How to Clean an Engagement Ring

Is there anything as captivating as a diamond engagement ring glittering in the light? Unfortunately, your engagement ring can quickly go from dazzling to dull without routine cleaning. And while a trip to the jeweler for a professional ring cleaning is an excellent way to restore your engagement ring’s mesmerizing shine, it’s not always possible.

The good news? Between visits to the jeweler, at-home cleanings are an excellent way to restore your engagement ring’s brilliance—if you use the proper techniques, that is. If you’ve ever asked yourself the question, “What is the best way to clean an engagement ring?” you’re in the right place. 

Read on to learn everything you need to know about cleaning your engagement ring to keep it looking its beautiful best. 

Why should I clean my engagement ring at home? 

While your engagement ring may be elegant enough to be displayed in a museum, it’s meant to be shown off to the world! However, wearing your engagement ring every day means subjecting it to everyday wear and tear. 

Oil, dust, and cosmetic residue from everything from hairspray to makeup can detract from your ring’s shine, but that’s not all. Over time, buildup of this debris can also lead to bigger problems —from skin irritation due to bacteria to scratched stones and discolored and/or degraded metals. This is why it’s so important to prioritize routine cleanings. 

How to clean my engagement ring at home?

The good news? Cleaning your engagement ring at home is a relatively simple and straightforward process. All you need are a few supplies, including the following: 

• A bowl
• Warm water
• Basic dishwashing soap
• A toothbrush with extra-soft bristles
• A cotton or microfiber cloth

Once you’ve gathered your supplies and are ready to get started, combine a few drops of the dishwashing soap with very warm water to create your cleaning solution. Then, remove your engagement ring and soak it in the solution for 20-40 minutes. After soaking, use the toothbrush to gently scrub away any residue. Finally, rinse your ring thoroughly under warm running water, repeating if necessary. (Avoid vigorous scrubbing and limit the amount of time you submerge your engagement ring in water to minimize the risk of harming it.)

This gentle formula and technique is suitable for all stones, metal types, and settings. 

While professional jewelry cleaning solutions are also available for engagement rings, use caution when selecting one. Seek out chemical-free and abrasive-free solutions, which polish and restore engagement rings without damaging them.

How often should I clean my engagement ring?

Because diamonds are strong and resilient, they can be cleaned frequently without fear of causing damage to them. If you wear your ring every day, washing it once a week or even once every two weeks should be enough to remove debris, banish bacteria, and restore its original gleam.

If you don’t wear your engagement ring every day, or if you’re careful to remove it during activities that will expose it to dirt and debris, less frequent cleanings may be required. 

What shouldn’t I use to clean my diamond engagement ring?

Unfortunately, improper cleaning can leave your diamond dirty and dull. Even worse? It can damage the setting or even the stone. Lack of proper care while cleaning can even cause your stone to dislodge and become lost. 

The number one rule when cleaning your engagement ring is to refrain from using chlorine, bleach, acetone, and other harsh household cleaners. Baking soda, toothpaste, powder cleansers, and other abrasives should also be avoided. In addition to being harmful to base metals, these cleaning products can also marr the lustrous sheen of some metals, such as gold. 

In a pinch, shampoo or body wash can be substituted for dish soap. However, steer clear of those with moisturizing properties as these can leave behind a dull film. 

When drying or polishing your engagement ring, stick with cotton or microfiber and avoid paper towels and other harsh fabrics which can marr finishes.  

One last thing to keep in mind regarding what not to use when cleaning engagement rings? Avoid using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner at home. While they do produce a radiant result in mere minutes, they also use a vigorous motion that can loosen or dislodge stones completely. A jeweler will test stones to confirm that they’re intact, and will secure them, if necessary. 

Should I get my engagement ring professionally cleaned?

Cleaning your engagement ring at home will help remove surface buildup to maintain its signature shine. However, at-home cleanings are not a replacement for regular professional cleaning. Jewelers have the tools and experience to remove below-the-surface layers of dirt and debris that have compressed and hardened over time while also protecting both the stone and band. 

Professional ring cleanings are recommended every six months or so. During the cleaning, the jewelry will also inspect your engagement ring to ensure that all stones are secure and that the prongs have maintained their original shape. 

Where should I have my engagement ring professionally cleaned?

Most jewelry offer complimentary lifelong professional cleaning services for the diamond engagement rings they sell. Returning to the jewelry store where your ring was purchased is also a good idea because they'll be most familiar with the specifics of your engagement ring and its care requirements. 

While some jewelers offer complimentary professional cleanings for all engagement rings (regardless of where they were purchased), others may charge between $25 and $50. 

If your ring is an antique, contains unusual materials, and/or has an unconventional structure, seek out a jeweler with experience in these areas. 

An engagement ring isn’t just a significant investment. It’s also an enduring expression of love and commitment between you and your partner. A combination of regular at-home cleanings and professional cleanings is the best way to protect your investment, prevent damage, and keep your engagement ring looking its best for years to come. 

At Ritani, it’s our pleasure to offer complimentary ring cleanings for life with your engagement ring purchase, as well as a multitude of other complimentary services, including center or side stone tightening, rhodium plating, engraving, sizing and resizing, appraisal, and more. 

To learn more about our artisan-made, one-of-a-kind engagement rings for women, shop prebuilt engagement rings or customize your own.