It’s a good idea to clean your engagement ring about once a week to keep everyday oil and build-up at bay. However, it’s also recommended to visit your jeweler at least twice a year for a professional cleaning.
Fill a bowl with warm water and a small amount of dishwashing solution, then drop your ring in for a 20-to-40 minute soak. Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush, and rinse.
Dishwashing Soap
It’s important to clean your ring regularly to keep it looking shiny and new. Day-to-day wear builds up layers of dirt, hand lotion and cosmetic residue on the surface. These layers are a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause skin irritation and rashes, or even discolor your ring’s metal.
Fortunately, most rings can be cleaned safely at home with common household products like dishwashing soap and vinegar. Avoid using harsh chemicals, including bleach, chlorine or acetone, which could damage your ring’s precious gemstones or metals.
Alternatively, you can use a 50/50 solution of Windex and hydrogen peroxide to remove the built-up residue on your ring. Be sure to soak the ring for 20-30 minutes, then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush. Rinse and dry the ring with a cloth or towel. It’s also a good idea to take your engagement ring to the jeweler for a professional cleaning once or twice a year. This will help remove hard layers of dirt and debris in difficult-to-reach spots.
White Vinegar
While we don’t recommend attempting to clean your engagement ring during lockdown, the extra time indoors gives you the perfect opportunity to tackle those little household chores that have been neglected. A regular clean will help to maintain your ring’s sparkling, glistening appearance by removing dirt, hand lotion residue and other build-up.
Vinegar is a natural but slightly acidic cleanser, and it’s easy to find in your kitchen cupboards. To use, add your ring to a bowl or cup with half a cup of vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda. Soak for an hour before gently scrubbing with a soft toothbrush.
This method is not recommended for rings that feature porous stones or plated metals, as it could damage the jewelry. Additionally, baking soda is abrasive and could scratch softer stones or delicate metals. If you’re unsure of the condition of your ring, it’s best to visit your local jeweller for a professional assessment and cleaning.
Witch Hazel
As an astringent, witch hazel can remove the greasy build-up of natural oils that cause your engagement ring to become dull. It also helps cut through tarnish and grime. However, it is important to note that witch hazel is acidic, so soaking your jewelry for prolonged periods of time may damage some metals and gemstones.
Alternatively, you can soak your ring in warm water and a few drops of dishwashing soap. This is a more gentle option, but it is still important to brush the ring thoroughly before rinsing. Similarly, it is always best to remove your ring before engaging in more dirt-intensive activities such as yard work or handling raw meat.
Other DIY recipes for homemade jewelry cleaners include boiling your ring in a solution of salt, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals can damage softer, more porous gems and erode some of the alloys that make up gold and other precious metals.
Soft Toothbrush
When you wear your ring, it accumulates dirt, oils and cosmetic residue on its surface. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to skin irritation and other problems. Taking the time to clean your engagement ring at home can help keep it sparkling and healthy.
In a small bowl, mix equal parts dishwashing soap and warm water. Place your ring in the solution and soak for 20-30 minutes. Scrub it gently with a soft toothbrush (not the same one you use for brushing your teeth!) to remove any remaining oil/residue. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth or lint-free towel.
The experts at Hatton Jewellers recommend that you clean your engagement ring about once a week using mild soap and a gentle toothbrush. They also suggest getting your ring professionally cleaned at least twice a year and more often if you’re regularly exposed to high levels of debris.cleaning engagement ring