Ring care

How to clean your engagement ring at home

Read time: 2 minutes

Your ring goes everywhere with you, so it picks up lotion, oils and dust, and the sparkle fades a little. A gentle clean brings the light back. Lab-grown diamonds are cleaned exactly the same way as natural ones.

What you'll need

• A small bowl of warm water
• A drop of mild dish soap
• A soft toothbrush
• A lint-free cloth

Steps

1. Soak. Leave the ring in the soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes to loosen the build-up under the stone.
2. Brush gently. Use the soft toothbrush around the stone, under the setting and along the band. Small, light strokes are enough.
3. Rinse and dry. Rinse under warm running water, with a plug in the sink, then dry with the cloth.

What to avoid

• Bleach, chlorine (pools and hot tubs) and harsh cleaners, which can damage gold and platinum settings
• Toothpaste and abrasive powders, which scratch metal
• Wearing it to the gym, gardening, cleaning or when applying lotion and sunscreen
• Ultrasonic cleaners, unless a jeweller has said your setting is suitable

How often

• Clean at home every week or two if you wear it daily.
• Have the setting checked by a jeweller every 6 to 12 months.
• White gold is often rhodium plated, which wears over time. A re-plate every year or two keeps it bright white.

If you would like your ring professionally cleaned or checked, get in touch and I will arrange a time.