How to Clean a Diamond Ring at Home Without Damaging It

Notice your engagement ring is losing its shine? It’s not damaged—you just need to give it a refresh. Luckily, learning how to clean a diamond ring is incredibly simple. While diamonds are stones that can maintain their shine for thousands of years, they can also temporarily lose their luster from the buildup of grime on the stone and settings. Luckily, a quick DIY clean is all you need to get that gem shining again.

Why Diamond Rings Lose Their Sparkle

Does your diamond look cloudy? That loss of sparkle isn’t permanent. “Technically, diamonds never lose their sparkle. They are incredibly durable and rank a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale,” explains jewelry designer Jade Trau. “What does happen is that they attract oils from your skin, soap residue, moisture, and everyday grime. Once that builds up, dust and debris stick to the surface and dull the stone.” The good news is that this isn’t a death sentence for your ring’s brilliance. Integrating diamond ring care into your routine can help. “This is easy to fix as long as you clean your jewelry regularly and do not wait until it becomes a full SOS situation,” she shares.

Can You Clean a Diamond Ring at Home?

The short answer: yes—and you should! “Regular at-home cleaning is a great way to keep your diamond sparkling, just like it did when you first bought it,” says Megan Kothari, founder of bridal jewelry brand AARYAH. “Everyday wear can cause a buildup of oils, lotions, and dirt, which can dull your diamond’s brilliance. A gentle cleaning routine helps maintain its shine between professional cleanings—just be sure to use the right method and products to avoid any damage.”

DIY Cleaning Methods

Dish Soap and Warm Water

Now it’s time to learn how to get your ring shining. “The simplest and safest way to clean your diamond ring at home is with warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush,” shares Kothari. After soaking your ring in the soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes, use a soft, bristled toothbrush to gently brush around the diamond and setting. After, rinse it with clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Windex and Warm Water

Another ring cleaning method to follow is similar to the one above, yet you replace the soap with Windex. Grunstein advises using a solution that’s three parts water and one part Windex to get the best cleaning formula.

Rubbing Alcohol and Warm Water

A final alternative is to create a solution that mixes one part rubbing alcohol with three parts warm water. This method allows you to soak your ring for a shorter time period. Just 10 minutes should do the trick.

Jewelry Cleaners

You can also purchase jewelry cleaning solutions that can safely clean your ring in a pinch. “I believe the easiest option is to use products you already have at home, like dish soap and rubbing alcohol. However, I’m also a fan of BrideBite—it was founded by a Verstolo Bride and is perfect for travel,” says Grunstein. “Recently, we tested Diamond Drunk, and it worked really well, too.” Another favorite is Shinery, which is essentially a hand wash that allows you to clean your ring while it’s still on your hand.

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning a Diamond Ring at Home

“While diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth and fine jewelry is crafted for everyday wear, it’s important to remember that it’s not indestructible,” shares Kothari. “A common misconception is that jewelry can handle anything.” That means you should take special care of your engagement ring—especially when giving it extra attention while cleaning.

Using Harsh Chemicals

“To avoid damaging your precious piece, common mistakes to steer clear of [include] using harsh chemicals like bleach or household cleaners—these can damage both the metal and the diamond,” says Kothari.

Scrubbing Too Hard

“Scrubbing too aggressively with a stiff brush can loosen prongs, dislodge pavé-set diamonds, or scratch the metal,” recommends Kothari.

Cleaning Over an Open Sink

The jeweler also advises to never clean over an open sink. “Always make sure you’re in a secure spot to prevent your ring from slipping down the drain,” she says.

Cleaning a Mixed Gemstone Ring at Home

If your ring includes pearls or other gemstones, you might want to hold off on at-home cleaning. “Some gemstones and pearls are porous or treated with surface coatings that may not be permanent,” shares Kothari. “It’s best to check with the jeweler to ensure you’re cleaning it properly.”

Not Treating Silver Properly

While gold and platinum can easily follow the soap-and-water cleaning method, a silver band should be handled differently. “You can restore its luster using at-home remedies like a mixture of vinegar and baking soda or an at-home silver polishing kit,” says Grunstein.

Using an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner With Pavé Stones

Considering if you should purchase an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner? Maybe second-guess that decision if you have a ring more intricate than a simple solitaire. “I can only speak to the one we use—which is totally safe and okay for daily use—but if you have a piece of jewelry or an engagement ring with small or pave diamonds, you need to be very careful. It could cause the stones to fall out,” advises Grunstein. “You should really trust the professionals for the deep cleans!”

How Often Should You Clean Your Engagement Ring

Now that you know how to clean your ring, you might be wondering how frequently you should be doing it to keep your stone sparkling. “You can clean your ring as often as you like, but why not start the new year with a great habit? Aim to clean it every two to four weeks to keep it looking bright, beautiful, and sparkling at its best,” advises Grustein.

What About a Quick Polish?

A deep clean of your ring isn’t always necessary. There are other solutions you can do in a pinch. “I keep a simple plastic Tupperware, a soft toothbrush, and a mini bottle of Dawn dish soap under my sink. If I forget to steam or ultrasonic clean my jewelry at work and want my pieces to not just sparkle but really glisten, I add a drop of soap and some warm water and let the jewelry soak while I do my morning routine,” says Trau. “Then, I give it a gentle brush and rinse it before putting it on.” She adds, “One important tip is to make sure your rings are completely dry before wearing them to avoid irritation.”

When to Seek the Help of a Professional Jeweler

Just like you go for an annual checkup at the doctor, it’s recommended to take your engagement ring to a professional jeweler once a year to clean and check on the condition of the piece. “A professional cleaning will make your ring look brand new (there’s nothing quite like it!), and the jeweler can check for any loose stones or needed repairs,” says Grunstein. “Additionally, we encourage our clients to stop by for a cleaning anytime they’re in the neighborhood—everyone feels so much better with sparkling jewelry.” Kothari adds if you ever feel like your stone is rattling in the setting, you should make a visit as well: “That’s a sign it’s loose and needs immediate attention to avoid losing it.”

How to Keep Your Diamond Ring Clean for Longer

Since use leads to the buildup of oils and grime, giving your diamond ring a break whenever you can will help maintain its cleanliness. “I keep little trinket trays everywhere—in my kitchen, bathroom, office desk, and nightstand—so it is easy to do,” advises Trau. “I always take my rings off for yoga, cooking, and I definitely leave them at home for the beach or anything involving sunscreen or moisturizer.” She adds, “Being mindful about when you wear your jewelry goes a long way in keeping it clean and sparkling.”

Meet the Experts

Lauren Grunstein is the vice president of sales, marketing, and PR at Verstolo, a fine jewelry company that offers diamond rentals. She has over six years of experience in the jewelry space.
Jade Trau is the founder of her eponymous jewelry brand based in New York City. She began her career diamond sourcing before she started creating her own designs.
Megan Kothari is the founder of bridal jewelry brand AARYAH. She has owned and grown her business for over a decade.