How to Clean an Engagement Ring at Home, Safely
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio · Updated October 22, 2026
Short answer: Soak the ring for about five minutes in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, especially under the stone where lotion and soap build up, rinse it in a bowl rather than over an open drain, and dry it with a soft lint-free cloth. Do it every week or two. Skip toothpaste, bleach and home ultrasonic machines.
A diamond looks dull when a film of skin oil, lotion and soap sits on the back of it, where light is meant to enter.
What do I need?
- A small bowl of warm water, not boiling.
- A drop of mild dish soap.
- A soft toothbrush, kept just for the ring.
- A lint-free cloth, like the one you use for glasses.
How do I clean it, step by step?
- Soak for about five minutes to loosen the film.
- Brush gently, working under the stone and around the prongs. On a tulip basket or hidden halo, most of the build-up sits underneath, between the petals and the small diamonds.
- Rinse in a second bowl of clean warm water, or over a closed drain.
- Dry with a lint-free cloth and let it air dry before putting it back on.
What should I never use?
- Bleach, chlorine or ammonia-heavy cleaners. They are hard on gold alloys. Take the ring off before a pool or hot tub.
- Toothpaste, baking soda or anything gritty. They scratch the metal.
- Home ultrasonic machines on pavé, hidden halos or coloured gemstones. The vibration can work small stones loose and is not right for every gem. Soap and a brush are enough.
- Paper towels. The fibres catch on prongs.
How do I check my prongs at home?
Two quick checks after cleaning. Hold the ring by the band next to your ear and tap the stone gently with a fingernail: it should be silent and still. Then run the ring over a soft sweater: a prong that catches is a prong to look at. If anything moves or catches, stop wearing it and contact us with photos. Lost accent diamonds are replaced within our one year warranty; see what our warranty covers.
Does white gold need anything different?
Clean it the same way. White gold is rhodium plated, and as the plating wears the ring can look warmer, which cleaning does not change. See what is rhodium plating. Platinum cleans the same way too.
When should I take the ring off?
For the gym, gardening, cleaning with chemicals, the pool and moving furniture. Our warranty covers manufacturing defects, not hard wear like bent bands, crushed prongs or scratches, and work by another jeweller voids it, so the best protection is taking it off. Store it on its own so diamonds do not scratch other pieces.
Should I clean it before the wedding or photos?
Yes, a day or two before, so it is dry and spotless for close-up shots. Clean the wedding band the same way.
A question about caring for your ring?
A free 20 minute video call with our team. Bring a photo, a budget, or nothing at all.
Book a free callGet a free estimateFrom our collection
Emerald Tulip Classic Pave
Radiant Tulip Classic Pave
Oval Four Petal Tulip Curved Hidden Halo
Oval Tulip Three Stone Hidden Halo
Questions we get about this
How do I clean my engagement ring at home?
Soak it for about five minutes in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Can I clean my engagement ring with dish soap?
Yes. A drop of mild dish soap in warm water is the safest home cleaner.
Can I clean my ring with toothpaste?
No. Toothpaste is abrasive and scratches gold and platinum.
Are home ultrasonic cleaners safe for engagement rings?
Skip them on pavé, hidden halos and coloured gemstones, where vibration can work small stones loose. Soap and a soft brush are enough.
How often should I clean my engagement ring?
Every week or two, and before any event where it will be photographed.
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