How to Clean Onyx

Co-authored by Kennon Young

Last Updated: October 29, 2022 References

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning Onyx Counters and Sinks

1
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]
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2
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]
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3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Caring for Onyx Jewelry

1
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]
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- A microfiber cloth or other fine, soft cloth is ideal.
2
Add a little warm water to the cloth if the stone is very cloudy.^{[4]
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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]
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3
Clean the edges of the stone with a soft-bristled brush.^{[6]
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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]
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- If the dirt is particularly hard to remove, you can use a slightly damp brush, but be sure to blot the stone dry afterwards.
4
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]
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- Never wear onyx jewelry when swimming, bathing, or using household cleaners that may damage the stone.
5
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]
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Expert Q&A

Question

What kind of cloth should I use to clean onyx countertops?

Ahmed Mezil
Cleaning Specialist
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.

Ahmed Mezil

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

You want to use something that's not abrasive. A microfiber towel or even a soft tissue would work.
Question

How much cleaning liquid should I use on onyx countertops.

Ahmed Mezil
Cleaning Specialist
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.

Ahmed Mezil

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

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.
Question

How can I remove stains from countertops?

CageyCat

Top Answerer

That depends on what type of countertops you have. When in doubt, use a very mild cleaner, perhaps diluted.