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Onyx is a stone with bands of warm color that make it an attractive feature in both jewelry and home decor. Cleaning onyx takes some extra care because it is very porous and can be damaged by acidic cleansers or excessive moisture. Use a soft cloth and a mild soap like dishwashing liquid, avoid cleaning products that aren’t specifically designed for stone, and use a food-safe sealant on onyx counters and sinks.
Steps
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Wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Regular household cleaners are often acidic and can damage onyx. Milder soaps are ideal, such as dish detergent or soaps labeled “green,” which are usually pH-neutral. [1] X Research source -
Use a soft-bristled brush to remove crusted-on spills. Harsh scrubbers can scratch onyx, so it’s better to use a cleaning brush. Wet the brush slightly and dab a bit of mild soap on it before scrubbing. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement -
Remove the soap with a clean, wet cloth. You can use a new cloth or rinse your soapy cloth thoroughly and use it to wipe the onyx surface clean of soap. Wipe the surface down at least twice, rinsing the cloth in between, to thoroughly remove the soap. -
Pat the surface dry with a clean towel. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause stains and blotting on onyx surfaces. Use a dry towel to pat, not wipe, the water from your onyx. -
Apply a food-safe stone sealant at least twice a year. Dab a dry cloth with a little sealant and rub it into the stone, working in small, circular motions. Let the sealant dry for 5 minutes, then buff it with a new dry cloth for 10 minutes. If possible, keep the onyx dry for 6 hours so that the sealant can fully soak into the stone.- Sealants help protect your onyx surfaces from stains, scratches, and etching caused by acids.
- Look for a sealant designed for stone countertops, such as Miracle Sealant or Aqua Mix.
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Blot any spills with a clean towel as soon as possible. Moisture can damage onyx, so it’s best to deal with messes immediately rather than let them sit. Use a towel to soak up any liquid from the onyx rather than wiping it, which can spread the spill around.
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Wipe the stone with a soft cloth. Many common jewelry cleaners, such as ammonia, can be harmful to onyx. The safest way to clean your onyx jewelry is with a clean, dry cloth. [3] X Research source- A microfiber cloth or other fine, soft cloth is ideal.
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Add a little warm water to the cloth if the stone is very cloudy. [4] X Expert Source Kennon Young
Master Gemologist Appraiser Expert Interview. 11 September 2019. If wiping the jewelry down with a dry cloth does not remove all the cloudiness or grime, use a cloth that is slightly damp. Blot the stone dry after you clean it. [5] X Research source -
Clean the edges of the stone with a soft-bristled brush. [6] X Expert Source Kennon Young
Master Gemologist Appraiser Expert Interview. 11 September 2019. A clean, dry toothbrush or other soft brush can be a great tool for cleaning the hard-to-reach places of your onyx jewelry. Use the brush to remove dirt and grime from the edges of the stone where it meets the metal findings. [7] X Research source- If the dirt is particularly hard to remove, you can use a slightly damp brush, but be sure to blot the stone dry afterwards.
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Protect your onyx jewelry from water. Never soak your onyx, as the water can soak into the porous surface of the stone and alter its appearance. Be careful when washing your hands, and blot the stone dry with a clean cloth if it becomes wet. [8] X Research source- Never wear onyx jewelry when swimming, bathing, or using household cleaners that may damage the stone.
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Wrap your onyx jewelry in cloth when storing it. This will keep it from being scratched by other jewelry, particularly during travel. Velvet and cotton are ideal, or you can purchase a jewelry pouch to store each onyx item in. [9] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat kind of cloth should I use to clean onyx countertops?Ahmed Mezil is a Cleaning Specialist and the CEO of Hellamaid, a cleaning service operating out of Southern Ontario, Canada. With over four years of cleaning experience, Ahmed and his insured and bonded Hellamaid cleaning staff specialize in house cleaning, post-construction cleaning, commercial cleaning, deep cleaning, and disinfection cleaning on various home/building surfaces. Ahmed holds a BASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, a MASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto, and holds a Professional Engineering license in Ontario, Canada.You want to use something that's not abrasive. A microfiber towel or even a soft tissue would work.
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QuestionHow much cleaning liquid should I use on onyx countertops.Ahmed Mezil is a Cleaning Specialist and the CEO of Hellamaid, a cleaning service operating out of Southern Ontario, Canada. With over four years of cleaning experience, Ahmed and his insured and bonded Hellamaid cleaning staff specialize in house cleaning, post-construction cleaning, commercial cleaning, deep cleaning, and disinfection cleaning on various home/building surfaces. Ahmed holds a BASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, a MASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto, and holds a Professional Engineering license in Ontario, Canada.You want to use a minimum amount of cleaning solution. Don't apply it directly to the countertops—instead, apply a little bit to your cloth and then wipe the countertops down. Onyx is porous, and the appearance will change if it absorbs too much liquid.
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QuestionHow can I remove stains from countertops?CageyCatTop AnswererThat depends on what type of countertops you have. When in doubt, use a very mild cleaner, perhaps diluted.
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Tips
- Be careful not to rest hot items, such as curling irons, against onyx counters or sinks.Thanks
- Never put onyx jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner, which can damage it.Thanks
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Things You’ll Need
Counters and sinks
- Soft cloth
- Dishwashing liquid or other mild soap
- Soft-bristled cleaning brush
- Food-safe stone sealant
Jewelry
- Soft cloth
- Small soft-bristled brush such as toothbrush
- Cloth or pouch for storage
References
- ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-6021448-maintain-onyx-countertops.html
- ↑ https://www.seattletimes.com/sponsored/seven-tips-for-cleaning-natural-stone/
- ↑ http://www.jewelrynotes.com/how-to-clean-and-care-for-your-onyx-jewelry/
- ↑ Kennon Young. Master Gemologist Appraiser. Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.
- ↑ http://www.jewelrynotes.com/how-to-clean-and-care-for-your-onyx-jewelry/
- ↑ Kennon Young. Master Gemologist Appraiser. Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.
- ↑ http://www.jewelrynotes.com/how-to-clean-and-care-for-your-onyx-jewelry/
- ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/matt-meis/cleaning-jewelry_b_2273527.html
- ↑ http://www.jewelrynotes.com/how-to-clean-and-care-for-your-onyx-jewelry/
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