How to Clean Your Engagement and Wedding Ring at Home
You just got engaged and can’t stop staring at your gorgeous, shiny ring. We totally understand the feeling! Fast forward to months and months of wearing your beautiful engagement wedding ring, and you notice the shine and dazzle have gone, and it now looks cloudy. Don’t panic! All it needs is a gentle cleaning, which can be done at home.
La More Design’s fine jewelry is designed and handcrafted in the USA with the finest diamonds, sapphires, and gemstones set in solid gold or platinum - and should last a lifetime and beyond. However, like most things in life, your ring also needs some TLC (tender loving care) to stay pristine and sparkling clean.
Before we guide you step by step on cleaning your ring, we want to share useful tips and tricks to help you properly care for your ring and jewelry.
How Should You Take Care of Your Ring
Fine jewelry is designed to be enjoyed, but it is not indestructible. So please remove your ring before:
- Exercising, weightlifting, rock climbing, pilates, etc.
- Moving furniture or heavy objects
- Handing a dog leash during active walks
- Doing house chores with cleaners
- Gardening, using tools
- Cooking or kneading dough
- Swinning in a chlorinated pool, ocean, or lake
- Applying lotion, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, perfume, or hairspray
Damage does not always occur during a single major accident. Repeated everyday force can gradually weaken prongs, band, or center-stone setting. Chemical cleaners can also slowly damage the stones and metals, causing uneven color spots and cracks in the metal. Residue from lotion, soap, or other cleaners can build up, making the stones appear cloudy and dull.
How Should You Store Your Rings
Whenever you remove your ring, place it in:
- Its original ring box
- A lined jewelry box
- A soft jewelry pouch
- A secure travel ring case
Store rings separately to prevent gemstones and metals from scratching one another.
Avoid leaving a ring loose in a handbag, pocket, gym locker, bathroom, or near a sink. Never wrap it in a tissue or napkin, where it may accidentally be thrown away.
Step-by-Step on Cleaning Your Ring at Home
You will need:
- A small bowl
- Lukewarm water
- Mild, lotion-free dish soap
- A soft-bristle toothbrush
- A soft, lint-free cloth
Step 1: Check Your Ring
Before cleaning, inspect the ring under good lighting. Do not clean or continue wearing it if:
- A stone feels loose
- A prong looks bent or broken
- The ring is cracked or misshapen
- The setting catches on clothing
- The center stone is making a rattling sound
A professional jeweler should inspect the ring before cleaning if you notice any damage.
Step 2: Soak the Ring
Mix lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Soak the ring for approximately 15 to 30 minutes to loosen oils and debris. Avoid very hot water, boiling water, and sudden temperature changes. Also, DO NOT use baking soda, vinegar, or cleaners that contain toxic chemicals.
** Ethiopian opals are gemstones that should NOT come into contact with water or other liquids. Click here for more information about caring for an Ethiopian ring.
Step 3: Brush Gently
Use an extra-soft toothbrush to gently clean:
- Underneath the center stone
- Around the prongs
- Between accent stones
- Inside the band
Do not scrub aggressively. Fine prongs, pavé settings, and delicate gemstones require extra care. Unlike diamonds, sapphires, or moissanites, certain gemstones, such as aquamarine or morganite, are soft, so you should avoid scrubbing them directly to avoid scratches.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the ring in a separate bowl of clean lukewarm water rather than over an open drain. Pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth and allow it to air-dry completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use home ultrasonic cleaners I purchase online?
Home ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be used cautiously. Their vibration, heat, or pressure may loosen stones or damage delicate gemstones.
Can I clean my engagement ring with toothpaste?
No. Toothpaste can be abrasive and may scratch gold or certain gemstones. We also don't recommend using baking soda or vinegar to clean your ring. Their abrasive or acidic properties may affect certain metals and gemstones.
Can I wear my ring while washing my hands or showering?
Occasional contact with mild soap and water will not necessarily harm every ring, but repeated handwashing and showering can leave soap, shampoo, conditioner, skincare products, and mineral residue around the stone and setting. Wet rings are also easier to lose, especially near sinks and drains.
For the best long-term care, remove your ring before showering. When washing your hands, remove it only when you have a secure, designated place to store it. Never leave your ring beside a public sink or loose in a bathroom.
Why does my engagement ring look cloudy?
Cloudiness is often caused by lotion, soap, skincare products, or natural oils collecting on and underneath the stone. If gentle cleaning does not remove buildup and restore its brilliance, have the ring professionally inspected and cleaned.
Why do Morganite and Aquamarine get dirty so quickly?
Morganite and aquamarine are both light-colored beryl gemstones, so oils, lotions, soaps, and residue can be especially noticeable on their surfaces and beneath the stones. Removing your ring before applying skincare products and cleaning it gently every few weeks can help maintain its brightness and clarity.
Is a bezel-set engagement ring indestructible?
No. A bezel can provide additional protection around a gemstone’s edge, but the bezel and band are still made of metal and can bend, wear, or become damaged. No engagement-ring style should be worn during activities involving substantial or repeated force.
Professional Ring Care
At-home cleaning helps remove everyday buildup, but it does not replace professional maintenance. La More Design offers professional cleaning and inspection services for jewelry that we make. Please contact our team at hello@lamoredesign.com with your name and order number.
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