While polishing turns a rough stone into a shining gem with sandpapers and oxide compounds; cleaning simply keeps that finish safe.
In this guide we’ll cover the do’s and don’ts of cleaning finished jade jewelry and display pieces. If you’re after the full lapidary process—grits, compounds, carving steps—see our companion article How to Carve & Polish Jade.
How do you clean jade? The best way to clean jade is with warm water and mild soap. To give it a shine, use a drop of mineral or baby oil and a microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Jade Safely: Jewelry & Display Pieces
- Both nephrite and jadeite, the two stones classified as jade, are durable and tough. Because of their structure they are very resistant to chips and fractures.
- Jade is a porous stone, so it slowly absorbs oils over time. The shine of jade pendants and jewelry can even improve with wear, as they absorb oils from your skin! This is one of the reasons many people believe jade is a gateway to the soul.
- According to the American Gem Society, ultrasonic and steam cleaners are safe to use to clean natural jade. Care should be taken if the jade has been treated, usually found with low quality jadeite jewelry.
- With a hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, jade is hard to scratch. It is harder than steel, so even a knife can’t scratch it. However, we suggest using a microfiber cloth to clean jade, as it the finished polish shine.
Supplies You’ll Need
| Item | Why Use It |
|---|---|
| Lukewarm distilled water | No minerals or chlorine spots |
| Mild, phosphate-free soap | e.g. baby soap |
| Soft microfiber cloth | Won’t dull polish |
| Very soft toothbrush | Gets into hard to reach areas |
| Jewelry polishing cloth (untreated) | Final buff for shine |
| Optional: bamboo skewer or toothpick | Dislodge grime in carvings |
Cleaning Your Jade Jewelry
Whether you’re caring for a treasured jadeite bracelet or keeping a tight-fitting jade bangle looking its best, the secret is a light touch: wipe away daily oils with a microfiber cloth, give the stone a gentle soap-and-water bath once a month, and skip harsh chemicals that can dull the surface.
Quick Daily Wipe
- After wear, wipe oils/sweat with dry microfiber
Monthly Gentle Wash
- Bowl of lukewarm water + one drop mild soap
- Dip soft cloth, NOT the entire piece if metal joins (avoid soaking)
- Gently wipe stone and setting
- Use damp, soap-free cloth to rinse
- Pat dry, air-dry, and buff with polishing cloth. You may add a drop of mineral oil to improve shine immediately.
What NOT to Do
- Do not use harsh chemicals, ammonia, or bleach!
- Avoid toothpaste or baking-soda abrasives.
- Keep jade away from diamond jewelry during cleaning (diamonds can scratch jade)
How To Clean Jade Stone Display Pieces
Dusting Routine
- Soft makeup brush or compressed-air bulb weekly
Deeper Clean for Grimy Carvings
- Mild-soap solution, toothbrush with feather-light pressure. You can use a toothpick to get to hard-to-reach spots, if needed.
- Rinse under a trickle of lukewarm water
- Dry with microfiber, then air-dry completely.
- Wipe with mineral oil to improve shine.
Restoring Luster (Optional Mineral Oil)
- Tiny drop of mineral oil, spread with cloth, then buff off excess
Storage & Preventive Care
- Store in separate pouches; avoid contact with hard stones such as diamond, emerald, or ruby. While steel won’t scratch jade, hard gems on the Mohs scale will!
- Remove rings/bracelets before gym or heavy work
FAQ
- Can I swim or shower with jade jewelry? While showing is safe for jade, swimming is not. Chlorine can dull the surface, and most chemicals are not safe for jade.
- Is commercial jewelry cleaner safe? Most commercial cleaners contain chemicals—stick to mild soap to clean your jade bangles, necklaces, and other jewelry.
Final Thoughts & Further Reading
Consistent, gentle care is the simplest way to keep jade bracelets, bangles, and display pieces glowing for decades. Treat the stone like a treasured heirloom—wipe it after every wear, give it a mild soap bath once a month, and store it away from harder gems such as diamonds.
- Need more bangle-specific tips? See Caring for Your Jade Bangle.
- Unsure if your piece is genuine? Follow the quick tests in How to Tell Real Jade from Fake before you clean.
Now that you know how to clean jade with the right routine, your jade will keep its shine and luster—and its symbolism of harmony and protection—for generations to come.