How to Clean Your Rings (The Right Way!)

Whether it's a diamond engagement ring or a cool antique ring you found at a small-town vintage store, we all have rings that hold sentimental value. 

It's only natural to want to maintain the look of your special ring forever. But, how can you ensure that your ring looks as sparkly as the day you bought it?

Luckily, there are many different things you can do to clean your rings. 

Check out this guide to learn how to clean your rings. 

How to Clean Diamond Engagement Rings 

Since diamond engagement rings are arguably the most popular and coveted type of ring, let's start by talking about how to clean those. 

How to Clean Any Type of Metal 

No matter what type of diamond engagement ring you have, one of the best ways to clean it is with plain soap and water. 

All you need to do is soak the diamond engagement ring in warm water and dish soap for 20 to 40 minutes. You can then use a very soft toothbrush to remove any residue. 

After brushing, rinse the ring under warm water and repeat if necessary. 

How to Clean Silver and Gold Rings 

If your diamond ring is made of silver/gold, you can clean it using hydrogen peroxide and Windex. 

All you need to do is prepare a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and Windex in a small bowl, and then allow the ring to soak in it for 15 minutes. The Windex will work to remove everyday dirt, while the hydrogen peroxide will kill bacteria. 

Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the ring after soaking it. 

How to Clean a Silver Diamond Ring 

If you want to clean a diamond ring made with silver, you have two options: vinegar or ketchup (yes, that's right, ketchup). 

For the vinegar solution, you need to mix a half a cup of vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda. Mix until the baking soda is completely dissolved, then soak the ring in the solution. 

To clean with ketchup, all you need to do is dunk your ring into a small bowl of ketchup and leave it there for a few minutes. Then, use a toothbrush or our favorite silver brush set to clean the ring and rinse it with lukewarm water. 

How to Clean a Solid Gold Diamond Ring 

To clean a solid gold diamond ring, you can pour a bit of beer onto a clean cloth gently rub the band. 

However, be careful to not rub the beer on the diamond or gemstone. 

Caring for Diamond Rings 

Between cleanings, it's important to take proper care of your diamond ring. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid thick lotions and creams, as this can result in residue build-up and cause your ring to look dirty and discolored
• Take your ring off when working out or doing intensive labor
• Stay up to date on maintenance appointments according to your warranty
• Remove your diamond ring while cooking, as foods and other oils can stick to your ring and discolor it

Also, if you ever have specific questions about cleaning elements of your diamond ring, be sure to consult a professional.

Additionally, if you're looking to clean your diamond rings when you're on the go, you should check out the Shine Stick Diamond Cleaner. This is a great maintenance cleaner that you can take on the road, making it perfect for newly-engaged obsessed with their rings!

How to Clean Vintage and Antique Rings 

Now that you know how to clean diamond rings, let's talk about how to clean vintage and antique rings. 

To clean a vintage ring, you can either bring it to the jeweler so they can steam clean it for you or, you can clean it at home. To clean your vintage ring at home, soak it in warm water with mild detergent. Then, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the ring, and then blot the ring dry using a lint-free cloth. 

If your vintage ring has pearls, emeralds, or other soft stones, we advise only letting a professional jeweler clean it. 

In addition, here are some tips to keep in mind when cleaning vintage jewelry:

• If your ring needs repairs, take care of those before cleaning
• Don't scrub when using a toothbrush, only use light strokes
• Use a small amount of silver polish to remove tarnish from silver sterling pieces
• Be very careful about cleaning antique jewelry pieces containing enamel, as too much scrubbing, even with a soft toothbrush, can cause damage
• Keep makeup, facial creams, and perfumes away from turquoise, coral, and pearls, as these are porous materials that will darken when exposed to the wrong chemicals
• Clean pearls separately using a light detergent
• Never immerse wood jewelry in water to clean it

With these tips in mind, your antique and vintage jewelry will stay in great shape. 

Other Cleaning Methods 

In addition to the cleaning methods above, here are some other methods you can employ to clean your rings.

Use a Jewelry Cleaning Solution 

There are a variety of jewelry cleaning solutions on the market that you can use to keep your rings clean. 

Before investing in a jewelry cleaning solution, make sure you do your research to find one that won't harm the materials of your ring. 

Q-Tip 

If your ring isn't too dirty, you can use a Q-tip to swab off the grime. Before cleaning, dip the ring in warm water. 

Once done cleaning, allow your ring to air dry. 



Toothpaste 

Toothpaste is also a great cleaning solution for rings. If using toothpaste to clean your ring, make sure the one you select contains fluoride and baking soda. 

You can clean the ring with a toothbrush and warm water. 

Are You Ready to Clean Your Rings?

Now that you've read this guide, you should be ready to clean your rings. Before you know it, your rings will be looking brand new.

To learn more about the ins and outs of jewelry cleaning, check out this guide to learn about the worst ways to clean jewelry.