Moissanite is now well known to be the best alternate diamond offering a similar sparkle and longevity at just a fraction of that price. Moissanite is an ideal alternative to diamond because of its excellent hardness and brilliant luster. Nevertheless, several people, particularly those in the medical field often ask: “Can you clean moissanite with alcohol?” Given that alcohol is often used by health care professionals to sanitize their hands, it’s worth knowing whether or not alcohol could be harmful to a moissanite ring.
This blog will help you determine whether it is safe to clean moissanite with alcohol and suggest what practices must be followed while maintaining the quality of your moissanite jewelry. Find the best Moissanite cleaner for you right now, more tips can be found at Ultimate Moissanite cleaner.
Understanding Moissanite’s Properties
Moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones, with a Mohs scale hardness rating of 9.25-9.5, trailing only diamond but exceeding ruby and sapphire at 9, scarring tungsten carbide or boron nitride can thus be achieved using moissanite. That said, it is still one of the hardest gemstones (tied for 2nd with the diamond, which are both a perfect 10). Unlike delicate gemstones like pearl or opal, moissanite wear and tear is substantial, making it poised for daily jewelry.
It is more resilient to chemicals so it will not dull in the way that pearls and opals can with long term use of creams. Which is why so many people choose MOISSANITE as their gemstone of choice foran engagement rings and other special pieces of jewelry. If you want to find out more on why moissanite is a great choice for an eco-conscious buyer, explore our environmentally friendly moissanite engagement ring article for those trying to avoid diamonds.
Can You Use Alcohol to Clean Moissanite?
Is alcohol safe for cleaning moissanite? Rubbing alcohol is non-abrasive and evaporates quickly, making it an ideal substance to clean moissanite without causing any damage. Alcohol is great for getting rid of surface oils and grimes as well as killing the bacteria on your stone, but it will not harm a moissanite or cause any dullness in it.
Alcohol dries quickly — and does not require rinsing — but soap and water get our thumbs up for a more thorough cleaning than other methods. Vinegar also works well, but only with certain metals so be careful. Read our guide on how to clean your own engagement ring for more information around effective cleaning techniques.
Is Alcohol Safe for the Metal Bands?
While cleaning moissanite jewelry, it’s important to take into account the impact that alcohol can have on the metal bands. Thankfully, alcohol can be used on the majority of real metals such as gold, silver and platinum and even tough metals like titanium, tungsten and stainless steel. These materials are alcohol-proof and will not deteriorate or discolor with normal use.
Where gold-plated jewels are concerned, this sentiment applies with a but… As gold plated is just a thin coat of gold that is applied over metal below, it could wear out in use or exposure to alcohol. Mild soapy water is enough for removing the dirt from gold-plated jewelry. Worried about moissanite losing its sparkle over time, read our post on will a moissanite cloud up? Discover the truth.
How to Clean Moissanite Rings and Earrings with Alcohol
Cleaning moissanite rings and earrings with alcohol is both simple and effective. Follow these steps for best results:
- 1. Use a 70% alcohol wipe to gently clean the surface of your moissanite ring. Ensure that you do not snag the prongs when wiping.
- 2. If you have moissanite earrings, place them in a small bowl of rubbing alcohol. Ensure that they sit in this for at least an hour to kill any bacteria and to maintain hygiene. This is especially important if you have pierced ears.
- 3. Use an old toothbrush to dip into the alcohol and clean the earring posts and moissanite. Once done, rinse the earrings with water before patting them dry with a soft cloth.
As an alternative cleaning method, you could also mix dish soap and warm water or even white vinegar to combat tougher grime. If you would like to discover more about moissanite and its differences to alternatives, you can find information on where is moissanite mined and if this impacts the quality of the jewellery.
Tips for Properly Caring for Moissanite Jewelry
Proper treatment helps to preserve the beauty and sparkle of moissanite for many years. The following are some of the effective guidelines:
- Do not touch the stone unnecessarily: An excess of oils and dirt acquired due to frequent handling results in the stone losing its shine much quicker.
- Keep moissanite correctly: It is achieved with the help of a jewelry box or a bag with separate fabric-lined compartments. Bear in mind that moissanite is one of the hardest stones and will easily scratch softer and more brittle gemstones or metals stored together.
- Remove jewelry during cosmetic procedures and physical activities: Cosmetic products, such as lotions, can create a film over the moissanite, and physical activities can expose the jewelry to damage.
Taking these steps can ensure the long-lasting brilliance of your moissanite jewelry. For more insights into the affordability and benefits of lab-created gemstones, check out our guide on whether lab-grown diamonds are cheaper.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Moissanite
Moissanite is an incredibly durable gemstone. However, the following can damage the metal surrounding it or dull its lustre:
- Do not use harmful chemicals: Bleach, acetone, ammonia cleaner, and the like can cause issues with most metal settings.
- Avoid using abrasive substances: Toothpaste, baking soda, abrasive or alcohol ridden brushes, and most microfiber cloths scratch the metal, even if the moissanite remains unscathed.
Ensure that you apply a gentle method for both so that you do not leave any marks or damage the setting. If you’re considering expanding your jewelry collection, you may be interested in where to buy manufactured diamonds with stunning savings.
Frequency of Cleaning Moissanite
While moissanite does not require constant cleaning, taking care of it regularly can help keep it sparkly. The cleaning guidelines are the following:
- Routine cleaning: wipe your moissanite jewelry with a soft cloth and alcohol rubbing once every two weeks to get rid of the oils and everyday dirt.
- Deep cleaning: use a cleaning solution with mild soap for more thorough cleaning every 1-2 month or whenever it starts to look grimed or hazy. The deep cleaning will help to get rid of the buildup in the setting as well.
- Keep an eye on your jewelry: when you see it loses its sparkle or notice an oily film, it is time to clean.
If you want to take a closer look at how moissanite compares to other popular gems, you can explore our guide on simulated diamonds vs. Moissanite to find out which alternative is best for you.
Conclusion
Overall, you can rest assured that cleaning moissanite with alcohol is both safe and effective as long as you do it right and are careful with the metal of the setting. Use alcohol to clean it and follow up with light brushing once in a while.
We hope that you enjoy these tips and will take good care of your moissanite jewelry to make it sparkle all the time. If you have any questions regarding our cleaning routine or want to share your favorite cleaning method, feel free to leave a comment below.
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