The daily toils of a good life can take their toll on your wedding or engagement ring. Oil, dust, dirt, and grime, as well as soaps, lotions, shampoos, and all the other things that we expose our hands to on any given day, can build up on your ring, causing it to lose its clarity, sheen, and luster. Some chemicals can even discolor or tarnish your ring, and that’s when you know it’s time to call in some R and R for your most cherished piece of jewelry!
If you are wondering how you can safely and effectively clean your rings at home, then look no further!
How do I Safely Clean my Ring at Home?
The good news is, that it’s easier than you might think to clean your wedding or engagement ring (or bridal set) at home.
The simplest solution is this: regular dishwashing liquid, very warm water, and a good 20-40 minute soak. After that, if there is really heavy residue or grime buildup, you can brush it gently with a very soft brush. Rinse with water thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth or microfiber towel.
Diamond rings with a silver or gold band will benefit from a 50/50 solution of window cleaner and hydrogen peroxide. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes, and give it a gentle scrub with a soft brush, for instance, a soft toothbrush. Rinse with lukewarm water, and dry.
A diamond ring with a silver band will enjoy a good soaking in a solution of ½ a cup of white vinegar, and two tablespoons of baking soda. Make sure the baking soda is completely dissolved, and then let your ring soak for a good two to three hours. Rinse, and dry thoroughly with a suitable, soft cloth.
A tarnished silver ring will like ketchup even more than a vinegar and soda bath. That’s right, ketchup! Just give your ring a good gentle scrubbing with some ketchup, rinse thoroughly (or you might be craving french fries!), and then dry. But don’t dunk your ring for longer than just a few minutes.
Solid gold bands just need a cold one—a beer that is! A gold band that needs a little pick me up will shine up like new if you apply a little beer (not a dark ale or lager) to a soft cloth and give it a little rub. Take care not to rub the beer on your stones, however.
Should I Use Jewelry Cleaner?
All of the suggestions we’ve made above are less likely than any wild cards that might be available off the shelf for jewelry cleaning to damage, discolor or abrase your wedding bands or any settings or stones. There are many safe, and effective jewelry cleaning solutions, but make sure to do your homework to ensure that the solution that you have chosen is safe for your particular kind of band material and any precious or semi-precious stones.
Should I Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner?
Using an ultrasonic cleaner at home might seem like a good idea, but here’s the rub: ultrasonic jewelry cleaners work by sending vibrations through the water and the cleaning solution that is in the machine. And they work very well, but they can also cause stones to come loose!
How Often Should I Clean my Ring?
Once a week is optimal, to ensure that your ring is able to delight you day in and day out the way that it should! When you make it a regular part of your weekly routine, you will appreciate the benefits and take joy in extending the life and beauty of your most treasured piece of jewelry.
How Often Should I Have my Rings Professionally Cleaned?
While once a week at home is a great way to keep your ring in good condition and gleaming and sparkling the way that it did the day you said, “I do.” But just like a regular trip to the dentist compliments your regular teeth brushing routine at home, taking your ring in to be professionally cleaned at least once or twice a year is a great way to ensure a lifetime of dazzling delightfulness.
If your ring is due for a day of beauty to rejuvenate and restore it back to its former glory, we’d love to get to know you and your love story!
Ring Cleaning and Repair Near Nashville
In Franklin, we offer jewelry cleaning, repair, and more to make sure that the token of your commitment on your hand is as beautiful as your love, for a lifetime!
Learn more about Grogan Jeweler’s services and locations, here!