How to Clean Your Engagement and Wedding Rings at Home

There’s nothing more mesmerizing than the sparkle of a new diamond or gemstone ring. However, over time your ring may accumulate dirt and hand lotion residue that can dull the stones’ overall brightness. Visiting a jeweler for professional cleaning is the best way to ensure your rings remain in top condition, but at-home cleans can help maintain a high standard of shine between visits.

To keep your engagement and wedding rings looking shiny and pristine, you’ll want to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives—these can scratch the metals or loosen gems in the setting. Instead, we recommend using natural products that are safe for use on fine jewelry and won’t leave any residue. Fortunately, you can easily find gentle jewelry cleaners in your kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

If you’re in a pinch, a simple solution of white vinegar and baking soda can also make a great at-home ring cleaner. Simply cover your ring in half a cup of vinegar and add a tablespoon of baking soda. Let the ring soak overnight and rinse off with water.

Alternatively, you can also use witch hazel as a gentle at-home ring cleaner. Both are gentle and safe for most metals, but be aware that they may not agree with some softer stones or plated jewelry, and vinegar can be slightly abrasive for softer gems like opals or pearls.

Using beer to clean your jewelry is another option that is safe for most metals and stones (except sapphires). Apply a small amount of beer with a soft cloth to the gold parts of your ring and gently scrub. Rinse the ring with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly before wearing.