SHINE BRIGHT RING WASH

With all the extra hand washing we have been doing lately, my hands have become extra dry, which means that I am finding myself applying more hand lotion than normal. That’s great for my hands but not for my rings.  They have become so dull and frankly grimy, especially under the settings.  It has been a long time, four years in fact, since my engagement ring has had that brand-new glisten.  I miss that sparkle when I look down at my hand.  

I decided to do a little research to find out if it is possible to clean my jewelry, especially my rings, at home.  Sure enough, I found some excellent “recipes” for cleaners.  It took several tries, but I developed a formula that works perfectly for me, made with products you probably have around your home.  And, better yet, my rings (and jewelry) are shining brightly once again!  

First, before I jump into my cleaning formula, it is important to know what metals your rings and jewelry are made of because they will require a different cleaning process.  For example, my engagement ring and wedding band are made of white gold, while my husband’s wedding band is titanium.  

Warm Water & Dish Soap:

A mixture of warm water and dish soap is the safest home cleaner.  I used this formula to clean my husband’s wedding band which is made of titanium.  It is exposed to a lot daily since he plays golf every day as a golf pro and wears sunscreen.  It was in some rough shape.  This is the safest formula to use, so if you don’t know what metals the setting of your ring is, use this cleaner.   

Ingredients:

1 Cup Very Warm Water (Not boiling)  
1 Tablespoon Dawn Dish Soap
Small Bowl
Soft Bristle Toothbrush (Make sure you are using a new toothbrush, that is for your jewelry cleaning only.)
Clean Towel

Directions:

1. Fill the bowl with very warm water, (be sure it is not boiling water because some gemstones do not take well to drastic temperature changes). 
2. Add Dawn dish soap and mix to create a cleaning solution.  
3. Soak your ring or other jewelry in the solution for 20 to 40 minutes.  
4. Remove jewelry from the solution and gently brush the dirt and debris off of your jewelry. Repeat the soaking and brushing if needed.  
5. Once your ring is clean, rinse it with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.  

Dish Soap & Windex Cleaner:

I came up with this formula for cleaning my wedding band and engagement ring.  My poor rings definitely needed a good cleaning.  This formula is so easy to make and can be used weekly.  Now, after cleaning in this solution, my rings are so sparkly!  Just remember that this formula can only be used on gold, white gold, platinum, and silver, diamonds, and hard gemstones.  

Ingredients:

½ Cup Very Warm Water (Not boiling)
½ Cup Windex Glass Cleaner
1 Tablespoon Dawn Dish Soap
Small Bowl
Soft Bristle Toothbrush (Make sure you are using a new toothbrush, that is for your jewelry cleaning only.)
Clean Towel

Directions:

1. Fill the bowl with very warm water, Windex glass cleaner, and Dawn dish soap, mix to create a solution.  
2. Soak your ring or other jewelry in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes. (I like to do this while I am getting ready for the day.) 
3. Remove jewelry from the solution and gently brush the dirt and debris off of your jewelry.  Repeat the soaking and brushing if needed.  
4. Once your ring is clean, rinse it with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.  

Helpful Tips:

• How often should I clean my ring?  Once a week; everyday wear and tasks such as washing your hair, putting on makeup, doing the dishes, and applying hand lotions, cloud the sparkle of your ring.  And, if you are like me, I never take my ring off because I am afraid that I will lose it.  A weekly cleaning is even more critical since I am constantly exposing them to elements.  
• Is it okay to touch diamonds with my hand?  Do not touch your diamond.  When you have to remove and put on your rings, do so by touching the sides, never the stone. Your skin’s natural oils will tarnish and dull diamonds, making all your hard work of cleaning your rings useless.  
• What are the cleaners I should avoid?  Never use abrasive cleaners such as chlorine, toothpaste, baking soda, or acetone to clean your rings or jewelry.  The abrasiveness of these cleaners can scratch, corrode, or discolor your jewelry.  Also, avoid ultrasonic cleaners since they can loosen the setting of your ring.  The last thing you want to have happen is to lose a diamond in your setting.  I had that happen; and thankfully, I have ring insurance, otherwise, this could have been a more devastating situation. 
• If you are interested in more information for caring for your jewelry, click on this article for all the tips and tricks.  

I hope you find these tips just as helpful as I did. These ring wash cleaning formulas will not only save you some trips to the jewelry store for cleanings but also keep your rings shining brightly and looking as good as new.  

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