Introduction
Moissanite is one of the most durable gemstones available, but like any fine stone, it benefits from regular care and cleaning to maintain its exceptional brilliance. The good news: moissanite is remarkably easy to care for, and with a few simple habits you can keep your stones looking as stunning as the day they were set.
Why Moissanite Needs Cleaning
Even though moissanite is highly resistant to scratching and chipping, it can lose its sparkle over time due to the buildup of everyday substances — skin oils, lotions, soaps, and dust. These create a film on the surface of the stone that reduces light return and dims its fire. Regular cleaning removes this buildup and restores full brilliance.
The Best Way to Clean Moissanite at Home
The simplest and most effective method for cleaning moissanite is warm soapy water:
- Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and a few drops of mild dish soap
- Place your moissanite jewelry or loose stones in the bowl and let them soak for 10–15 minutes
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub around the stone and setting, paying attention to the underside where oils accumulate
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water
- Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth and allow to air dry completely before storing
This method is safe, effective, and can be done as often as needed — weekly for frequently worn pieces.
Ultrasonic and Steam Cleaners
Moissanite is safe to clean in both ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners — its hardness (9.25 Mohs) and thermal stability make it well-suited to both methods. Professional jewelers often use these for a deep clean.
However, use caution if your piece has other stones set alongside the moissanite — some gemstones (such as emeralds, opals, or pearls) are not safe for ultrasonic or steam cleaning.
What to Avoid
- Harsh chemicals — avoid bleach, chlorine, acetone, and abrasive cleaners, which can damage metal settings even if they don't harm the moissanite itself
- Abrasive cloths or paper towels — these can scratch metal settings; always use a soft cloth
- Hot water — very hot water can cause thermal shock in some settings; warm water is sufficient
- Touching the stone surface — oils from your fingers transfer quickly to the stone; handle loose stones by their edges
Storing Moissanite
Proper storage prevents scratching and keeps your stones in perfect condition:
- Store loose moissanite stones individually in soft pouches or compartmentalized boxes to prevent contact with other stones or metal
- Keep finished jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry box, ideally with separate compartments
- Avoid storing moissanite loose alongside diamonds or other hard stones — while moissanite is very hard, contact between stones can cause surface abrasion over time
Long-Term Care Tips
- Remove jewelry before swimming, cleaning, or applying lotions and perfumes
- Have finished pieces professionally inspected once a year to check prong integrity and setting security
- For loose stones being stored long-term, a clean, dry environment away from direct sunlight is ideal
Will Moissanite Lose Its Sparkle Over Time?
No — moissanite does not cloud, fade, or change color over time. Its optical properties are permanent. Any reduction in brilliance you notice is simply surface buildup that cleaning will resolve. With proper care, moissanite will look as brilliant in 20 years as it does today.
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