How Often Should You Clean Your Wedding Ring?

If you want your wedding jewelry to remain as beautiful and enchanting as it was on your wedding day, you'll need to put in some effort. Keep your wedding band and engagement ring in pristine condition for a lifetime with routine cleanings and maintenance, either done by you or by a professional. Unlike other types of jewelry, engagement and wedding rings are meant to be worn every day. Once a year, have a professional clean, polish, and inspect the prongs on your ring to make sure the setting is still secure. Using high-pressure steam and an ultrasonic machine, jewelers restore rings to their customers' original luster while also checking the setting's stability at regular intervals.

When the time comes between professional cleanings, you can keep your rings in pristine condition with solutions you can find at home. Although commercial jewelry cleaners are simple to use, be aware that some brands contain ammonia, which is safe for diamonds but can be harsh on other gemstones if left on for an extended period of time or if you don't wash it off afterward. If you have inherited a piece of jewelry from a loved one, such as a sapphire or amethyst from your grandmother or mother-in-law, you should use a cleanser that does not contain ammonia. Dish soap is an even less complicated choice. You can soak your jewelry for 30 minutes in a solution of a dime's worth of baking soda and a cup of warm water. Polish the prongs or pavé by brushing away any dirt or dust with a tiny toothbrush. Maintain the stone's luster by giving it a gentle cleaning once every few weeks. Buildup prevents the stone's light interactions.

Replacement of prongs, resetting of stones, and replating of metal are all examples of more complex repairs that require expert attention. Repairing a piece of jewelry is similar to replacing the tread on your tires. Whether or not a metal can be repaired depends on its wear and the metal itself. Not all rings have the same plating lifespan; some need to be re-plated every year, while others can go two years without it. To what extent the ring is cared for and handled with the respect due to fine jewelry is unknown. Due to its density and weight, platinum holds up exceptionally well to time and daily wear, so it may never need to be re-dipped. While yellow gold can be polished to restore its luster, white gold, which gets its color from being plated with protective, hard white rhodium, will need to have its plating redone over time.

Even though wedding jewelry is built to withstand the wear and tear of daily life, there are a few things you may be doing on a regular basis that could be damaging to the appearance of your rings. Taking off jewelry is highly suggested before engaging in potentially hazardous activities like gardening, cooking, swimming, or showering. Stones and metals can be eroded by the salt and chlorine in ocean and pool water. Lotion has the same effect as dirt and dust on jewelry. While it's unlikely that wearing your ring while doing these things will cause any lasting damage, removing it will help you keep it sparkling in-between professional cleanings. No matter how infrequently you remove your ring, it will lose its gleaming appearance without proper maintenance.

How Often to Clean Your Ring

Even if you take good care of your diamond, it's easy to dull its brilliance with careless routines. A foggy shine can be left on your cluster of diamond and your ring from products including shampoo, hairspray, hand lotions, hand soaps, and cooking oils. That's why it's recommended that you give your ring a weekly cleaning if you want it to retain its luster.

It's recommended that twice a year, you take your ring to a jeweler for a thorough cleaning. Let's say you're the type to regularly engage in physical activity or engage in messy hobbies like gardening. For important occasions such as an anniversary party, you may wish to get your ring cleaned by a professional more frequently.

How to Clean a Diamond Ring: All Metal Types (Platinum, Silver, White Gold, and Gold)

Soap and Water 

No matter the setting or metal, soap and water is the finest way to clean a diamond ring. Gather a small bowl of very hot water with a drop or two of regular dish soap, and you'll have your answer. Depending on how grimy your ring is, soak it for 20-40 minutes. Hairspray, lotion, makeup, and perfume may all be removed with a very soft toothbrush and some gentle scrubbing. If required, repeat the process of rinsing the ring under warm running water. The ring can be harmed by chlorine and other strong chemicals, as well as by some certified jewelry cleaners. When you're done washing your ring, give it a good rinse to get rid of the soap.

Non-Abrasive and Chemical-Free Solution

While looking for a jewellery cleaner/polisher, it's crucial to do your homework. Diamond rings can be damaged or discoloured by chemicals in cleaning solutions. Rings made of any metal can be cleaned and restored using Sparkle Bright, a product with rave reviews.

cleaning supplies

Windex and Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

With hydrogen peroxide, here's how to clean a diamond ring: To clean the glass, mix equal parts of Windex and hydrogen peroxide in a small basin. Just drop the diamond ring in a bowl of water and let it sit for ten to fifteen minutes. Daily grime can be wiped away with Windex, and germs on the ring can be wiped out with hydrogen peroxide. After immersing your ring in the solution, use a soft toothbrush to clean away any remaining residue. Get it wet with warm water, and then pat it dry.

Vinegar

Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with half a cup of white vinegar in a wide bowl. Ensure that the baking soda is fully dissolved by stirring the solution. Diamond rings should be soaked for at least two and preferably three hours. After that, you should give your ring a quick rinse in cold water and pat it dry with a soft cloth.

Ketchup

That's right; you read that right. Ketchup may be the answer to restoring the lustre of a tarnished silver ring. If you want to make your band sound better, try soaking them in ketchup for a while. Scrub the ring with ketchup and a gentle toothbrush, then wash it in lukewarm water and let it dry. If you put ketchup on your band, remove it after a few minutes at the most.

Beer

Try putting some beer over a soft cloth and rubbing your dull solid gold ring with it to restore its shine. Do not put your diamond or gemstone in the beer's glass and steer clear of black ale. Beer on the band? Time to dry it off with a fresh towel.

What Not to Use When Cleaning Your Ring

Despite the stone's durability, scrubbing it with ammonia or other harsh chemicals is not recommended. Bleach, chlorine, and acetone are just a few of the chemicals that can corrode the metal in your instrument.

A ring that has been destroyed due to lack of maintenance is much more disappointing than one that has simply lost its lustre. Bleach, chlorine, and acetone are common household cleansers that should never be used. Base metals in your ring may be corroded by these strong substances. Toothpaste, baking soda, and other powdered cleansers are abrasive and can harm precious metals, so avoid using them.

Keep your diamond in pristine condition by only cleaning it with the gentlest brushes. Scratching your diamond with a hard-bristled toothbrush or abrasive scouring pad could diminish its beauty and decrease its value. Baking soda, powdered cleansers, and even toothpaste are all examples of abrasive cleaning products that might harm your band. I've noticed that gold bands, in particular, show scratches extremely quickly.

Use caution when selecting a product to clean your jewellery. Pick a cleanser that doesn't include any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. A diamond can be discoloured by even chemicals that are safe for your jewellery.

How to Clean Gold Jewelry at Home, According to Experts

Don't Use Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners at Home.

Ultrasonic jewellery cleaners can quickly and thoroughly clean your valuables by transmitting vibrations through the water and cleaning solution. Stones in the machine can become dislodged and tumble out if the machine is moved vigorously. If one of your pavé set stones came free in the washing machine, you'd never know till it actually fell out, at which point you'd have to take your ring to the jeweller anyway (assuming it was insured).

Where to Get Your Ring Professionally Cleaned

If you purchased your ring from a local jeweller, they may offer free lifetime cleanings. If you want your ring to look its best, bring it back to the jeweller from whence you bought it so they may give it a thorough cleaning. It's important to consult with the jeweller who will be cleaning your ring if you're going to a different location. Choose a jeweller who has worked with pieces of jewellery made of the same materials, of an appropriate age for antiques, and with a comparable design as yours. If you can analyse the work, you can claim it as your own. Don't settle for a dull diamond. Learn how to keep your engagement ring sparkling with Sarah & Sebastian. 

Homemade Jewellery Cleaner

One famous site dealing in do-it-yourself natural cures recommends the following:

Put the jewellery in a glass mason jar.

Use half a cup of vinegar or witch hazel and cover the surface. Swirl in a single drop of tea tree oil.

Keep jewellery in the solution overnight.

Cover with baking soda the night before, scrub with an old toothbrush, and then wash with water.

Our Advice: Your jewellery is at risk from every step of this process. Because of their acidity, witch hazel and vinegar should not be used on permeable stones or gold or silver plating.

In addition, baking soda has a slight abrasive quality that could harm more delicate materials.

The use of an outdated toothbrush is also not advised. Toothpaste residue left on an old toothbrush can harm jewellery.

Salt, Baking Soda & Dish Detergent

A popular website that covers topics as diverse as cuisine and fashion suggests the following methods for cleaning jewellery at home:

  • Place salt, baking soda, and dish soap in an aluminum-lined bowl.
  • Put your jewellery in a bowl, fill it with hot water, and let it sit for ten minutes.
  • Use a soft old toothbrush to scrub the surface.
  • Afterwards, dry off with a towel after washing.

Our Recommendation: Once again, there may be difficulties with the substances and the procedures proposed.

Besides from the abrasive baking soda, you're also instructed to use an old, perhaps contaminated toothbrush. Don't use that strategy.

Hot Water & Baking Soda

A popular cleaning guide recommends this foolproof formula:

Rings can be cleaned by soaking them in hot water with baking soda (1 cup water, 2 teaspoons baking soda) for a few minutes. Our Suggestion: Well, at least this recipe doesn't require any dangerous materials. But even with this easy fix, there's still the problem of baking soda's abrasiveness. 

Our Recommended Homemade Jewelry Cleaner

Dish Detergent & Warm Water

A few drops of dishwashing detergent in warm (not hot) water is the best homemade jewellery cleaning option.

Then, using a brand-new, soft baby toothbrush, gently clean the item while letting it soak in the solution for a few minutes (or longer if it's really grimy). When you're done washing, give it a last rinse in a fresh bowl of warm water.

Certain gemstones are sensitive to heat or cold, so be careful with the temperature of the water.

A paper towel or normal cloth will work for drying the item, but you'll want to be careful not to get the prongs caught in the fibres.

Things to Never Do to Your Engagement Ring

Don't Wear It During Vigorous Sports.

The prongs holding your stone in place are easily bent or broken by engaging in any activity that causes impact to your hands, such as contact sports like volleyball or weightlifting. It's also not a good idea to wear your ring when swimming, water skiing, or boating, as damp hands make it much more likely that your band may slip off. There are a variety of anecdotes regarding rings being lost in water bodies. Your ring could be damaged by exposure to the elements even if you're only walking or running.

Don't Wear It While Cleaning.

Diamonds can be cleaned with regular household products without risk. Pearls, on the other hand, are a different story. When processing stones for cutting, they are cleaned by being boiled in acid. Because of this, they are immune to chemicals. Yet, ordinary solvents like bleach and acetone nail polish remover as well as pool chlorine can degrade alloys in precious metals. That's why it's smart to remove your ring before washing your hands. For the time being, stow it away somewhere secure. Going swimming might be just as damaging to your gold or platinum band because of the chlorine. Say goodbye to dirty and dingy engagement rings. Discover easy cleaning solutions with ME Jewellers.

Don't Leave It Unchecked.

Daily activities, like catching your ring on a thread of fabric, might weaken the prongs and cause your stone to come out, even if you don't wear it while working out. To ensure the safety of your jewelry's settings, we advise having them checked every six to twelve months by a professional jeweller. At the same time, you can have a professional clean your rings. If you'd rather clean the ring yourself, though, our experts suggest using a solution of five parts water to one part ammonia for diamonds or mild soap, warm water, and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Silver cleanser should only be used on silver; never on any other material. It's smart to have your ring insured in case something happens to it.

Caring for Your Diamond Ring

jewellery rings

Knowing the proper methods for cleaning a diamond ring is essential, but so is being aware of the things you should never do. You should avoid doing anything that could potentially harm your ring or speed up its ageing process.

The use of heavy creams and lotions might leave a film that ruins the appearance of your ring. If your band is white gold or platinum, this might cause it to get discoloured and make it look and feel dirty.

You should treat your ring with the utmost care because it is a delicate item. It is possible to damage your ring by banging it too hard against a hard surface, which could result in a chipped band or a loose setting. Put your ring somewhere safe if you need to undertake manual labour.

You must keep all scheduled maintenance appointments to maintain your warranty coverage. If you want to avoid losing a stone or fixing a chip or fracture in your ring, it's best to be proactive and have a jeweller examine it.

Take off your ring before preparing food. Oils from foods or other sources might clog your ring or change its colour.

Depending on the stone's setting, it may be quite difficult to clean the ring if it becomes soiled with food. Your ring has significant sentimental importance, therefore it's crucial to treat it with care. Get expert advice before using any solution or treatment that you aren't sure is safe for cleaning your ring.

Conclusion

When was the last time you cleaned your wedding band? It's crucial to clean and maintain your wedding band and engagement ring regularly, whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it. Make sure the prongs on your ring are still securely set by having a professional clean, polish, and inspect them once a year. Home remedies, such as baking soda and warm water, dish soap, and a tiny toothbrush, can keep your rings sparkling between visits to the jeweller. Regular gentle cleaning can prevent buildup and light interactions, allowing the stone to retain its lustre for as long as possible.

To restore the shine of a silver ring that has become tarnished, ketchup may be the answer, but ammonia and other harsh chemicals should be avoided. Use a mild cleanser that doesn't contain any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, along with the softest brushes and toothbrushes you can find. You can ruin the ring's appearance by using heavy creams and lotions, and you can damage it by repeatedly banging it against a hard surface. It's smart to be preventative when cleaning your diamond ring and have a jeweller take a look at it. If the ring becomes soiled with food or other oils, it may be difficult to clean and may also clog up the ring. Ultrasonic jewellery cleaners are able to quickly and effectively clean valuables by transmitting vibrations through the water and cleaning solution. Harmful household cleaners such as bleach, chlorine, and acetone should never be used. Whether you're staying put or travelling, it's best to talk to the jeweller who will be cleaning your ring to make sure they're the right fit. If your ring is antique or vintage, it's also important to make sure the jeweller has experience with pieces of similar design and materials. Important information includes not using witch hazel or vinegar on porous stones or gold or silver plating and understanding that jewellery is at risk at every stage of the process.

Have a jeweller inspect your jewellery settings once every six to twelve months and clean your diamonds with a solution of five parts water to one part ammonia or your pearls with mild soap, warm water, and a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep them secure. Having your ring insured will cover any costs incurred should anything happen to it.

Content Summary

  • Keep your wedding band and engagement ring in pristine condition for a lifetime with routine cleanings and maintenance, either done by you or by a professional.
  • Maintain the stone's luster by giving it a gentle cleaning once every few weeks.
  • Repairing a piece of jewelry is similar to replacing the tread on your tires.
  • Whether or not a metal can be repaired depends on its wear and the metal itself.
  • Even though wedding jewelry is built to withstand the wear and tear of daily life, there are a few things you may be doing on a regular basis that could be damaging to the appearance of your rings.
  • No matter how infrequently you remove your ring, it will lose its gleaming appearance without proper maintenance.
  • Even if you take good care of your diamond, it's easy to dull its brilliance with careless routines.
  • That's why it's recommended that you give your ring a weekly cleaning if you want it to retain its luster.
  • It's recommended that twice a year, you take your ring to a jeweler for a thorough cleaning.
  • Let's say you're the type to regularly engage in physical activity or engage in messy hobbies like gardening.
  • Diamond rings can be damaged or discoloured by chemicals in cleaning solutions.
  • To clean the glass, mix equal parts of Windex and hydrogen peroxide in a small basin.
  • Ensure that the baking soda is fully dissolved by stirring the solution.
  • Scrub the ring with ketchup and a gentle toothbrush, then wash it in lukewarm water and let it dry.
  • Use caution when selecting a product to clean your jewellery.
  • Pick a cleanser that doesn't include any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
  • A diamond can be discoloured by even chemicals that are safe for your jewellery.
  • Knowing the proper methods for cleaning a diamond ring is essential, but so is being aware of the things you should never do.
  • You must keep all scheduled maintenance appointments to maintain your warranty coverage.
  • If you want to avoid losing a stone or fixing a chip or fracture in your ring, it's best to be proactive and have a jeweller examine it.
  • Take off your ring before preparing food.
  • Depending on the stone's setting, it may be quite difficult to clean the ring if it becomes soiled with food.
  • Get expert advice before using any solution or treatment that you aren't sure is safe for cleaning your ring.
  • It's important to consult with the jeweller who will be cleaning your ring if you're going to a different location.
  • Put the jewellery in a glass mason jar.
  • Use half a cup of vinegar or witch hazel and cover the surface.
  • Keep jewellery in the solution overnight.
  • Cover with baking soda the night before, scrub with an old toothbrush, and then wash with water.
  • Place salt, baking soda, and dish soap in an aluminum-lined bowl.
  • Put your jewellery in a bowl, fill it with hot water, and let it sit for ten minutes.
  • Use a soft old toothbrush to scrub the surface.
  • Don't use that strategy.
  • Then, using a brand-new, soft baby toothbrush, gently clean the item while letting it soak in the solution for a few minutes (or longer if it's really grimy).
  • It's also not a good idea to wear your ring when swimming, water skiing, or boating, as damp hands make it much more likely that your band may slip off.
  • Your ring could be damaged by exposure to the elements even if you're only walking or running.
  • That's why it's smart to remove your ring before washing your hands.
  • Daily activities, like catching your ring on a thread of fabric, might weaken the prongs and cause your stone to come out, even if you don't wear it while working out.
  • To ensure the safety of your jewelry's settings, we advise having them checked every six to twelve months by a professional jeweller.
  • At the same time, you can have a professional clean your rings.

FAQs About Cleaning A Wedding Ring