How to Safely Clean a Diamond Ring

Co-authored by Cory Schifter

Keeping your diamond ring brilliant is simple to do with a few household supplies. You might have heard that baking soda and toothpaste are good solutions for cleaning rings, but they can actually be quite abrasive. Using gentle, nonabrasive cleansers is a much safer way to get the job done.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Soapy Water

1
Make a soap and water mixture. Squirt a little dish soap into a bowl. Fill the bowl with warm water. Swish it around a bit to produce some suds.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
Gemological Institute of America
Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards
Go to source}
- Use a gentle dish soap, preferably one made with natural ingredients, to avoid harming your ring with chemicals. Gentle hand soap, shampoo, or body wash may also be used.
- You can also use a combination of equal parts window cleaner and water.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Cory Schifter
  Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser
  Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
2
Place your ring in the bowl for 15 minutes. Let the soapy water soak into the ring. It will penetrate and loosen the dirt, dust and grime that has built up there.^{[3]
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Research source}

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3
Remove your ring and examine it. If you can still see dirt buildup, you'll need to clean it further. Otherwise, you can rinse your ring in clean water.
4
Use a soft toothbrush to gently rub the dirt from your ring. Make sure you use a soft-bristled brush, rather than medium or hard-bristled, so that your ring doesn't get scratched. Scrub lightly, poking the bristles into the hard-to-reach crevices.^{[4]
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Research source}
- You can use a toothpick to poke dirt out of the crevices if necessary.
5
Rinse the ring in cool water.
6
Lay it out to dry. Place your ring on a paper towel or clean cloth and let it completely dry.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using the Quick Dip Method

1
Buy a quick dip meant for the type of diamond ring you own. Quick dips are commercially available solutions designed to quickly clean jewelry. Different dips are made with different chemicals specifically formulated for gold, silver, or other metals. Be sure to pick out a dip that specifies use for cleaning diamond rings with the type of setting you have.^{[5]
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Research source}
2
Read the label carefully. It's important to follow the instructions for using the quick dip to a T, so that you don't end up damaging your ring. Read the instructions and make sure you're clear on how to use the dip before you proceed.
3
Use the dip. Pour some of the dip liquid into a bowl. Place your ring in the bowl for the recommended amount of time, and no longer. Remove your ring from the bowl and let it completely dry on a soft cloth.
- Don't leave your ring in the dip for longer than recommended, or it may get damaged.
- Don't touch the diamond with your fingers until it dries. The oils on your skin may leave a film on the diamond.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using an Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine

1
Choose an ultrasonic cleaner. These are small machines that make it easy to safely clean your jewelry in a matter of a few minutes. They are quite affordable, and similar to the types of cleaning machines used in jewelry shops. Look for cleaner made by a reputable company.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
Gemological Institute of America
Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards
Go to source}
2
Fill the cleaner with water and detergent. Most cleaning machines come with a metal cup that is filled with water and a detergent to clean your jewelry. Follow the instructions and fill the cleaning machine with the appropriate amount of solution.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
Gemological Institute of America
Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards
Go to source}
3
Place your ring in the cleaner and close it. Be sure it's assembled correctly and closed properly.
4
Remove your ring after the recommended time. It should be clean within just a minute or two; don't leave it inside for longer than necessary.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I make my diamond ring sparkle?

Cory Schifter
Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser
Cory Schifter is a Jeweler, Certified Jewelry Appraiser, and the Owner of Casale Jewelers in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, New York. Casale Jewelers is known for its selection of fine jewelry, designer brands, engagement rings, certified diamonds, custom-made jewelry, and watches. Cory has over 10 years in the jewelry industry and is a certified jewelry appraiser. Cory was featured on NY1 News “Got it Made in New York” for Casale Jewelers’ custom design business and Casale Jewelers was recognized by American Express and Facebook in 2012 as one of the top five small businesses in the nation.

Cory Schifter

Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser

Expert Answer

Visit your local jeweler and ask them if they sell a jewelry cleaner for diamond rings. These cleaners are usually inexpensive, and the jeweler may even give it to you for free at the time you buy your ring.
Question

Why does my diamond look cloudy?

Cory Schifter
Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser
Cory Schifter is a Jeweler, Certified Jewelry Appraiser, and the Owner of Casale Jewelers in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, New York. Casale Jewelers is known for its selection of fine jewelry, designer brands, engagement rings, certified diamonds, custom-made jewelry, and watches. Cory has over 10 years in the jewelry industry and is a certified jewelry appraiser. Cory was featured on NY1 News “Got it Made in New York” for Casale Jewelers’ custom design business and Casale Jewelers was recognized by American Express and Facebook in 2012 as one of the top five small businesses in the nation.

Cory Schifter

Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser

Expert Answer

There might be a film over the diamond's surface if you cleaned it with toothpaste. Because of this, it's not a good idea to clean your jewelry with this substance.
Question

Are there any home ingredients I can use to safely clean my diamond jewelry?

Cory Schifter
Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser
Cory Schifter is a Jeweler, Certified Jewelry Appraiser, and the Owner of Casale Jewelers in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, New York. Casale Jewelers is known for its selection of fine jewelry, designer brands, engagement rings, certified diamonds, custom-made jewelry, and watches. Cory has over 10 years in the jewelry industry and is a certified jewelry appraiser. Cory was featured on NY1 News “Got it Made in New York” for Casale Jewelers’ custom design business and Casale Jewelers was recognized by American Express and Facebook in 2012 as one of the top five small businesses in the nation.

Cory Schifter

Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser

Expert Answer

Try using a combination of Windex and water. This is very similar to the cleaner sold in jewelry stores.