The Truth About Ultrasonic Cleaners: Why You’re Probably Not Cleaning Your Jewellery Properly at Home
Those little countertop ultrasonic cleaners are everywhere—marketed as a miracle solution for keeping your jewellery sparkling clean with minimal effort. But here’s the hard truth: most people aren’t using them correctly, and even worse, they could be doing more harm than good.
Let’s dive into why ultrasonic cleaners aren’t always the saviours they claim to be—and how to clean your jewellery the right way.
❌ Myth #1: Any Jewellery Can Go in an Ultrasonic Cleaner
Truth: Some gemstones and materials should never be exposed to ultrasonic waves.
Many natural gemstones are porous, heat-sensitive, or have surface treatments that can be destroyed by the vibrations. Here are a few you should never put in an ultrasonic cleaner:
Opals (can crack or delaminate)
Pearls (the nacre can be stripped or cracked)
Emeralds (often oil-filled—ultrasonics can ruin them)
Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite (all porous)
Tanzanite and Zircon (fragile and heat-sensitive)
And Many Others please be sure to research the type of gemstone you’re planning on cleaning in your ultrasonic to avoid any potential damage. If you’re unsure please avoid using an ultrasonic and take into a jeweller to be professionally cleaned
Ultrasonic cleaning can cause internal fractures, dislodge inclusions, or even cause the stone to break apart entirely.
🛠️ Myth #2: My Jewellery is Safe Because It’s Solid Gold or Has Diamonds
Truth: Even diamonds can be at risk when the wrong setting is selected.
While diamonds themselves are tough, the mountings and settings they’re in might not be. Old prongs, micro-claws, and vintage filigree can loosen with the vibration, especially if there's existing wear and tear.
What’s worse? You won’t always notice the damage right away. A loose stone might only fall out weeks later—often at the worst possible time.
🔥 Myth #3: Ultrasonic Cleaners Work Without Heated Water
Truth: Without heat, your ultrasonic is probably just buzzing.
Ultrasonic waves alone won’t break down built-up grime or grease effectively. A professional sonic has the ability to heat up the water to specific settings and most at home sonic don’t have this function and by simply adding heated or boiled water can cause the machine to break. Heated water is essential to loosen oils, lotion build-up, and everyday dirt. If your machine doesn’t heat the water itself, you’re jewellery is not getting a proper clean.
💦 Myth #4: The Longer It Runs, The Cleaner It Gets
Truth: Over-cleaning can do more harm than good.
Extended exposure to ultrasonic vibrations can weaken glue joints (used in some jewellery pieces and fashion jewellery), loosen pavé-set stones, or strip away finishes on plated or antiqued jewellery. Less is more—if you must use an ultrasonic, limit it to a few minutes max.
🧴 Myth #5: Any Soap Will Do
Truth: Most soaps leave residue or contain harsh chemicals.
Liquid dish soap, hand soap, and even some “jewellery cleaners” are not designed for use in ultrasonics and can leave a film or worse, damage delicate pieces. The best choice? A small amount of powdered dishwasher detergent—free from bleach and citrus. It’s designed to break down grease and rinse clean without residue.
🚫 Other Reasons to Avoid Ultrasonics at Home
No Inspection Step: Professional manufacturing jewellers are highly experienced in inspecting jewellery for loose stones or damaged settings before cleaning—something most people skip. The importance of this step is crucial to ensuring stones are not damaged or the jewellery itself is safe to go into the sonic.
Cross-contamination Risk: If you clean multiple pieces at once, tiny metal shavings or loose stones can scratch each other.
Uncontrolled Environment: Home machines rarely control temperature, duration, or intensity accurately—leading to inconsistent or unsafe results.
Poor Drying Habits: Moisture left behind can cause tarnish or damage over time—especially inside stone settings.
✅ What You Should Do to Clean Jewellery at Home
For most durable pieces (like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies in gold or platinum), here’s a safe DIY method:
Know your stone – Avoid home cleaning if unsure.
Use a bowl of warm water (not boiling).
Add a small scoop of powdered dishwashing detergent (non-citrus, no bleach).
Soak for 10–15 minutes.
Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, especially behind stones.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft, clean cloth.
If your jewellery is vintage, fragile, or features softer stones, always bring it to a professional jeweller for cleaning.
💡 Bonus Tip: Prevention is Key
Take off your jewellery before applying lotion, using hand sanitiser, gardening, swimming, or sleeping. And always store it in a clean, dry place. Regular inspections and professional cleans every 6–12 months are the best way to keep your pieces looking their best—and staying safe.
Still unsure about whether your piece is safe to clean at home? We’re here to help. Book in a clean and inspection with us, and we’ll make sure your jewellery stays beautiful and secure for years to come.