Cleaning Onyx Counters and Sinks
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.
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.
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.
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.
Caring for Onyx Jewelry
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. A microfiber cloth or other fine, soft cloth is ideal.
Add a little warm water to the cloth if the stone is very cloudy. 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.
Clean the edges of the stone with a soft-bristled brush. 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. If the dirt is particularly hard to remove, you can use a slightly damp brush, but be sure to blot the stone dry afterwards.
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. Never wear onyx jewelry when swimming, bathing, or using household cleaners that may damage the stone.
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.
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