How to Clean a Diamond Engagement Ring the Right Way

There’s nothing quite like watching your freshly cleaned diamond engagement ring sparkle in the light, but most engaged or married individuals don’t get to experience this phenomenon on the regular. Why? Because properly cleaning their engagement ring seems to fall to the wayside in the months and years after getting engaged and married. Regular maintenance might have felt second nature when you first received that gorgeous ring, but making the time to clean and polish your stone and setting seems to become less and less of a priority as time passes.

Cleaning your engagement ring is important, though, and not just for aesthetic purposes: Everyday wear builds up layers of oil, debris, and cosmetic residue on the stone’s surface—a breeding ground for bacteria—and dirty rings can even cause skin irritation, discoloration of metals, and scratching of stones (everything you absolutely want to avoid!). Simply put: Skipping out on regular at-home engagement ring cleanings won’t just dull your ring’s sparkle—it could also negative impact the strength of your diamond or setting over time.

Before you start to panic about the cleanliness of your engagement ring, however, we put together this simple guide on how to keep your sparkler in optimal condition. With the help of two jewelry experts, here’s how to clean your diamond ring the right way.

Is It Safe to Clean a Diamond Engagement Ring at Home?

What many people don’t realize is that it’s entirely possible to clean your diamond engagement at home. In fact, it’s actually recommended that you create an at-home cleaning schedule to keep your sparkler in the best shape possible. After all, regular engagement ring cleanings allow your bauble to shine as bright as can be, but they also prevent dirt and debris from getting trapped under your main diamond—elements that can ultimately cause your stone to fall out of your engagement ring’s setting or discolor your band’s metal.

How to Clean Your Diamond Engagement Ring at Home

Now that you know it’s safe to do so, it’s important to learn the ring way to clean your engagement ring at home. “The simplest way to clean your diamond jewelry is to soak the pieces in warm water mixed with an ordinary de-greasing solution, like dish soap. Note: If you are doing this over a sink, make sure the drain is blocked so nothing can fall in,” explains Grant Mobley, the in-house diamond expert at the Natural Diamond Council.

“To remove any remaining dirt, scrub with a soft-bristled, clean new toothbrush (reserved only for cleaning your diamond jewelry), and make sure to target the back of the diamond and crevices where the most oil and grime build-up,” he adds. “Rinse thoroughly with warm water and then allow the jewelry to dry naturally on a paper towel or similar option.” Yes, it’s that simple! Though you can also purchase dedicated solutions or cleaning tools, a good soak and a gentle brush is all you really need.

Products You’ll Need to Safely Clean Your Diamond Engagement Ring at Home

Before embarking on your diamond engagement ring cleaning journey, you’ll need to have the right products to ensure your beloved piece of jewelry is safe during the process. Here, we list out everything you’ll need to have on hand when cleaning your diamond ring at home (don’t worry, it’s not a lot!).

• A bowl
• Warm water
• Jewelry cleaner or dish soap
• A microfiber cloth or soft fabric made of cotton
• A soft toothbrush

How Often Should You Clean Your Diamond Engagement Ring?

Individuals should aim to clean their diamond engagement rings at home at least once every six months, if not more often, shares to Nehal Zaveri, co-founder and vice president at Diamondwish.com. She also emphasizes that this type of maintenance should be done in between professional cleanings—at least once per year—since at-home upkeep is not a replacement for professional services. “By following this cleaning and maintenance timeline, it helps to ensure the lasting beauty, luster, and secure wear of your diamond jewelry for many years to come,” Zaveri says.

If you purchased your engagement ring from a local jeweler, though, having it cleaned should be a breeze: Most jewelers offer cleaning services for free if an engagement ring was purchased in-house. Plus, by having your ring maintained at the same place it was bought, you’ll be entrusting a jeweler who’s familiar with your jewelry to take care of your precious piece. They’ll also be able to spot any issues, like a bent setting or loose stone, before they become significant.

Need to find a new jeweler to care for your ring? Consider selecting someone with experience caring for jewelry similar to yours in materials, age (important for antiques), and structure. Also, ask to speak to the jeweler who will actually be performing the service before you leave your jewelry in their care.

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Diamond Engagement Ring at Home

The only thing worse than an engagement ring that has lost its luster is one that’s been damaged due to improper care. That’s why you should never use household cleaners such as bleach, chlorine, and acetone when maintaining your precious jewelry at home. “While natural diamonds themselves won’t be affected by any cleaning solutions, other parts of the piece, like your band, prongs, or other softer gems, like opal and emeralds, can be,” says Mobley. “Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, toothpaste, baking soda, and chlorine which can cause damage over time.”

Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners are promoted all over social media, but it’s best to avoid these, too. While these machines will produce a sparkling result, the vigorous movement can cause stones to become loose and eventually fall out. Zaveri specifically shares that rings with delicate settings and pieces with intricate designs—”like vintage, art-deco, and antique engagement rings”—can easily get damaged during the ultrasonic process.