How to Clean Your Diamond Engagement Ring at Home

Engagement rings are one of the most beautiful and unique accessories that you wear on a daily basis. They’re a reflection of your personal style and taste, and more importantly - a symbol of your love and commitment to your partner.

However, daily wear of these precious diamonds and gems can lead to a build-up of dirt and grime, but don’t worry - we’re outlining the steps you can take to keep your sparkler shiny and new. While professional cleanings are recommended, you can easily maintain your ring's luster with a little at-home care. In fact, you can clean your ring at home every week to ensure it stays clean and beautiful.

This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process to clean your diamond ring effectively, along with helpful tips and precautions.

Key Takeaways

• Gentle cleaning is key. Use a mild dish soap solution and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your ring. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, and excessive scrubbing, as these can damage the metal and loosen the stones.
• Regular maintenance is essential. Clean your ring regularly, depending on how often you wear it. This helps maintain its sparkle and prevent dirt buildup, which can damage the ring.
• Be mindful of different gemstones. While diamonds are relatively hardy, other gemstones like pearls and opals require special care. Avoid using harsh cleaning methods on these stones.

6 Steps to Cleaning a Diamond Ring at Home

Step 1.  Prepare a Cleaning Solution

The right cleaning solution is crucial for removing dirt and grime without damaging your ring. A mild dish soap or detergent solution is often sufficient. To create a DIY cleaning solution, mix a few drops of gentle dish soap with warm water in a small bowl. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, as these can damage the metal and loosen the stones.

For a deeper clean, you can opt for a professional jewelry cleaner (you can find several affordable options on Amazon) designed specifically for diamonds.

Step 2.  Soak the Ring

Gently immerse your ring in the cleaning solution. Allow it to soak for about 15-20 minutes. This will help loosen dirt and debris trapped in the setting. While soaking, avoid placing the ring near heat sources or direct sunlight, as this can damage the stones.

Step 3.  Scrub the Ring

After soaking, it's time to gently scrub the ring to remove any remaining dirt. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to carefully clean the diamond and the metal setting. Pay close attention to the prongs and crevices where dirt tends to accumulate. Avoid using hard-bristled brushes or abrasive materials, as these can scratch the metal or loosen the stones.

Step 4.  Rinse the Ring

First, plug your drain! Then, thoroughly rinse your ring under warm running water to remove all soap residue and dirt particles. Ensure that every part of the ring, including the underside of the band, is rinsed clean.

Step 5.  Dry the Ring

Gently pat your ring dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid shaking the ring or using rough towels, as this can damage the stones. For a thorough dry, consider air drying your ring on a clean paper towel.

Step 6.  Use a Jewelry Polishing Cloth

Additional Cleaning Tips

• Frequency: How often you clean your ring depends on how frequently you wear it and your lifestyle. You can clean your ring once a week, but some find that cleaning their ring once or twice a month is sufficient.
• Commercial Cleaning Kits: Consider purchasing a professional ring cleaning kit. These kits often include a cleaning solution, a soft brush, and a polishing cloth.
• Ultrasonic Cleaners: While ultrasonic cleaners can be effective for removing dirt, they should be used with caution. Ask your Faithful Platform consultant or another reputable jeweler before using an ultrasonic cleaner on your ring, as it may not be suitable for all types of settings or stones.
• Steam Cleaning: Similar to ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning can be effective but should be done by a professional jeweler to avoid damaging your ring.

Ring Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

• Gemstone Cleaning: In general, gemstones like pearls, emeralds, and opals are softer, and more porous than diamonds, so they can be easily damaged by chemicals, abrasives, or extreme temperatures. It's best to avoid using soap and water and instead use a soft, lightly damp cloth to wipe the surface gently.
• Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals, as they can damage the metal and loosen the stones.
• Abrasive Materials: Never use abrasive materials like toothpaste, baking soda, or scouring pads to clean your ring. These can scratch the metal and damage the diamond.
• Hard-Bristled Brushes: Using hard-bristled brushes can scratch the metal and loosen the stones. Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush instead.
• Over-Cleaning: While regular cleaning is important, over-cleaning can actually damage your ring. Stick to a consistent cleaning schedule for best results.

Importance of Cleaning Your Ring

Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the beauty and brilliance of your diamond engagement ring. By removing dirt and grime, you can prevent the buildup of residue that can dull the diamond's sparkle and damage the metal setting. Additionally, cleaning your ring helps to prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause skin irritation.

By following these steps and tips, you can keep your engagement ring looking its best for years to come.

Want to Learn More about Jewelry Care and Maintenance? 

Properly caring for your jewelry is essential to preserving its beauty and longevity. Check out our YouTube video, “5 Steps to Clean Your Diamond Ring Like an Expert!”, for best practices when it comes to keeping your ring as beautiful as the day you got it.

For more in-depth information on diamonds and fine jewelry, explore our other blog posts, subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on social media. You can always reach out to your Faithful Platform consultant with any questions you have about cleaning and caring for your ring. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you clean an engagement ring at home?

1. Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix a few drops of gentle dish soap with warm water.
2. Soak the ring: Immerse your ring in the solution for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Scrub gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub away any remaining dirt.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the ring under warm water.
5. Dry carefully: Pat the ring dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
6. Polish: Use a jewelry polishing cloth to restore shine.

How can I make my engagement ring sparkle again?

Regular cleaning is key to maintaining your ring's sparkle. A gentle cleaning at home with dish soap and water can restore its shine. For a deeper clean, consider using a professional jewelry cleaner or visiting a reputable jeweler.

How often should you wash your engagement ring?

The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you wear your ring and your lifestyle. Generally, cleaning your ring once a week or a few times a month is sufficient. If you wear your ring daily or engage in activities that expose it to dirt and grime, you may need to clean it more frequently.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for engagement rings?

Yes, Dawn dish soap is generally safe for cleaning diamond engagement rings. It's a mild detergent that can effectively remove dirt and grime without damaging the metal or stones.

What is the best thing to clean diamonds with?

A mild dish soap solution is often the best and safest option for cleaning diamonds at home. For a deeper clean, professional jewelry cleaners designed for diamonds can be used.

Why does my engagement ring get dirty so fast?

Engagement rings can accumulate dirt and grime from everyday activities such as washing hands, applying lotion, and handling household items. The oils and dirt from your hands can also contribute to the buildup.

What do jewelers use to clean jewelry?

Jewelers often use ultrasonic cleaners to clean jewelry. These machines use high-frequency sound waves to dislodge dirt and debris from the crevices of the jewelry. They may also use steam cleaning or commercial cleaning solutions.

Is it ok to get engagement ring wet?

Yes, it's generally okay to get your engagement ring wet, but it's important to avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals like chlorine or saltwater. These substances can damage the metal and loosen the stones.