Why Are People Using Toothpaste To Clean Jewelry And Is It Safe

Jewelry holds both emotional and financial value, from heirloom rings to everyday earrings. As a result, keeping pieces looking bright and polished is a priority for many owners. Over the years, a surprising home remedy has gained popularity: using toothpaste to clean jewelry. While this method may seem harmless—or even clever—its safety and effectiveness are hotly debated among jewelers and gemologists. This article explores why toothpaste became a go-to cleaning solution, examines its chemical and physical impact on different types of jewelry, and provides safer, proven alternatives.

The Rise of Toothpaste as a Jewelry Cleaner

Toothpaste is commonly found in households and marketed for its ability to remove stains and restore shine to teeth. Its abrasive nature, combined with mild detergents and whitening agents, makes it effective at scrubbing away surface grime. People began applying the same logic to jewelry: if toothpaste can whiten teeth, why not silver rings or gold chains?

Social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest have amplified this trend, with viral videos showing dramatic before-and-after transformations of tarnished jewelry cleaned with nothing more than a dab of toothpaste and an old toothbrush. These visuals are compelling, but they often fail to disclose long-term consequences or material-specific risks.

The appeal lies in accessibility and cost. Most people already have toothpaste at home, making it a seemingly convenient, no-cost solution. However, convenience doesn’t always equal safety—especially when dealing with delicate metals and precious stones.

What’s in Toothpaste? Understanding the Ingredients

To understand the potential risks, it's essential to examine what’s actually in toothpaste. Most conventional brands contain several key components:

• Abrasives: Such as hydrated silica, calcium carbonate, or baking soda. These help scrub plaque off teeth but can scratch softer metals and stone surfaces.
• Detergents: Like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which creates foam and helps lift debris.
• Fluoride: Helps strengthen enamel but offers no benefit—and could potentially react—to metal alloys.
• Whitening agents: Including peroxides or blue covarine, which may discolor certain materials over time.
• Flavorings and binders: Inert additives that don’t clean but may leave residue.

The abrasiveness of toothpaste is measured by its Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) value, which ranges from 0 (non-abrasive) to over 250 (highly abrasive). While toothpastes designed for sensitive teeth may have lower RDA values (under 70), standard whitening formulas can exceed 100—making them too harsh for regular use on fine jewelry.

“Using abrasive pastes like toothpaste on jewelry is like sanding your car with coarse paper. It might look shiny afterward, but you’re removing microscopic layers of metal each time.” — Daniel Ruiz, Master Jeweler & GIA Graduate

Is Toothpaste Safe for All Types of Jewelry?

The answer depends heavily on the type of jewelry being cleaned. Not all metals and stones react the same way to abrasives. Below is a breakdown by material:

Precious Metals

Gold: While gold is relatively durable, especially in 14k and 18k forms, repeated exposure to abrasive toothpaste can wear down the finish, particularly on matte or brushed surfaces. Over time, high-polish areas may lose their luster due to micro-scratches.

Silver: Tarnishes easily due to sulfur exposure, leading many to seek aggressive cleaning methods. While toothpaste may temporarily remove tarnish, it can also scratch the soft silver surface, accelerating future tarnishing by increasing surface area.

Platinum: Extremely dense and durable, platinum is less likely to scratch—but that doesn’t make it immune. Aggressive brushing with toothpaste can still dull its natural sheen over time.

Stones and Gemstones

This is where the greatest risk lies. Many gemstones fall below 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning they can be scratched by common toothpaste abrasives.

Gemstone	Mohs Hardness	Safe with Toothpaste?	Risk Level
Diamond	10	Limited Use Only	Low (but setting may be damaged)
Sapphire/Ruby	9	No	Medium (abrasives may affect polish)
Emerald	7.5–8	No	High (often treated; porous)
Opal	5–6.5	No	Very High (scratches easily, water-sensitive)
Pearl	2.5–4.5	No	Critical (easily destroyed)
Mother of Pearl	3–4	No	Critical

Pearls, in particular, are organic and highly vulnerable. Their surface is made of nacre, which can be stripped away by even mild abrasives. Once damaged, pearls cannot regenerate their luster.

Tip: Never use toothpaste on pearl jewelry. Even “gentle” formulas can permanently dull or etch the surface.

Real-World Example: A Cautionary Tale

Sarah, a teacher from Portland, inherited her grandmother’s vintage emerald and diamond ring. After seeing a DIY video online, she decided to clean it with toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. The ring looked brighter initially, but within days, she noticed a hazy film over the emerald and tiny scratches around the stone’s edges.

She brought it to a local jeweler, who confirmed her fears: the emerald had been surface-treated (common for older stones), and the abrasives in the toothpaste had worn through the protective layer. Repolishing would cost hundreds of dollars and risk further weakening the stone.

Sarah’s experience isn’t unique. Jewelers report increased cases of avoidable damage linked to home remedies involving toothpaste, baking soda, or vinegar. What starts as an effort to save money often leads to costly repairs—or irreversible loss.

Step-by-Step: Safer Alternatives to Clean Jewelry at Home

Cleaning jewelry safely at home is entirely possible—with the right tools and techniques. Follow this professional-grade routine to maintain brilliance without risking damage.

1. Remove Jewelry Before Activities: Take off rings, bracelets, and necklaces before swimming, cleaning, or applying lotions. Chlorine, chemicals, and oils accelerate tarnishing and buildup.
2. Prepare a Gentle Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap (phosphate-free) with warm distilled water in a small bowl. Avoid soaps with moisturizers or degreasers.
3. Soak for 15–20 Minutes: Place jewelry in the solution to loosen dirt and oils. Do not soak pieces with glued-in stones (like some costume jewelry).
4. Use a Soft-Bristled Brush: Gently scrub around settings and under stones with a dedicated toothbrush (unused, soft bristles). Focus on crevices where grime collects.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Hold under lukewarm running water to remove soap residue. For pierced earrings, cover the drain or use a strainer.
6. Dry with a Lint-Free Cloth: Pat dry with a microfiber or jewelry polishing cloth. Air-drying can leave water spots, especially on silver.
7. Store Properly: Keep pieces in individual pouches or compartments to prevent scratching. Anti-tarnish strips help preserve silver.

For stubborn tarnish on silver, consider a commercial silver dip used briefly (10–15 seconds) and rinsed immediately. These are formulated to dissolve tarnish without damaging the metal—unlike abrasive pastes.

Professional Care vs. DIY: When to Seek Help

While routine maintenance can be done at home, certain situations require professional attention:

• Jewelry with loose stones or worn prongs
• Pieces containing fragile or treated gemstones (e.g., emeralds, opals, tanzanite)
• Intricate designs with hard-to-reach areas
• Antique or high-value items

Jewelers use ultrasonic cleaners with controlled frequency and specialized solutions tailored to different materials. They can also inspect for structural weaknesses, re-secure settings, and professionally polish without thinning metal.

“Ultrasonic cleaning is powerful, but even we adjust settings based on the piece. There’s no one-size-fits-all method—and toothpaste definitely isn’t part of our toolkit.” — Lisa Tran, Certified Jewelry Appraiser

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use non-gel toothpaste or baking soda paste instead?

No. Even “non-abrasive” toothpastes contain mild scrubbing agents. Baking soda is significantly more abrasive than most realize and can scratch gold and silver. Both should be avoided for regular cleaning.

What about toothpaste for cleaning watch bands?

Stainless steel watch bands may tolerate occasional gentle brushing with toothpaste, but only if rinsed thoroughly. Leather, rubber, or mesh bands should never be exposed to toothpaste, as it can degrade adhesives and cause discoloration.

Are there any jewelry-safe toothpastes?

No toothpaste is formulated for jewelry care. Some “whitening” or “tartar control” versions are even more abrasive. Always assume toothpaste is unsafe for jewelry unless explicitly recommended by a jeweler—which none currently do.

Final Checklist: Jewelry Cleaning Dos and Don’ts

Checklist: Follow these guidelines to protect your jewelry:

• ✅ Use mild dish soap and water for weekly cleaning
• ✅ Dry with a microfiber cloth
• ✅ Store pieces separately in soft pouches
• ✅ Visit a jeweler annually for inspection and deep clean
• ❌ Never use toothpaste, bleach, or ammonia-based cleaners on pearls or soft gemstones
• ❌ Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for opals, emeralds, or antique pieces
• ❌ Don’t soak jewelry with glued components or wood/ivory inlays

Conclusion: Protect Your Treasures with Smarter Habits

The temptation to use toothpaste on jewelry stems from a desire to restore beauty quickly and inexpensively. But true care isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about preserving value, integrity, and sentiment over time. What seems like a harmless hack can silently erode metal, cloud gemstones, and diminish worth.

By choosing gentle, informed methods and respecting the unique needs of each piece, you ensure your jewelry remains radiant for generations. Whether it’s a wedding band, a gift from a loved one, or a personal milestone marker, every item deserves thoughtful maintenance—not a gamble with bathroom staples.

💬 Have you tried cleaning jewelry with toothpaste? Share your experience or ask a question below—we’d love to hear from you and help others avoid common pitfalls.