If you've ever Googled “how to clean jewelry at home,” chances are you’ve come across the toothpaste trick. It sounds easy, it’s sitting right there in your bathroom, and hey - if it works on teeth, it must be gentle, right?
Not quite. While toothpaste can make your jewelry look shinier short term, it might do more harm than good in the long run. So if you're thinking about using toothpaste to clean your rings, necklaces, or earrings, here's what you should know.
Why People Use Toothpaste to Clean Jewelry
Toothpaste is often recommended as a quick DIY fix because it has mild abrasives that help scrub away grime. On the surface, it makes sense - especially for metals like silver that tend to get dull or tarnished over time. The logic goes: it polishes teeth, so why not metal?
And yes, technically, if you rub toothpaste on a piece of silver, you might see an instant shine. But here's the catch: that shine can come at a cost.
The Problem With Using Toothpaste on Jewelry
Toothpaste is more abrasive than it seems. It’s made to remove plaque and stains from enamel - which is pretty tough. Jewelry, especially fine jewelry, is not. When you use toothpaste on gold, silver, platinum, or softer gemstones, those tiny abrasive particles can create micro-scratches that dull the finish over time.
It’s even riskier for soft stones like opals, pearls, turquoise, or anything porous. Toothpaste can damage the surface, strip away natural oils, or even change the appearance of certain gemstones. And if your jewelry has delicate settings, toothpaste can sneak into those tiny crevices and be hard to rinse out completely.
In short: what seems like a quick fix can actually wear down your jewelry faster than you'd expect.
What Happens to Gold, Silver, and Gemstones?
Let’s break it down a little more.
Gold - especially high-karat gold - is a soft metal. Toothpaste can scratch it, leaving it looking more dull over time instead of shiny. Silver is slightly more durable, but still not immune. Repeated toothpaste scrubbing can wear down the polish and even thin out fine details on engraved pieces.
As for diamonds or harder gemstones? While they can handle a bit more friction, the metal around them usually can’t. That means your ring setting could get scratched or loosened - not ideal for something you wear every day.
And for softer stones like pearls, opals, and emeralds? Total no-go. These are far too delicate for anything abrasive and can be permanently damaged by toothpaste.
So What’s the Best Way to Clean Jewelry at Home?
The good news is you don’t need anything fancy. A mix of warm water, a tiny drop of mild dish soap, and a soft-bristle toothbrush will do the trick for most jewelry. Let your piece soak for a few minutes, gently brush away any dirt, and rinse thoroughly. Pat dry with a soft cloth - no harsh scrubbing needed.
For silver jewelry that’s looking a bit tarnished, a polishing cloth made specifically for silver is your best friend. You can also find silver dips and gentle cleaners designed for precious metals - just make sure they’re safe for your specific piece.
And when in doubt? Take it to a professional. Many jewelers offer complimentary or low-cost cleanings, and they’ll know exactly how to care for your jewelry based on its metal and stones.
The Bottom Line
So - can you clean jewelry with toothpaste? Please don't.
Toothpaste is too abrasive for most metals and gemstones, and what seems like a quick shine-up can lead to long-term damage. If you love your jewelry and want it to stay beautiful for years to come, gentle cleaning methods are the way to go.
Think of it like skincare. You wouldn’t use a gritty face scrub every day on sensitive skin - same goes for your favorite ring or necklace. It deserves better than toothpaste, and a little TLC will go a long way.
