Clean Your Engagement Ring at Home
Edited by Alma, Eng, Shelley
Your engagement ring is one of your most precious possessions, so it's important to clean and care for it regularly to keep it in top condition. With daily wear, your engagement ring can lose its luster due to a buildup of chemicals, hair spray, skin oils, lotion and debris. While many jewelers offer a professional cleaning service, the prices are often exorbitant and it's perfectly possible to get great results from cleaning your engagement ring at home. There are many cheap and readily available household items that you can use to remove buildup and bring out your engagement ring's beautiful shine. There are also a few simple things you can do to keep your ring sparkling and prevent scratches or loosening stones on delicate and fragile rings, so they'll last a lifetime without the need for expensive repairs.
Things to Consider Before Cleaning Your Engagement Ring
Engagement rings require different cleaning products and procedures depending on the ring's condition, the stone type and the metal type. Consider the following information before you clean your ring to prevent any damage.
- 1Metal type.Most engagement rings should be cleaned once a week to bring out their true beauty and shine. Gold and silver require more frequent polishing than platinum because of their soft, malleable nature. Buffing the jewelry once every two weeks with a gold or silver polishing cloth can keep the metal smooth and unblemished. Platinum rings are harder, so it's only recommended to polish them once every few months. Buff the ring with a platinum polishing cloth to restore shine.
- 2Gemstone type.If your ring contains gemstones other than diamonds, it's best to avoid ammonia or alcohol since they can damage them because of their softer nature. Stick to a milder cleanser like basic, mild dish detergent.
- 3Cleaning products and tools.Depending on the ring type and material, you can use ammonia, dish detergent or even a clear alcohol, such as vodka or gin. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a soft, lint-free cloth to clean your ring. A rough cloth or firm-bristled toothbrush can scratch or even dislodge loose stones on your engagement ring.
- 4Ultrasonic cleaners.If you have an ultrasonic cleaner, it's perfectly acceptable for use if your ring is in good, strong condition; however, rings with loose stones or fragile heirloom pieces can be damaged by the vibrations. Also, avoid using an ultrasonic cleaner on rings with softer gemstones such as pearls, emeralds and turquoise.
Mild Detergent Method
The classic methodology for cleaning your engagement ring isn't much different than washing your dishes, and it's safe for most any type of engagement ring.
- 1Fill a small container or glass with warm water and about 1 teaspoon of dish soap.
- 2Soak the ring in the soapy water for at least 30 minutes to overnight.
- 3Make sure you clean all crevices, but avoid getting the bristles stuck between the stone and mounting. This can loosen the prongs and compromise the security of the settings.Take a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently clean and polish the stone and ring.
- 4Close the sink drain to avoid losing the ring.Rinse the ring thoroughly in lukewarm water.
- 5Buff it to a sparkling shine.Dry the ring with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Ammonia or Glass Cleaner Method
Cleaning your engagement ring in ammonia is another recommended method to restore sparkle. It's safest for diamonds and other hard gemstones. You can even do this once or twice a week if your ring easily loses its luster.
- 1Fill a small container or glass with ammonia-based glass cleaner or 1 part ammonia to 3 parts water.
Alcohol Method
Vodka or gin makes a great stand-in cleaner for diamond engagement rings, but don't use it for other softer gemstones. What you do with the booze after that is up to you!
- 1Fill a small container or glass with vodka or gin.
- 2Soak the engagement ring in the alcohol for 10 minutes.
- 3Close the sink drain to avoid losing the ring.Rinse the ring with lukewarm water.
- 4Dry the ring with a soft, lint-free cloth, buffing until it's super shiny.
How to Care for Your Engagement Ring
Once you've cleaned and polished your engagement ring, you'll want to preserve its sparkling shine for as long as possible. Following these simple tips can also keep your ring safe from damage or loss.
- 1If you don't like to do this, dry the ring with a soft cloth each time you exit the shower. Wash your hands with mild hand soap after lotion or makeup application and dry them, including the ring, with a soft cloth to remove any buildup and restore shine.Take off your ring when swimming, taking a shower or when you apply makeup or lotion.
- 2Keep your engagement ring separate from other jewels in your jewelry box or another safe, secure location (not on the counter next to the sink). Keep your jewels separate to avoid scratches. Don't store your ring in an area exposed to sunlight.Proper storage.
- 3Oils from your skin can dull the surface of most gemstones more than any other substance.Avoid touching your gemstones or diamonds with your hands.
- 4Avoid soaking and cleaning more than one piece of jewelry at one time to prevent scratches.Clean your jewelery one piece at a time.
Tips, Tricks & Warnings
- Don't clean your engagement ring with harsh cleaning products such as bleach, acids or scouring pads.
- For a quick touch-up, a rubbing alcohol wipe can restore sparkling shine to your diamond engagement ring, but avoid using these on other gemstones.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
