Toothpaste may seem like a convenient fix, but it's one of the biggest myths in jewelry care. While it's marketed as a gentle cleaner for teeth, its abrasive formula can do more harm than good to fine jewelry—especially your diamond ring.
If you're wondering whether toothpaste is safe, or looking for the best way to clean your ring at home, you're not alone. Let’s break down this common myth, explain where it came from, and give you the real tools to care for your ring safely.
The Myth: Toothpaste Cleans Diamond Rings
It’s easy to understand why this belief caught on. Toothpaste is already associated with sparkle and shine, so it seems logical to apply that logic to jewelry.
And yes—toothpaste is mildly abrasive, which is why it works well for polishing enamel. But that very abrasiveness is what makes it risky for precious metals and gemstone settings.
The Truth: Toothpaste Can Damage Your Ring
Despite what you might have heard, toothpaste should not be used to clean diamond rings. It can create micro-scratches in gold, platinum, and even wear down fine detailing or rhodium plating over time.
Why It's a Problem:
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Too abrasive: Scratches metal surfaces and weakens finishes.
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Hard to rinse: Gets stuck in prongs and under the diamond, leaving residue behind.
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Not meant for soft stones: If your ring features sapphires, emeralds, or accent gems, toothpaste can dull or damage them permanently.
This is especially important if your ring is a custom-designed piece from Acredo or includes delicate handcrafted details. Proper care preserves both the design and structural integrity of your jewelry.
Why This Myth Persists
Toothpaste-as-a-cleaner comes from a time when specialized jewelry cleaners weren’t as accessible, and home remedies were the go-to solution. Some older household advice books even recommended it for silverware.
But today, we know more—and we have better options that don’t put your jewelry at risk.
The Better Option: Safe, At-Home Diamond Ring Cleaning
What to Use Instead:
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Warm water
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Mild dish soap (non-moisturizing)
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A soft toothbrush
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Lint-free or microfiber cloth
Simply soak your ring in a bowl of warm water with a few drops of dish soap for 20–30 minutes. Then gently brush the ring with a soft toothbrush—especially under the setting—and rinse thoroughly. Pat dry with a microfiber cloth.
This method is safe for diamonds, platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and most other common engagement ring materials.
What’s the Best Way to Clean My Diamond Ring?
If your diamond looks cloudy or dull, regular at-home cleaning will help restore its brilliance—without risk. We recommend you clean your ring at home once every two weeks and bring it into Acredo for a professional cleaning and inspection every 6 to 12 months.
Related Questions Asked by Our Clients
Can I use toothpaste to clean gold or platinum?
No. Toothpaste can scratch both 14K and 18K gold, and it may dull or damage rhodium plating on white gold. Even platinum, though strong, can lose its high-polish finish with repeated exposure to abrasives.
Can I use toothpaste on lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are just as durable as mined ones—but they’re not immune to the same issues. Toothpaste still risks scratching the surrounding metal and creating residue in the setting.
What about ultrasonic cleaners?
Ultrasonic cleaners are great—but not always safe for every ring. If your ring has loose prongs, fragile settings, or includes stones like emeralds or opals, ultrasonic machines may worsen the damage. Always ask your jeweler first.
Why Trust Professional Cleanings?
Acredo offers personalized consultations and professional jewelry cleaning services tailored to the materials and design of your ring. We understand the unique construction of each piece—and take extra care to ensure your ring remains both safe and brilliant.
We also offer:
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Re-polishing
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Re-tipping prongs
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Stone tightening
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Design-specific recommendations for care
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Myths Cloud Your Sparkle
Toothpaste belongs on your toothbrush—not on your diamond ring. While it may seem harmless, it can lead to scratches, residue buildup, and long-term damage to both your gemstone and setting.
Gentle, consistent cleaning—and regular visits to Acredo—are the best way to keep your ring radiant and secure for years to come.
Visit Acredo for Expert Jewelry Care
Whether you need a polish, a design consultation, or want to explore our handcrafted custom-designed jewelry, we’re here to help. From personalized cleaning to secure storage advice, your jewelry deserves expert attention.
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Explore our customization options
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Schedule a creative sit-down near you
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Visit our Jewelry Care page
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Let us help your ring shine the way it was meant to.