How to Clean Your Engagement Ring at Home

Your engagement ring is more than a piece of jewelry — it’s a symbol of love, a daily companion, and often one of the most precious things you wear. But between hand lotion, everyday wear, and life in general, it’s no surprise your ring can lose its shine over time.

So, how do you clean your engagement ring at home, and how often should you do it? 

Here’s everything you need to know to keep that sparkle going — safely.

How Often Should You Clean Your Engagement Ring?

Ideally, you should give your engagement ring a gentle clean once a week at home. This helps prevent buildup from soap, lotion, or oils. However, a professional clean every 6 months is strongly recommended to preserve the setting and overall brilliance — especially if your ring includes delicate details, colored gemstones, or intricate metalwork.

How to Clean Your Engagement Ring at Home

Step-by-step:

Here’s a simple, safe method using items you probably already have in your kitchen or bathroom:

1. Soak your ring in a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap (no harsh chemicals or bleach!).
2. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes to loosen buildup.
3. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush (like a baby toothbrush) to clean behind the stone and around prongs.
4. Rinse under lukewarm water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Best for: diamond rings in solid gold or platinum without fragile detailing.

A Few Don’ts to Keep in Mind

• No harsh chemicals: Avoid cleaners with acetone, chlorine, bleach, or abrasive ingredients — these can damage the metal or loosen stones.
• No ultrasonic machines at home: They can loosen stones without you realizing it.
• Avoid toothpaste or baking soda: They’re too abrasive and can scratch softer stones or metals.

How to Keep Your Engagement Ring Clean Between Washes

• Remove your ring before applying lotion or perfume.
• Avoid wearing it while gardening, cleaning, or working out.
• Store it in a soft-lined box or fabric pouch when not wearing.

These simple habits go a long way in preventing dullness and damage.

Some Things Are Best Left to the Pros

While at-home cleaning is great for regular upkeep, professional cleaning and maintenance ensures your ring stays in peak condition for years to come.

At JC Jewelers, we offer:

• Free polishing and cleaning services
• Inspection of your prongs and setting
• Tightening and repair (available at a small charge once wear requires extra care)

We’ve seen it all — from rings that survived cross-country road trips to heirlooms passed down through generations. Trust us to treat yours with the same level of care and precision we put into every piece we create.

Want to Let Us Handle It?

If you’d prefer to skip the at-home cleaning process, we’ve got you covered. JC Jewelers offers complimentary cleaning and polishing services on all rings purchased through our store. We also provide free inspection of prongs and settings for all jewelry — whether you’re coming in for a sparkle refresh or a quick check-up.

Some maintenance is best left to the pros, especially when it comes to keeping your gemstones secure and your metal looking flawless. Stop by the store and let us help your jewelry shine like new.