How to Clean Grillz: The Complete Guide (Gold, Silver & Diamond)
Whether you've just received your first custom grillz or you've been wearing them for years, proper cleaning is essential. Dirty grillz don't just lose their shine — they can harbour bacteria that affect your oral health.
In this guide, we cover exactly how to clean gold grillz, silver grillz, and diamond or moissanite-set grillz safely at home, plus what to avoid and how to store them properly.
Why Cleaning Your Grillz Matters
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), food and debris can become trapped between grillz and your teeth, allowing bacteria to collect and produce acids that may damage tooth enamel over time. This makes regular cleaning non-negotiable — not just for appearance, but for your oral health.
The good news: cleaning grillz is quick and straightforward when done correctly.
What You'll Need
- Soft-bristled toothbrush (or a dedicated jewellery brush)
- Mild dish soap or non-toxic jewellery cleaner
- Alcohol-free mouthwash
- Warm water (not boiling)
- A soft, lint-free cloth
- An airtight storage case
How to Clean Grillz: Step-by-Step
Step 1 — Remove and Rinse Immediately
As soon as you take your grillz out, rinse them under warm running water (ideally 38–40°C). This removes fresh saliva, loose food particles, and surface bacteria before they dry and harden.
Important: Never use boiling water. Extreme heat can loosen stones in diamond or moissanite grillz and may warp softer metals.
Step 2 — Soak in Mouthwash
Fill a small cup with alcohol-free mouthwash and soak your grillz for 5 to 10 minutes. This kills bacteria and helps break down any residue sitting in hard-to-reach areas.
Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol — these can be too harsh on precious metals over time and may dull the finish.
Step 3 — Gently Scrub with Mild Soap
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into warm water. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub all surfaces of your grillz — the front, back, and inner channels that sit against your teeth.
Take your time with stone-set areas (lab diamonds or moissanite). Use light circular motions to clean around each stone without applying excessive pressure.
Avoid regular toothpaste. The ADA and dental professionals note that most toothpastes contain abrasive particles that are designed for enamel — these can scratch gold and silver surfaces, dulling the finish over time.
Step 4 — Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse under warm water until all soap residue is completely removed. Any soap left behind can irritate your gums when you next wear your grillz.
Step 5 — Dry and Store Properly
Pat your grillz dry using a soft, lint-free cloth. Never leave them to air dry while wet — moisture left in the channels encourages tarnishing, especially on sterling silver grillz.
Once dry, store them in an airtight case. For sterling silver grillz, place an anti-tarnish strip inside the case — this significantly slows down oxidation and keeps them looking fresh between cleans.
Cleaning by Material
Gold Grillz (9K, 10K, 14K)
Gold is relatively resistant to tarnishing, but it still needs regular cleaning. The higher the karat, the softer the gold — so 9K and 10K grillz are more durable day-to-day, while 14K requires slightly more care when brushing.
For a deeper clean on gold grillz, a non-toxic gold jewellery cleaner (available at most jewellers) used once or twice a month will restore the original shine.
Sterling Silver Grillz (925)
Silver tarnishes faster than gold — this is a natural chemical reaction when silver is exposed to air, moisture, and acids. It doesn't mean your grillz are damaged; it just means they need more frequent attention.
Clean silver grillz after every use. The mouthwash soak is especially important for silver, as it helps neutralise acids from saliva. Store with an anti-tarnish strip at all times.
Lab Diamond & Moissanite Grillz
Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are extremely hard stones (9.25 and 10 on the Mohs scale respectively), so they won't scratch easily. However, the settings that hold them require gentle handling.
Avoid ultrasonic jewellery cleaners for stone-set grillz unless you're certain the settings are fully secure — vibration can loosen stones over time. Stick to the hand-cleaning method described above.
What to Avoid
| ❌ Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Regular toothpaste | Too abrasive — scratches metal surfaces |
| Boiling water | Can loosen stones and warp metals |
| Alcohol-based mouthwash | Can dull finish over long-term use |
| Eating while wearing grillz | Forces food into channels, increases bacteria |
| Sleeping in your grillz | Increases bacterial buildup significantly |
| Harsh chemical cleaners | Dangerous if ingested, can damage stones |
How Often Should You Clean Your Grillz?
After every wear — rinse and do a quick brush. This takes under two minutes and prevents buildup.
Once a week — full clean with the mouthwash soak and mild soap scrub.
Once a month — deep clean with a non-toxic gold or silver jewellery cleaner.
Dental Health While Wearing Grillz
The Dental Health Foundation and Colgate both advise the following:
- Always remove grillz before eating or drinking anything other than water
- Never sleep in your grillz
- Brush and floss your teeth before putting grillz back in
- Visit your dentist regularly — especially if you're a frequent grillz wearer
- If your grillz feel too tight or too loose, consult a professional rather than attempting to adjust them yourself
Custom-fit grillz from an impression kit (like those provided by Ice Jeweller) are significantly more comfortable and hygienic than ill-fitting generic grillz, as they don't create excess gaps where bacteria can accumulate.
Storing Your Grillz
Never leave your grillz on a bathroom counter or in a pocket. Moisture, dust, and accidental drops are the main causes of damage outside of wear.
Use a dedicated airtight jewellery case — ideally lined with soft fabric. Keep it away from direct sunlight and humid environments like bathrooms.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your grillz properly takes less than 10 minutes and makes a significant difference to both their appearance and your oral health. The routine is simple: rinse immediately after use, soak in alcohol-free mouthwash, gently brush with mild soap, rinse, dry, and store correctly.
Your grillz are a precision-crafted piece of jewellery. Treat them that way and they'll stay looking sharp for years.
Looking for custom grillz handcrafted in the UK? Ice Jeweller creates bespoke gold, silver and diamond grillz from your personal dental impression. Shop Custom Grillz →
