Toothpaste: A Wedding Ring Cleaner?

Toothpaste is a common household item that people use to clean their wedding rings. However, it is not a good idea to use toothpaste to clean your wedding ring. While toothpaste can help remove dirt and grime from your ring, it can also be too abrasive and cause scratches on the metal. Additionally, the chemicals in toothpaste can be corrosive to metals and cause discolouration. Instead, it is recommended to use mild soap and warm water to clean your wedding ring, as this is a gentler method that will not damage the metal or stones.

Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch rings

Toothpaste is not recommended for cleaning wedding rings if you care about the longevity of your jewelry. Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch both the metal and the stone of your ring. The abrasiveness of toothpaste is due to the presence of chalk and silica, which are common ingredients in toothpaste. Toothpaste designed for smokers or teeth whitening is especially abrasive as it is made to remove stains.

The abrasiveness of toothpaste can be tested at home using a simple DIY method. You can rub toothpaste on a piece of tin foil with your finger, rinse it off with water, and observe if there are any scratches on the surface of the foil. The more abrasive the toothpaste, the more scratches will be visible on the foil.

The American Dental Association (ADA) has developed the Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) scale to measure the abrasiveness of toothpaste. The RDA scale ranges from 0 to 250, with scores above 250 considered harmful. Toothpaste with an RDA score of 0-70 is recommended for maintaining healthy teeth.

Toothpaste should be avoided when cleaning wedding rings, especially those with delicate settings or intricate designs. Instead, it is recommended to use warm water, a mild soap solution, and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the ring. This method effectively removes dirt, oil, and debris without causing any damage to the ring.

In conclusion, while toothpaste may seem like a convenient option for cleaning wedding rings, its abrasiveness can lead to scratches and potential damage to the metal and stone. It is essential to use gentler methods to maintain the integrity and longevity of your precious jewelry.

Warm water and dish soap is an effective cleaning method

Warm water and dish soap is an effective, gentle method for cleaning your wedding ring or diamond engagement ring. This method is recommended by multiple experts and jewellers.

The first step is to prepare a gentle cleaning solution. Combine a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause your ring to expand and potentially damage the setting or loosen the stones. The Natural Diamond Council's in-house diamond expert, Grant Mobley, recommends a mixture of equal parts warm water and dish soap.

Next, soak your ring in the solution for 10 to 20 minutes. This will loosen any grime, dirt, or dried lotion, making it easier to scrub off. One source recommends a longer soaking time of up to 40 minutes. After soaking, be sure to rinse your ring in warm running water before scrubbing with soap or a vinegar solution.

Once the ring has been soaked, it's time to gently brush it. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the ring, paying special attention to the underside of the diamonds or gemstones and any crevices. Be patient and gentle during this process to prevent loosening the stones or scratching the metal. It's important to use a new toothbrush, as an old toothbrush may have toothpaste embedded in the bristles, which can be too abrasive and cause scratches.

After scrubbing, rinse the ring thoroughly under warm running water to remove any residual soap and dirt. Be cautious not to drop the ring down the drain; you may want to use a small strainer to catch it if it slips from your fingers.

Finally, dry your ring. You can gently pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber towel or a glasses-cleaning cloth. Alternatively, you can let the ring air dry on a clean, soft surface. Avoid using paper towels, napkins, or harsh fabrics, as these can scratch the metal or leave fibres and lint on the ring.

This warm water and dish soap method is a simple and effective way to clean your wedding ring or diamond engagement ring, restoring its sparkle and shine.

Toothpaste can cause pitting in ring metal

Toothpaste is not a good alternative for cleaning your ring. Toothpaste contains scrubbing particles to clean your teeth, but these particles are often harder than the metals in your ring, especially gold or white gold. Using toothpaste on your ring could cause scratches or pitting in the metal. While toothpaste will usually not harm the diamond itself, it could damage other stones in your ring or even the setting. Damage to the metal in the setting could loosen the stones, causing further harm to the ring.

Toothpaste is overly abrasive and can get stuck in little nooks and crannies. These little microabrasives can cause scratches in both the metal and the stone. Therefore, it is recommended to use warm water, a mild dish soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush to get into all the crevices of the setting.

The best way to clean a diamond ring is with plain soap and water, no matter the type of metal. Simply fill a bowl with equal parts warm water and gentle dishwashing soap and soak your ring for 20 to 40 minutes. Use a soft brush to remove buildup from any hairspray, lotion, makeup, or perfume. Then, rinse your ring thoroughly under warm running water and repeat if necessary. It is important to rinse your ring very well after scrubbing it, as the soap could leave a film once it dries.

Ultrasonic cleaners can be used by professionals

Toothpaste is not recommended for cleaning wedding rings as it is overly abrasive and can cause scratches on both the metal and the stone. Instead, professionals recommend using warm water and a mild liquid dishwashing soap.

Ultrasonic cleaners are a great way to clean jewellery, but they should be used with caution. Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles that pop and create tiny vacuums, pulling dirt and grime off objects. While this method is very effective, the vigorous movement can cause stones to become loose and fall out. Therefore, it is best left to professionals who are trained to handle ultrasonic cleaners and can ensure that your jewellery is not damaged in the process.

Ultrasonic cleaners are compatible with many types of jewellery, but it is important to note that they are not suitable for porous gemstones such as emeralds, tanzanite, topaz, and turquoise. They are also not effective for cleaning silver jewellery if it is tarnished.

When using an ultrasonic cleaner, professionals will typically fill the tank with water, although they may add a concentrated cleaning solution for a deeper clean. The jewellery is then placed in the tank for a set amount of time, usually a few minutes. After the cleaning cycle is complete, professionals will carefully remove the jewellery from the tank and rinse it with water before buffing it dry with a soft cloth.

Rings should be cleaned regularly

You can clean your rings at home using everyday items such as dishwashing soap, warm water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and a gentle cotton cloth. Fill a small bowl with warm water and dishwashing solution, then soak your rings for 20 to 40 minutes. This will loosen any dirt or dried lotion, making it easier to scrub off with a soft toothbrush. Rinse your ring in warm running water before drying it with a soft cotton cloth or letting it air dry. Avoid using paper towels or napkins, as they can leave fibres and potentially scratch the metal.

A weekly clean is enough to keep your ring sparkling and remove cosmetic and dirt build-up. However, you should also get a professional clean 3-4 times a year. If your ring is exposed to more debris, such as through an active outdoor lifestyle or working in a kitchen, you may need more frequent professional cleaning.

When cleaning your ring at home, avoid using harsh chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, bleach, and acetone, as these can break down the base metal in your ring and compromise its structure. Abrasive products such as baking soda, powdered cleaners, and toothpaste can also leave scratches on the band, especially on gold rings or precious gems, as they are softer metals. Ultrasonic cleaners can also be too vigorous, causing stones to become loose and fall out.

Frequently asked questions