In short, to be really thorough, clean once a week at home, and then have it professionally cleaned every six months.
Your engagement ring is one of the most meaningful pieces of jewelry you’ll ever wear, and with that significance comes the need for proper care. Whether it’s a brand-new diamond engagement ring or a beloved heirloom, regular cleaning helps preserve its brilliance and prevents the slow build-up of grime, lotion, and everyday debris that can dull its sparkle or damage the setting over time.
Below, we’ll walk you through how often to clean an engagement ring, how to do it safely at home, and when to seek professional cleaning from a local jeweler.
The Weekly At-Home Cleaning Ritual
Most rings benefit from weekly at-home cleaning, especially if you wear yours daily. Between hand lotions, soaps, cooking oils, or simply touching your face, a surprising amount of build-up can collect on the surface of a ring, especially in engagement ring settings with pavé or small diamonds. That build-up not only reduces the luster of the stone but can also cause skin irritation over time.
The good news: cleaning your ring at home is simple and safe when done the right way.
What You’ll Need:
- A small bowl of warm water
- A few drops of gentle dish soap (not bleach-based)
- A soft-bristled toothbrush
- A lint-free cloth (avoid paper towels, which can be abrasive)
Steps:
- Mix a mild cleaning solution using warm water and dish soap.
- Soak your engagement ring for 15–30 minutes to loosen grime.
- Gently brush all surfaces and crevices, paying close attention to prongs and pavé areas.
- Rinse under lukewarm running water.
- Dry with a lint-free cloth.
Avoid: household cleaners like bleach, acetone, or baking soda, as these can discolor metal or damage delicate gemstones. Harsh chemicals may also degrade rhodium plating on white gold over time.
When to Seek a Professional Ring Cleaning
Even with consistent at-home care, your ring deserves a deeper clean every so often. A good rule of thumb is to bring your engagement ring in for professional cleaning every six months. At Adam Foster Fine Jewelry, our studio offers complimentary cleaning services that restore each piece’s original shine while inspecting the setting for any wear.
Our professional ring cleaning includes:
- Deep cleaning with ultrasonic jewelry cleaners (only when safe for your gemstone)
- Polishing to restore the original luster of gold rings
- Inspection of prongs, small diamonds, and pavé settings
- Optional rhodium re-plating for white gold to prevent discoloration
We also recommend scheduling a jewelry cleaning and appraisal annually with a certified gemologist, especially for high-value rings or heirloom pieces.
Keeping a Cleaning Schedule
If you want to avoid buildup or discoloration, consistency is key.
Recommended Cleaning Schedule:
- Weekly: At-home cleaning with warm water and dish soap
- Every 6 Months: Professional cleaning with your local jeweler
- Annually: Full jewelry cleaning and gemstone appraisal
Setting reminders on your calendar or tying your cleaning schedule to anniversaries or seasonal closet swaps can help keep your jewelry pieces sparkling without the guesswork.
Bonus Tips for Engagement Ring Care
- Remove your ring before applying lotion, handling raw food, gardening, or cleaning.
- Store your ring in a soft cloth pouch or ring box when not in use.
- Avoid ultrasonic jewelry cleaners at home unless you’re sure your ring’s setting and gemstone can handle it. Some delicate stones or antique rings require special care.
Curious About Other Jewelry Cleaning?
We’re always happy to help care for your wedding ring, wedding bands, or other fine jewelry. From gemstone-specific cleaning to restoring tarnish on silver, our team at Adam Foster can help keep your full collection in top form.
To schedule a professional ring cleaning or inspection, visit our St. Louis showroom or contact us online. We’ll treat your engagement ring as carefully as if it were our own.