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Notice your engagement ring is losing its shine? It’s not damaged—you just need to give it a refresh. Luckily, learning how to clean a diamond ring is incredibly simple. While diamonds are stones that can maintain their shine for thousands of years, they can also temporarily lose their luster from the buildup of grime on the stone and settings. Luckily, a quick DIY clean is all you need to get that gem shining again.
“Cleaning your ring at home is a great way to maintain its sparkle,” says Lauren Grunstein, vice president of Verstolo, a fine jewelry company that offers diamond rentals. “Engagement rings (and all rings) can get dirty quickly, but regular cleaning allows light to reach the stone, enhancing its sparkle and ensuring it looks its absolute best.”
Want to learn how to do a DIY clean that will actually make a major difference? Ahead, we ask jewelry pros to give us the inside scoop on how to clean a diamond ring at home.
Can You Clean a Diamond Ring at Home?
The short answer: yes—and you should! “Regular at-home cleaning is a great way to keep your diamond sparkling, just like it did when you first bought it,” says Megan Kothari, founder of bridal jewelry brand AARYAH. “Everyday wear can cause a buildup of oils, lotions, and dirt, which can dull your diamond’s brilliance. A gentle cleaning routine helps maintain its shine between professional cleanings—just be sure to use the right method and products to avoid any damage.”
Now it’s time to learn how to get your ring shining. “The simplest and safest way to clean your diamond ring at home is with warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush,” shares Kothari. After soaking your ring in the soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes, use a soft, bristled toothbrush to gently brush around the diamond and setting. After, rinse it with clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Another ring cleaning method to follow is similar to the one above, yet you replace the soap with Windex. Grunstein advises using a solution that's three parts water and one part Windex to get the best cleaning formula.
A final alternative is to create a solution that mixes one part rubbing alcohol with three parts warm water. This method allows you to soak your ring for a shorter time period. Just 10 minutes should do the trick.
You can also purchase jewelry cleaning solutions that can safely clean your ring in a pinch. “I believe the easiest option is to use products you already have at home, like dish soap and rubbing alcohol. However, I’m also a fan of BrideBite—it was founded by a Verstolo Bride and is perfect for travel,” says Grunstein. “Recently, we tested Diamond Drunk, and it worked really well, too.”
Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning a Diamond Ring at Home
“While diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth and fine jewelry is crafted for everyday wear, it’s important to remember that it’s not indestructible,” shares Kothari. “A common misconception is that jewelry can handle anything.” That means you should take special care of your engagement ring—especially when giving it extra attention while cleaning.
“To avoid damaging your precious piece, common mistakes to steer clear of [include] using harsh chemicals like bleach or household cleaners—these can damage both the metal and the diamond—and scrubbing too aggressively with a stiff brush can loosen prongs, dislodge pavé-set diamonds, or scratch the metal,” recommends Kothari. The jeweler also advises to never clean over an open sink. “Always make sure you're in a secure spot to prevent your ring from slipping down the drain,” she says.
If your ring includes pearls or other gemstones, you might want to hold off on at-home cleaning. “Some gemstones and pearls are porous or treated with surface coatings that may not be permanent,” shares Kothari. “It’s best to check with the jeweler to ensure you’re cleaning it properly.” While gold and platinum can easily follow the soap-and-water cleaning method, silver should be handled differently. “You can restore its luster using at-home remedies like a mixture of vinegar and baking soda or an at-home silver polishing kit,” says Grunstein.
Considering if you should purchase an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner? Maybe second-guess that decision if you have a ring more intricate than a simple solitaire. “I can only speak to the one we use—which is totally safe and okay for daily use—but if you have a piece of jewelry or an engagement ring with small or pave diamonds, you need to be very careful. It could cause the stones to fall out,” advises Grunstein. “You should really trust the professionals for the deep cleans!”
How Often Should You Clean Your Engagement Ring
Now that you know how to clean your ring, you might be wondering how frequently you should be doing it to keep your stone sparkling. “You can clean your ring as often as you like, but why not start the new year with a great habit? Aim to clean it every two to four weeks to keep it looking bright, beautiful, and sparkling at its best,” advises Grustein.
When to Seek the Help of a Professional Jeweler
Just like you go for an annual checkup at the doctor, it’s recommended to take your engagement ring to a professional jeweler once a year to clean and check on the condition of the piece. “A professional cleaning will make your ring look brand new (there’s nothing quite like it!), and the jeweler can check for any loose stones or needed repairs,” says Grunstein. “Additionally, we encourage our clients to stop by for a cleaning anytime they’re in the neighborhood—everyone feels so much better with sparkling jewelry.” Kothari adds if you ever feel like your stone is rattling in the setting, you should make a visit as well: “That’s a sign it’s loose and needs immediate attention to avoid losing it.”
