How to Clean an Engagement Ring

Engagement rings are meant to sparkle, but even the most brilliant gems occasionally get cloudy. This is especially true if you tend to put your jewelry through the wringer while swimming, showering, washing the dishes, working out, etc., which you should really be doing ring-free, by the way. With that said, there are a few great ways to get your ring to sparkle again, no matter how much it has lost its luster. 

Know Your Materials

Proper cleaning starts with identifying the materials used in your jewelry. Typically, engagement rings are made from tough materials that are scratch-proof and corrosion-resistant, which means they should be able to withstand a deep clean. And, surprisingly, even more affordable engagement rings like ours are made with high-quality materials like sterling silver with rhodium plating for an extra layer of protection. With that said, precautions should be taken.

Do Not Use Harsh Chemicals or Household Cleaners

Do Not Use:

• Harsh chemicals

• Household cleaners

• Jewelry cleaners

• Ultrasonic cleaners

Despite its relative toughness, you never want to use any harsh chemicals or household cleaners on your ring, as these could compromise the finish or take away its sparkle. In fact, we don’t even recommend using jewelry cleaning solutions on your ring, as they might contain harsh compounds that could wear off the rhodium plating, leaving your ring less shiny and less protected from the elements. 

Instead, stick to gentle cleaners that you know won’t leave any long-term damage. We recommend using a mild dish soap to spiff up any grimy ring. Also, it’s generally a good idea to avoid the use of ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, as they tend to involve vibration and movement that could knock a stone from its setting.

How to Clean Your Engagement Ring

If you’re looking for a simple way to clean your engagement ring at home, follow the instructions below. This method is ideal for routine cleans to help remove any gunk and grime from its nooks and crannies and to help restore a brilliant luster and shine to the metal and gems.

1. Gather Your Supplies — The first thing you need to do to prepare your engagement ring for a deep clean is gather your goods. All you need is a little bit of mild dish soap, a small bowl of warm water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. A clean, dry microfiber cloth will help you dry out the nooks and crannies when done.
2. Mix Your Solution — Place a half a teaspoon (a drop or two) of mild dish soap into a small bowl of warm water and mix it until it becomes slightly bubbly.
3. Let Your Ring Soak — Drop your ring into the solution and allow it to soak for between three and five minutes. To avoid a disaster, make sure to leave the bowl somewhere out of reach of kids and pets and away from the sink — you don’t want your ring to accidentally slip down the drain!
4. Scrub Your Ring — After five minutes have passed, take your soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub the ring, getting into all the nooks and crannies to dislodge any dirt and grime from in between the setting.
5. Dry and Polish — Once you’ve gotten rid of all the surface debris, make sure to thoroughly dry your ring using a soft microfiber cloth. Once dry, you can also take a jewelry cloth to polish it up and restore some of the shine.

Know When to Take Your Ring Off

One important thing to know about all jewelry, especially your engagement ring, is that it’s generally not made to be worn around the clock. Make sure to take off your ring while you get ready — hairspray, perfume, makeup and lotion can coat your jewelry in a frustrating layer of grime — and do not wear it while you sleep, swim or work out. For these situations, consider rocking a silicone ring that can handle it all.

Keep It Regular

Want to maintain your ring for the long term? Keep regular cleanings in your routine. Consistently removing the film, grime and dirt from the surface will help prevent surface scratches and permanent discoloration, so go ahead and make it a habit! Want to start fresh? Explore our entire selection of engagement rings for something brand-new and extra sparkly.

Shop Our Entire Engagement Ring Collection Today!

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