Soaking Wedding Rings In Alcohol: Is It Safe?

Alcohol can be used to clean wedding rings, but it depends on the type of gemstone and metal. For example, alcohol is safe to use on precious metals such as gold and silver, and precious gemstones such as diamonds and rubies. However, alcohol should not be used on semi-precious gemstones such as opals and pearls, as it can eat away at their coating. It is also advised that you do not soak your rings in alcohol for an extended period, but rather wipe them down with it.

Soaking Wedding Rings in Alcohol

Is it safe to clean wedding rings with alcohol?

Alcohol can be used to clean wedding rings, but it depends on the type of metal and gemstone used in the ring.

Metals that are safe to clean with alcohol

Precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum are safe to clean with alcohol. Other safe materials include platinum or silver-plated titanium, tungsten, and stainless steel jewelry.

Metals that are not safe to clean with alcohol

Jewelry made from acrylic, plastic, or inferior metals such as copper should not be cleaned with alcohol as it can cause issues like fading, cracking, and corrosion.

Gemstones that are safe to clean with alcohol

Most precious gemstones, such as diamonds and rubies, are safe to clean with alcohol. Some stable semi-precious gems, such as amethyst and topaz, are also safe.

Gemstones that are not safe to clean with alcohol

More organic gems, such as opals, pearls, emeralds, and turquoise, should not be cleaned with alcohol as it can corrode or eat away at their coating.

How to clean jewelry with alcohol

Fill a smooth, non-porous bowl with enough alcohol to completely submerge the jewelry. Soak the jewelry overnight to loosen grime or debris. Use a soft cotton swab or cloth to remove any remaining grime, then lightly rinse and allow to air dry. Finish by buffing with a microfiber cloth.

Tips

• Do not use a brush on soft metals such as gold or silver as it can cause scratches.
• If possible, avoid rubbing hand sanitizer or harsh cleaning products directly onto rings.
• Remove your ring before applying hand sanitizer, let it dry, and then put your ring back on.

What is the best way to clean wedding rings with alcohol?

Alcohol can be used to clean wedding rings, but it is important to exercise caution. While alcohol is safe for use on most precious metals and gemstones, it can damage certain materials.

Firstly, it is important to determine if your ring is safe to clean with alcohol. Precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum are generally safe, as are diamonds and rubies. However, alcohol should not be used on acrylic, plastic, copper, or other inferior metals, as it can cause issues such as fading, cracking, and corrosion. Semi-precious gemstones like opals and pearls should also be avoided, as alcohol can damage their organic coating.

If your ring is safe to clean with alcohol, fill a smooth, non-porous bowl with enough alcohol to completely submerge the ring. Soak the ring overnight to loosen any grime or debris, then use a soft cotton swab or cloth to remove it. Rinse the ring by submerging it in water, then allow it to air dry before buffing it with a microfiber cloth.

It is important to note that while alcohol can be used to clean wedding rings, frequent use of hand sanitiser or cleaning agents can dull the finish of white gold and break down the brilliance of metals and gems over time. Therefore, it is recommended to remove your ring before applying hand sanitiser or using harsh cleaning products. Additionally, it is not advisable to soak wedding rings in alcohol for an extended period, and a soft toothbrush should be used instead of a brush to avoid scratching soft metals.

Can I soak my wedding rings in alcohol if they are made of precious metals?

Yes, it is generally safe to soak wedding rings made of precious metals in alcohol. Precious metals such as gold and silver are safe to clean with alcohol, regardless of their quality or karat. Platinum, silver-plated titanium, tungsten, and stainless steel jewelry are also safe to soak in alcohol, as long as the plating is genuine.

However, it is important to note that alcohol should not be used to clean jewelry made from acrylic, plastic, or inferior metals such as copper. It can cause issues like fading, cracking, and corrosion, which could lead to jewelry breakage or, in some cases, infections for the wearer.

When cleaning rings with alcohol, fill a smooth, non-porous bowl with enough alcohol to completely submerge the jewelry. Allow the rings to soak overnight, then use a soft cotton swab or cloth to remove any grime or debris. Rinse the rings lightly by submerging them in water, and then allow them to air dry before buffing them with a microfiber cloth.

While alcohol is generally safe for cleaning precious metals, it is recommended to avoid using brushes on soft metals like gold and silver, as they can cause scratches and damage the appearance of these metals. Instead, opt for a soft cloth or cotton swab to clean these types of jewelry.

Additionally, while alcohol can be used to clean diamond rings, it is not recommended for softer gemstones like opals, emeralds, or turquoise, as they are more porous and can be corroded by alcohol over time. For these types of gemstones, it is better to use mild soap and water or a jewelry cleaner designed specifically for them.

Can I soak my wedding rings in alcohol if they are made of semi-precious metals?

It depends on the type of gemstone in your wedding rings. If your rings are made of semi-precious metals with organic gemstones, such as opals and pearls, it is not recommended to soak them in alcohol as it can eat away at the coating. Instead, it is recommended to clean these types of gems with a jewellery cleaner designed for them or a mild soap with water.

However, if your rings are made of semi-precious metals with more stable gemstones, such as amethyst and topaz, it is safe to soak them in alcohol without causing damage.

In general, alcohol is safe to use on precious metals such as gold and silver, as well as platinum or silver-plated titanium, tungsten, and stainless steel. It is also safe to use on most precious gemstones, including diamonds and rubies.

When cleaning jewellery with alcohol, fill a smooth, non-porous bowl with enough alcohol to completely submerge the jewellery. Soak the jewellery overnight to loosen any grime or debris, then use a soft cotton swab or cloth to remove it. Rinse the jewellery lightly by submerging it in water, then allow it to air dry before buffing it with a buffing or microfiber cloth.

How often should I clean my wedding rings?

The frequency with which you should clean your wedding rings depends on several factors, including the type of metal and gemstone, how often you wear the ring, and the activities you engage in while wearing it. Here are some general guidelines and tips to help you keep your wedding rings clean and sparkling:

Weekly or Bi-Weekly Cleaning

It is recommended to clean your wedding rings at home at least once a week or once every two weeks. This will help remove any dirt, oils, lotions, or debris that may have accumulated and keep your rings looking their best. You can use a simple solution of warm water and mild dish soap for this purpose. Soak your rings in the solution for 10 to 40 minutes, and then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away any remaining dirt or residue. Finally, rinse the rings with warm water and dry them with a lint-free cloth or soft jewellery cloth.

Monthly Deep Cleaning

Once a month, you can spend a little extra time giving your wedding rings a more thorough cleaning. Use a non-abrasive, chemical-free solution or a jewellery cleaning solution to soak your rings for up to 40 minutes. Then, gently scrub away any remaining impurities with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse and dry the rings as usual.

Bi-Annual Professional Cleaning

In addition to your at-home cleaning routine, it is recommended to have your wedding rings professionally cleaned and inspected at least twice a year. A professional jeweller will be able to safely remove hard-to-reach layers of dirt and grime and ensure that all the stones are secure and the prongs are straight.

Daily Care and Prevention

To reduce the frequency of deep cleaning, there are some daily habits you can adopt to keep your wedding rings in good condition:

• Remove your rings during activities that could damage or soil them, such as gardening, cooking, or working out.
• Take off your rings before showering or applying lotions to prevent the build-up of products.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or household cleaners that contain bleach, chlorine, or acetone, as these can damage the metal and stones.
• Store your rings properly when not in use, such as in a felt-lined box away from direct sunlight.
• Separate diamond rings from other jewellery to prevent scratching or tarnishing.

Using Alcohol for Cleaning

Some people recommend using alcohol, such as rubbing alcohol or vodka, to clean wedding rings. Alcohol is a natural solvent that can dissolve dirt molecules attached to the diamond. However, it is important to exercise caution when using any new cleaning method. While alcohol is generally considered safe for diamonds and some gemstones, it should not be used on certain stones like opal or commonly oiled stones like emeralds. Always do your research before using any new cleaning product on your wedding rings.

Frequently asked questions