How to Clean Lab Grown Diamonds: A Safe Guide to Restore Their Sparkle

Your lab grown diamonds are losing their sparkle.

I know it's frustrating. You spent good money on that beautiful lab grown diamond ring, and now it looks cloudy and dull.

Here's the thing:

Lab grown diamonds get just as dirty as mined diamonds. Lotions, soap residue, natural oils from your skin—they all build up on your stone over time. And when that happens, even the most brilliant diamond starts looking lackluster.

But here's what I've learned after years of caring for diamond jewelry:

A simple cleaning routine can restore that incredible sparkle.

I've found that most people overcomplicate diamond care. You don't need expensive equipment or professional services every month. With the right approach, a quick daily cleaning with warm water and a soft toothbrush keeps your ring looking stunning for everyday wear.

That said, there are definitely wrong ways to clean lab grown diamonds. And some methods that seem harmless can actually damage your setting or dull your stone.

In this guide, I'll show you exactly how to clean your lab grown diamonds safely. From daily maintenance habits that prevent buildup to deep cleaning techniques for special occasions.

Your diamonds can look as brilliant as the day you got them. You just need to know what works (and what doesn't).

Let's get started.

 

Key Takeaways

Master these essential care practices to keep your lab-grown diamonds sparkling brilliantly for a lifetime.

• Prevent daily buildup: Avoid touching stones directly, apply lotions before wearing jewelry, and wipe down pieces after each wear to maintain natural brilliance.
• Clean safely at home: Use warm soapy water with a soft brush for deep cleaning, or try white vinegar for stubborn grime—avoid harsh chemicals that damage settings.
• Store properly: Wrap diamonds in soft cloths, keep pieces separated to prevent scratches, and store in dry, dust-free environments away from other jewelry.
• Schedule professional care: Get annual inspections to check settings and consider ultrasonic or steam cleaning for deep dirt that home methods can't reach.

With consistent daily habits and proper cleaning techniques, your lab grown diamonds will maintain their exceptional sparkle and brilliance for generations. The key is establishing simple routines that prevent major buildup while protecting both the stone and its setting from damage.

Daily Habits to Keep Lab Grown Diamonds Clean

The best way to keep your lab grown diamonds sparkling? Don't let them get dirty in the first place.

I know that sounds obvious. But most people unknowingly do things every day that dull their diamond's brilliance.

Here are three simple habits that make all the difference:

Stop Touching Your Diamond

This is probably the biggest mistake I see people make.

Every time you touch your lab grown diamond directly, natural oils from your skin transfer to the stone's surface, immediately reducing its sparkle. And diamonds naturally attract grease and oils, making them particularly vulnerable to smudging.

I get it—rings are fidget toys. But even casual handling while you're thinking or nervous can build up an invisible film that gradually makes your once-brilliant diamond look cloudy.

Pro tip: Always grab your jewelry by the metal band or setting. Never touch the stone itself.

Apply Products First, Jewelry Second

Timing matters more than you think.

Always apply lotions, moisturizers, sunscreen, perfume, and body sprays before putting on your lab grown diamond jewelry. This prevents these products from directly contacting your diamonds.

Here's why this works:

Body products create a filmy residue that's surprisingly difficult to remove with regular cleaning. Sunscreen and hand lotions are the worst offenders—they can leave a visible film on your jewelry that builds up over time.

Make it part of your routine. Products first, then jewelry.

Wipe Down After Each Wear

This simple habit prevents most cleaning problems before they start.

Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently remove oils, perspiration, and dust before storing your jewelry. It takes 30 seconds and prevents buildup that would otherwise accumulate over time.

I treat it like taking off my watch. Remove the jewelry, quick wipe, then put it away safely.

This quick cleaning routine also minimizes exposure to dust and moisture, keeping your diamonds in pristine condition. You'll notice the difference—your diamonds will look brighter for longer between deep cleanings.

How to Clean Lab Grown Diamonds at Home

Ready to restore that brilliant sparkle? You don't need expensive equipment or professional services to keep your lab grown diamonds looking their best.

Here's what works:

Use Warm Soapy Water and a Soft Brush

This is my go-to method for cleaning lab grown diamonds. It's simple, effective, and uses stuff you already have at home.

Here's the step-by-step process:

Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water (never hot) and add a few drops of gentle dish soap. Hot water can damage specific metal settings, so stick with lukewarm.

Soak your jewelry for 15-20 minutes to loosen oils, dirt, and residue. This soaking step is crucial—it does most of the work for you.

Now comes the scrubbing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the diamond, paying special attention to the prongs, setting, and underside where grime loves to hide. Apply minimal pressure to avoid damaging the setting.

Finally, rinse thoroughly under lukewarm running water. Make sure you get all the soap residue off—leftover soap can create dulling films.

Pro tip: I always clean my diamonds over a towel-lined sink. Dropped diamonds are much harder to find than you'd think.

Try a Polishing Cloth for Quick Touch-ups

Between deep cleanings, a specialized polishing cloth works wonders. These cloths are designed specifically for jewelry and won't scratch your lab grown diamonds or their settings.

The process couldn't be simpler: just wipe your jewelry gently to remove surface dust and restore shine instantly.

I prefer microfiber cloths because they're lint-free and specially designed to clean delicate surfaces. For best results, use dedicated jewelry cloths rather than repurposing household fabrics.

This takes maybe 30 seconds and makes a noticeable difference in sparkle.

Use White Vinegar for Deeper Cleaning

Sometimes your lab grown diamonds need more intensive cleaning. That's where white vinegar comes in.

Pour enough white vinegar into a container to fully submerge your jewelry and soak for approximately 15 minutes.

For particularly stubborn grime, create a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and warm water. After soaking, gently brush with a soft-bristled brush, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and dry completely with a soft cloth.

White vinegar is acidic enough to cut through buildup but gentle enough not to damage your diamonds.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Abrasives

Here's what you should never use on your lab grown diamonds:

Never use bleach, ammonia, chlorine, or household cleaners. These harsh chemicals can damage both the diamonds and their metal settings.

Similarly, avoid abrasive materials like toothpaste, baking soda, or rough cloths that might scratch the metal or dull the stone's brilliance.

I've seen people ruin expensive settings by using the wrong cleaning products. Even though lab grown diamonds are incredibly durable, the settings and metals can be vulnerable to damage from improper cleaning methods.

Stick to gentle cleaning solutions that preserve both your diamond's brilliance and the integrity of its setting.

When Home Cleaning Isn't Enough

Sometimes, even the best home cleaning routine won't cut it.

You've tried the warm, soapy water. You've used a soft brush. You've been religious about daily maintenance.

But your lab grown diamond still looks dull.

That's when it's time to call in the professionals.

Professional Cleaning Gets Results You Can't Achieve at Home

Professional jewelers have tools that reach places your toothbrush can't. Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to blast away stubborn dirt and debris from your lab grown diamonds. These machines generate vibrations that penetrate oils and grime, effectively removing buildup from hard-to-reach areas.

But here's the catch:

Ultrasonic cleaning isn't always the right choice. Jewelers caution against frequent ultrasonic cleaning if your lab grown diamond contains multiple inclusions, as the ultrasonic waves might affect them.

Steam cleaning Reaches Every Crevice

Steam cleaning has become my go-to recommendation for really stubborn grime. Professionals direct controlled steam from specialized steamers toward your jewelry, removing oils and dust from difficult-to-clean areas.

This isn't something you want to try at home.

The steam must be properly regulated—neither too hot nor generated from impure water. For optimal results, always have steam cleaning performed by professionals.

Don't Skip Your Annual Inspections

Here's something most people overlook: professional cleaning isn't just about getting your diamonds clean.

It's about keeping them secure.

Yearly professional inspections ensure your lab grown diamond remains secure in its setting. Professional jewelers carefully examine prongs to verify they haven't worn down, potentially compromising your stone's security. These annual check-ups also present an opportunity for jewelers to polish your rings, refurbish settings, and address any potential issues before they become serious problems.

Pro tip: Many jewelers offer complimentary cleaning services for pieces purchased from them. If you bought your lab grown diamond elsewhere, professional cleaning typically costs between $25-$50 per session.

Think of it as insurance for your investment.

How to Store and Protect Your Lab Created Diamonds

Cleaning is only half the battle.

The way you store your lab grown diamonds when you're not wearing them makes a huge difference in how long they stay brilliant. I've seen too many people do their cleaning routine perfectly, then toss their ring in a drawer with other jewelry.

That's a recipe for scratched settings and dull stones.

Wrap Each Piece in Soft Cloth

Your lab grown diamond needs its own space. I always wrap each piece in a soft, lint-free cloth before storing it. This protects against dust, moisture, and accidental knocks that can damage the setting.

Anti-tarnish pouches work great too, especially for pieces you don't wear often.

Here's what NOT to do: Never use plastic bags or containers. They create friction that can actually damage your diamond's surface over time.

Pro tip: Invest in a fabric-lined jewelry box with individual compartments. It's worth the money for the protection it provides.

Keep Diamonds Away from Other Jewelry

Diamonds are tough enough to scratch just about everything else in your jewelry box, including other diamonds.

Store each piece separately. I learned this the hard way when my grandmother's sapphire ring got scratched by a diamond bracelet that was stored in the same compartment.

Even though your lab grown diamond is tough, its setting might be gold or platinum that can get damaged by contact with other pieces. Compartmentalized storage keeps everything safe.

Store in a dry, dust-free place

Location matters more than you might think.

Heat, humidity, and sunlight can all affect your jewelry over time. I keep mine in a cool, dry dresser drawer away from windows and heating vents.

For travel, get a padded jewelry case. The cheap ones fall apart, but a good travel case protects your diamonds when you're on the road.

The key is consistency. Pick a safe spot and always put your jewelry there after cleaning and drying it thoroughly.

Your Lab Grown Diamonds Can Sparkle Forever

Lab-grown diamonds are an investment worth protecting.

The good news? You don't need complicated routines or expensive equipment to keep them brilliant.

I've found that consistency beats perfection every time. A quick wipe-down after each wear prevents more buildup than elaborate weekly deep cleans. And that simple, warm, soapy water method? It works better than most expensive jewelry cleaners.

Pro tip: Set a reminder to check your settings once a year. Loose prongs are much easier (and cheaper) to fix before your diamond falls out.

The key is building habits that stick. Pick one or two maintenance practices that feel manageable and start there. Maybe it's wiping down your ring before bed or remembering to put on lotion before putting on your jewelry.

Your lab-grown diamonds can look stunning for decades. You need to give them a little attention along the way.

FAQs

How can I clean my lab-grown diamond at home?

You can clean your lab grown diamond at home using warm water and mild dish soap. Soak the jewelry for 15-20 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry with a soft cloth.

Are professional jewelry cleaners safe for lab grown diamonds?

Yes, professional jewelry cleaners are generally safe for lab grown diamonds. However, it's best to use gentle cleaners specifically designed for fine jewelry. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives that could damage the diamond or its setting.

How often should I clean my lab grown diamond jewelry?

For optimal sparkle, clean your lab grown diamond jewelry weekly using the warm soapy water method. Additionally, wipe it down with a soft cloth after each wear to prevent the buildup of oils and dirt.

Can I wear my lab grown diamond ring in the shower?

It's best to avoid wearing your lab grown diamond ring in the shower. While the diamond itself is durable, prolonged exposure to water and soap can dull its shine and potentially loosen the setting over time.

What's the best way to store lab grown diamond jewelry?

Store your lab grown diamond jewelry in a soft cloth pouch or wrapped in a lint-free cloth. Keep it separate from other jewelry to prevent scratches, and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.