Engagement Ring Cleaning Tips
From LoveToKnow EngagementRings
To keep your engagement ring sparkling as much as the love it symbolizes, follow these engagement ring cleaning tips.
No Need to Clean
The best way to keep an engagement ring clean is to avoid getting it dirty in the first place. While all rings will accumulate some dust and dirt from everyday wear, you should always remove your engagement ring when using or handling any substance that could become lodged in the setting or dull the stone, such as:
- Dirt
- Flour
- Makeup
- Lotions
- Hair spray
- Soap
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo
By removing a ring before it comes in contact with potentially dirty or greasy material, it will stay beautiful much longer and will need to be cleaned less frequently.
Top Engagement Ring Cleaning Tips
Despite the best care, all rings need cleaning from time to time. If you lead an active lifestyle or are newly engaged and like to show off your engagement ring, you may want to clean it weekly or even every few days. Otherwise, a monthly cleaning should suffice, as well as cleaning the ring before special occasions to be sure it looks its best.
Before Cleaning
Before cleaning your ring, you must be aware of how the ring was made. Even if you know how to clean diamonds, if the ring has treated diamonds specialized cleaning techniques may be necessary to avoid inadvertently damaging or discoloring the gems. Some types of precious metals require special care as well, and if you have a non-diamond engagement ring you will want to know what cleaning methods are best for your particular type of gemstone.
Before beginning to clean the ring, inspect it carefully for any sign of damage, including loose stones, cracks, warped prongs, or missing details. Cleaning can aggravate damage, and it is best to have a professional jeweler repair your engagement ring to avoid creating bigger problems.
Always read the instructions on any specific jewelry cleaner so you understand how best to use individual products. When in doubt about the suitability of a particular cleaner, opt instead for a cleaning solution of hot water and a mild, non-abrasive household cleanser such as dish soap.
Before cleaning the ring, be sure to plug the sink tightly or install a small wire mesh strainer to avoid mishaps with open drains and narrow pipes. Many rings are lost down pipes through careless cleaning, and it is better to be safe to ensure your ring does not become a plumbing problem.
Cleaning Tips
To clean your ring most effectively, follow these engagement ring cleaning tips:
- Soak the ring in the cleaning solution for two or three minutes to loosen caked on debris and dissolve oily residue.
- Use a soft bristle brush – an old toothbrush for sensitive teeth will suffice – to loosen stuck on dirt and grime.
- Scrub the ring gently from all angles with the brush, including under the setting, to be sure all dirt is removed.
- Rinse the ring briefly in clear, clean water.
- Soak the ring a second time for one or two minutes to ensure it is as clean as possible.
- Rinse the ring thoroughly in clear, clean water. Running water is effective for rinsing at this stage.
- Dry the ring carefully with a lint free polishing cloth or jewelry cloth. Tissues or paper towels have rough fibers that can leave dust on the ring and may scratch delicate gems or metals. If desired, use a hair dryer to air dry the ring quickly so no water spots remain.
After Cleaning
Once your engagement ring is sparkling clean, these tips can help you keep it looking stunning as long as possible.
- Handle the ring by the edges, not the stone, to avoid adding oils and fingerprints to the facets.
- Store the ring in an engagement ring jewelry box or soft, lint free cloth bag to keep it dust free when it is not worn.
- Polish the ring regularly between cleanings with a lint free cloth to refresh its sparkle quickly and easily.
Professional cleanings may be best, but with the right engagement ring cleaning tips it is possible to keep a stunning ring looking marvelous every day.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 3,145 times. This page was last modified 13:34, 30 May 2008.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.


Visit us on facebook