How to Clean an Engagement Ring at Home

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.

It’s essential to ensure you’re using a safe jewelry cleaner for gold or platinum if your ring is made of these precious metals. While gold and platinum are durable, they can still scratch or dull if treated with harsh abrasives. Luckily, the gentle soap-and-water method we recommend is safe for sterling silver, gold, and platinum alike. However, always double-check if your ring has specific plating that might be sensitive to certain substances.

Learn More About Ring Care for Modern Gents' Rings

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.

This leads us to a common question about ultrasonic jewelry cleaner safety. While these devices are popular for a "professional" style clean at home, they use intense vibrations that can actually loosen stones from their settings, especially in pavé styles. For peace of mind, it is safer to stick to manual cleaning methods where you have full control.

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. In our opinion, this simple soak-and-scrub technique is the best way to clean engagement ring styles of all kinds, ensuring you get that "just engaged" sparkle without the risk.

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. This step is crucial to remove buildup on engagement ring surfaces, specifically the lotions, oils, and soaps that get trapped behind the stone.

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.

How Often Should You Do This?

You might be wondering how often to clean your engagement ring to keep it looking its best. For general maintenance, we recommend a light clean (a quick soak and rinse) once a week. This prevents the heavy buildup of oils and cosmetics that dull your stone’s sparkle. A deeper clean with the toothbrush method can be done once a month or whenever you notice the shine starting to fade.

Common Cleaning Myths and Methods

You might have seen videos online suggesting cleaning an engagement ring with vinegar/baking soda combinations. While this fizzing science experiment looks satisfying, we generally advise against it for everyday cleaning of plated jewelry. Baking soda is abrasive and can cause micro-scratches on the metal, wearing down the finish over time. Vinegar is acidic and can be harmful to softer porous stones or certain metal alloys. When in doubt, skip the pantry experiments.

Instead, focus on avoiding common ring cleaning mistakes to avoid, such as:

• Cleaning your ring over an open drain without a plug (a recipe for disaster!).

• Using paper towels or tissues to dry the ring, which can leave lint or scratch the metal (stick to microfiber!).

• Using bleach or chlorine, which can chemically damage the metal structure.

Comparison: Modern Stones vs. Traditional

Since we specialize in affordable, conflict-free options, a common query is about moissanite vs. diamond cleaning. Are the rules different? The short answer is no! Moissanite and high-quality simulated stones are incredibly durable and hard, much like traditional diamonds. The soap and water method works perfectly for both. You don’t need a specialized "diamond-only" cleaner to get your Modern Gents ring looking spectacular.

When to Call in the Pros

While our home method is effective, you might weigh up professional ring cleaning vs DIY methods. A DIY clean is perfect for maintenance, but taking your ring to a professional jeweler once a year is a smart move. They can steam clean the ring safely and, more importantly, check the prongs to ensure your stone is tight and secure.

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.

Browse Our Silicone Wedding Band Collection

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.

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