How to clean wedding rings? Wedding rings are more than just a pretty accessory. It is an extension of your commitment to one another that can get dirty, lose its shine and gain signs of age. If properly cared for, the ring(s) will last a lifetime.
Cleaning wedding rings is not rocket science, but it does have some rules to follow. If you have a previous engagement that is already too late, you need to clean wedding rings properly.
There are several options for cleaning wedding rings. Some may require a trip to the jeweller, and some may not provide the desired results as others. You will need to know the right combination of methods that work for your ring(s).
The delicacy of diamond jewellery is just one factor you have to worry about. A cleaner with harsh chemicals may also damage diamonds. So how do you clean wedding rings without causing any damage?
Here are the 15 best ways to clean your wedding rings
1. Most people first wash their hands before touching their ring(s). In fact, before doing anything with your ring(s), wash your hands.
2. Once you have washed your hands, the next step is to remove your ring(s). If it is tight, use lukewarm soft water to soak the ring(s) overnight, then place on a towel and gently ease it off. Do not pull or twist the ring(s) when removing it from your finger. This could cause damage to the ring and severe injury to you.
3. Rubbing alcohol is an excellent way to remove dirt and grime from the ring without much effort. The alcohol also helps in removing tarnish caused by exposure to chlorine, saltwater or cosmetics. Massage some rubbing alcohol onto the ring with a soft cloth and wipe off all dirt particles. Pat dry and enjoy your sparkling clean rings.
4. For mild tarnishing, you can use toothpaste that has baking soda in it. Apply some toothpaste onto the wedding ring and rub gently for about five minutes until you see better results. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry. In case if you notice deeper stains or discolouration, do not use toothpaste or any other abrasive cleaner as the stains will become more evident with time. Instead, use a jeweller’s cleaner, which can be found at most department stores. Follow the instructions on the label to get rid of all dirt and grime from your wedding band.
5. Those who like to wear rings made of silver and gold can use soap as a great way to clean both types of metals without getting into any hassles with hard water stains or dirt particles. Make a mixture of warm water and soap and soak the rings in it for about fifteen minutes. Make sure the water is warm to avoid any damage.
6. If the soap doesn’t prove helpful in cleaning wedding rings, then you can use white vinegar. This household item will help remove dirt, stains, and grime from the ring without much effort. Pour some undiluted white vinegar into a bowl or bucket with warm water. Soak the ring in it for about fifteen minutes. Remove the ring and rinse with warm water. Repeat if needed.
7. Salt is also another great way to clean wedding bands, especially those with stones on them. You can use table salt for mild stains, but for tougher dirt particles, try sea salt or coarse salt, which does a better job.
8. For those who love to wear their rings while working out or playing a sport, lemon is a great way to remove sweat and grime that accumulates on the ring over time. Just rub some lemon juice onto the wedding band with some soft cloth, and it will come to clean off easily.
9. Those who feel that lemon juice is too much for their rings can opt for baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with water to make a thick paste-like mixture. Apply this onto the ring and let it sit for about five minutes. Rinse off the paste with lukewarm water, or you can also use your dishwasher or washing machine. The water will help remove any excess paste along with dirt particles, so there is no need to scrub.
10. If you are the one who loves wearing rings made of wood, then you can use olive oil or vegetable oil for cleaning without worrying about causing damage. Pour some oil onto a soft cloth and rub onto the ring until all dirt starts to loosen. Let the ring sit for about ten minutes and then clean with a soft cloth to remove dirt particles from it.
11. Use major bling cleaner on diamonds and solitaire stones while you shower using a small cup or use a larger glass with lukewarm water and a teaspoon to gently swirl the ring around. This will help remove soap residue that was not washed away by water alone.
12. After washing, use mild dish soap to wash all other components of the wedding rings separately using lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush for intricate designs or links on chains/bracelets. Just be sure not to get the stones wet.
13. Once you are done cleaning all your rings, use a soft cloth or toothbrush with clean water to remove soap residue before drying each item individually.
14. Before putting your ring(s) back on, inspect it first for any missing diamonds/stones and other damages that may have occurred during the cleaning process. If you find something, call a local jeweller to fix it for you or have it replaced if necessary.
15. Polish your wedding band with a soft cloth and use a clean nail buffer on your engagement ring before storing them properly in a cool, dry place until the next time you need to wear them.
Conclusion
Wedding band rings are a symbol of your love and commitment to each other. You must take good care of them and clean them properly to prevent any damages from occurring or dirt from accumulating over time. Just follow the methods mentioned above, and you will have beautiful wedding band rings for years to come.
Please remember that cleaning your wedding ring is not an easy task but can be done at home if you are patient enough to try out the ways as mentioned above one by one until it becomes clear.