloth or microfiber towel
  • Small bowl

Steps:

  1. Soak the Diamond: Place the diamond jewelry in a small bowl and cover it with white vinegar. Let it soak for about 15 minutes.
  2. Make the Paste: Remove the jewelry from the vinegar and sprinkle baking soda over it. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a gentle cleaning foam.
  3. Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently scrub the diamond.
  4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse under warm running water.
  5. Dry and Polish: Pat dry with a soft cloth or microfiber towel.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide and Windex

This combination is effective at removing tough grime and disinfecting your jewelry.

Materials Needed:

  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Windex (glass cleaner)
  • Soft-bristle toothbrush
  • Soft cloth or microfiber towel
  • Small bowl

Steps:

  1. Prepare the Solution: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and Windex in a small bowl.
  2. Soak the Diamond: Place the diamond jewelry in the solution and let it soak for about 10-15 minutes.
  3. Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to scrub the diamond gently.
  4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse under warm running water.
  5. Dry and Polish: Pat dry with a soft cloth or microfiber towel.

Additional Tips for Keeping Diamonds Sparkling

In addition to regular cleaning, here are some tips to keep your diamonds sparkling:

1. Avoid Touching the Diamond

Your fingers can transfer oils and dirt to the diamond, dulling its sparkle. Try to handle diamond jewelry by the edges or metal parts.

2. Remove Jewelry During Activities

Remove your diamond jewelry during activities that might expose it to dirt, oils, or chemicals, such as gardening, cooking, or swimming.

3. Regular Inspections

Have your diamond jewelry inspected by a professional jeweler regularly. They can check for loose settings and perform a thorough cleaning.

4. Proper Storage

Store your diamond jewelry separately in a soft cloth pouch or a lined jewelry box to prevent it from scratching other pieces of jewelry.

Cleaning cloudy diamonds at home is a straightforward process that can restore their brilliance and sparkle. By using common household products such as dish soap, baking soda, ammonia, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and Windex, you can effectively remove dirt, oils, and grime from your diamonds. Regular cleaning, along with proper care and storage, will keep your diamonds looking their best.

Whether you choose to use a simple soap solution or a combination of baking soda and vinegar, these DIY methods provide safe and effective ways to maintain the beauty and value of your diamond jewelry.

Back to blog