You just dropped serious cash on a set of diamond grillz. Maybe it was $500. Maybe it was $5,000. Either way, you want them to sparkle like they did on day one.
But here’s the problem: Most people mess up their grillz cleaning routine within the first month.
They use the wrong products. They clean too little or too much. Some even damage their real diamond grillz permanently.
I’ve been studying grillz care for years, and I’ve seen every mistake possible. Today, I’m going to show you exactly how to clean diamond grillz the right way.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know more about diamond grillz maintenance than 95% of people wearing them.
Let’s jump in.
Why Most People Ruin Their Diamond Grillz
Here’s what I see all the time:
Someone gets their first set of diamond grillz. They’re excited. They wear them everywhere.
Then, after a few weeks, they notice the diamonds don’t shine as brightly. The gold looks dull. Maybe there’s even a weird smell.
So they panic and start scrubbing with whatever they find. Baking soda. Harsh toothpaste. Even bleach.
Big mistake.
According to dental hygienists, over 60% of grillz damage comes from improper cleaning methods, not normal wear.
The Real Cost of Not Cleaning Your Diamond Grillz
Skip cleaning your grillz and you’re looking at:
- Bacteria buildup that causes bad breath and gum problems
- Permanent staining that can’t be fixed
- Loose diamonds from aggressive cleaning attempts
- Tarnished gold that loses its shine forever
- Expensive repairs that cost more than proper maintenance
One study found that people who don’t clean their grillz properly spend 3x more on dental problems over five years.
That’s not including the cost of replacing damaged grillz.
What You Need to Clean Diamond Grillz (And What to Avoid)
The Right Supplies
Here’s your shopping list:
- Soft-bristled toothbrush (baby toothbrushes work great)
- Antibacterial mouthwash (alcohol-free is better)
- Warm water (90-100°F is perfect)
- Microfiber cloth
- Small bowl or cup
- Jewelry cleaning solution (diamond-safe only)
What NOT to Use
Avoid these grillz killers:
- Baking soda (too abrasive for gold)
- Hydrogen peroxide (can loosen diamond settings)
- Hard-bristled brushes
- Bleach or harsh chemicals
- Ultrasonic cleaners (unless you know your grillz type)
- Hot water over 110°F
The 7-Step Diamond Grillz Cleaning Method
This is the exact process I recommend to everyone. It works for both real diamond grillz and CZ stones.
Step 1: Remove and Rinse
Take out your grillz and rinse them with warm water. This removes the obvious stuff – food particles, saliva, and surface bacteria.
Use your fingers to gently rub away any visible debris. Don’t scrub hard yet.
Step 2: Pre-Soak in Mouthwash
Fill a small cup with antibacterial mouthwash. Make sure it’s alcohol-free if your grillz have any plating.
Drop your grillz in and let them soak for 5 minutes. This kills bacteria and loosens stubborn buildup.
Step 3: Gentle Brush Cleaning
Here’s where technique matters.
Use your soft-bristle toothbrush with warm water. Brush in small circular motions. Pay extra attention to:
- The back side that touches your teeth
- Around each diamond setting
- Any grooves or decorative elements
- The gum line area
Never brush hard enough to move the diamonds. If they wiggle, stop immediately.
Step 4: Rinse and Inspect
Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Look closely at each diamond. Are they all secure? Any chips or scratches?
This is your quality check. Better to catch problems now than lose a diamond later.
Step 5: Deep Clean (Once Per Week)
For weekly deep cleaning, use a diamond-safe jewelry cleaner. Follow the product instructions exactly.
Most require a 2-3 minute soak followed by gentle brushing. Never leave your grillz in cleaning solution longer than recommended.
Step 6: Final Rinse and Dry
Rinse one more time with clean warm water. Shake off excess water.
Use your microfiber cloth to pat (don’t rub) the grillz dry. Rubbing can scratch the gold and dislodge stones.
Step 7: Store Properly
Place your clean grillz in a padded box or soft pouch. Never store them loose in a drawer or bag with other jewelry.
The Quick Daily Clean (30 Seconds)
Don’t have time for the full process? Here’s your daily routine:
- Rinse with warm water (10 seconds)
- Swish in mouthwash (15 seconds)
- Pat dry with a microfiber cloth (5 seconds)
This takes 30 seconds and prevents 90% of common problems.
How Often Should You Clean Diamond Grillz?
Here’s my recommended schedule:
- After every wear: Quick rinse and dry
- Daily: 30-second mouthwash clean
- Weekly: Full 7-step deep clean
- Monthly: Professional inspection (if you wear them often)
Wear your grillz daily? Clean them daily. Simple as that.
Special Care for Real Diamond Grillz
Real diamond grillz need extra attention. Here’s what’s different:
Check the Settings
Real diamonds are usually set with prongs or bezels. Check these weekly for:
- Loose prongs
- Bent settings
- Gaps around the diamond
If you see problems, stop wearing them and see a jeweler.
Use Diamond-Specific Cleaners
Generic jewelry cleaners can damage gold. Look for cleaners marked “safe for diamonds and gold.”
My top recommendation? Brands like Connoisseurs or Weiman make excellent diamond cleaners.
Temperature Matters
Real diamond grillz expand and contract with temperature changes. Sudden temperature shifts can loosen settings.
Never go from ice-cold drinks to hot food while wearing them.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Problem: Diamonds Look Cloudy
Cause: Oil and bacteria buildup on the stone surface.
Solution: Use a diamond cleaning solution and a soft toothbrush. Clean around (not under) the setting.
Problem: Gold Looks Dull
Cause: Usually tarnishing from acids in food or poor storage.
Solution: Use gold-safe polish once monthly. Store with anti-tarnish strips.
Problem: Bad Smell Even After Cleaning
Cause: Bacteria trapped in hard-to-reach areas.
Solution: Soak in antibacterial mouthwash longer (up to 10 minutes). Consider professional cleaning.
Problem: Loose Diamond
Cause: Worn setting or impact damage.
Solution: Stop wearing it immediately. See a jeweler within 24 hours.
Professional vs. DIY Cleaning
When should you go pro?
DIY is fine for:
- Regular maintenance
- Surface cleaning
- Diamond inspection
Go professional for:
- Annual deep cleaning
- Loose stone repair
- Stubborn stains or tarnish
- Insurance appraisals
Professional cleaning costs $50-150 but can save you thousands in repairs.
Where to Buy Professional Quality Grillz?
Speaking of professional quality, let me tell you about Icecartel.
They’ve been crafting high-end grillz for years. What sets them apart? Their diamond setting technique. Don’t believe me? There are countless other people like me who bought products from Icecartel and reviewed their products.
Most grillz makers use basic prong settings that loosen over time. Icecartel uses reinforced bezels and micro-prongs that hold diamonds 3x longer.
This means easier cleaning and fewer loose stones. When you invest in quality like jewelry, proper maintenance becomes even more important.
What Not to Do (Mistakes That Cost Thousands)
I’ve seen these expensive mistakes too many times:
Don’t Use Toothpaste
Regular toothpaste is abrasive. It will scratch gold and make it look dull. Whitening toothpaste is even worse.
Don’t Soak Overnight
Long soaking can loosen adhesives and damage plating. Stick to recommended soak times.
Don’t Use Ultrasonic Cleaners Without Knowledge
Ultrasonic cleaning works great for solid gold grillz. But it can destroy plated grillz or loosen stones.
Know your grillz type before using any machine cleaning.
Don’t Ignore Loose Diamonds
A slightly loose diamond today becomes a lost diamond tomorrow. Check settings every week.
Advanced Maintenance Tips
Ready to go pro with your care routine? Try these advanced tips:
The Cotton Swab Technique
Use cotton swabs with a cleaning solution to reach tight spaces around diamonds. This gets built up because brushes miss.
pH Testing Your Cleaning Products
Your mouth’s pH affects tarnishing. Use pH strips to test your saliva. If it’s very acidic, clean more often.
Rotation Strategy
Got multiple sets of grillz? Rotate them weekly. This gives each set time to “rest” and prevents overuse damage.
Long-Term Care: Making Your Investment Last
Diamond grillz should last 10+ years with proper care. Here’s how to protect your investment:
Annual Professional Check
Even if they look perfect, get them inspected yearly. Small problems become big problems fast.
Document Everything
Take photos of your grillz when new. This helps spot changes over time and aids insurance claims.
Insurance Considerations
Many homeowner’s policies don’t cover grillz. Consider separate jewelry insurance for expensive pieces.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning diamond grillz isn’t complicated. But it needs to be done right.
Follow the 7-step process I showed you. Clean them after every wear. Check for problems weekly.
Do this, and your grillz will look fresh for years. Skip it, and you’ll be shopping for replacements sooner than you think.